JUNE EVENTS

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, June 4th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights are held in-person at the fly shop.

For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.

For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.

6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #1-2 / BC Streamer and Woolly Bugger
Intermediate Fly / Zimmerman’s Ball Peen Craw
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

TEXAS SNAKE IDENTIFICATION & BRUSHY CREEK ONE FLY TOURNAMENT
Saturday, June 7th at Living Waters Fly Fishing

10:00 A.M. / Texas Snake Identification
If you regularly fish Texas rivers, you are going to encounter snakes, period. It’s important to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous species and how to safely interact with either type on or off the water.

Austin Reptile Service offers several types of programs in the city of Austin and surrounding areas, which center around education on Texas native reptiles, including lizards, harmless snakes, and some venomous species. In this class, they’ll show you LIVE specimens (non-venomous only) and share about their ecological importance, their benefit to humans, and how to compare and identify commonly confused species. This class is family friendly and an invaluable resource for becoming more comfortable and competent outdoors!

1:00 P.M. / Brushy Creek One Fly Tournament
Test your angling prowess in this special multi-species competition, this Saturday May 31st! The winner will be the individual that catches the most species of fish in the allotted time with a single fly. If you lose your fly, you’re out! Both traditional and Tenkara style fly fishing are acceptable.

There is no entry fee and no registration is required, but you MUST attend the Pre-Tournament Briefing to participate. See the full schedule below:

1:00 P.M. – Pre-Tournament Briefing (Mandatory for Entrants)
1:15 P.M. – Tournament Begins
4:45 P.M. – Tournament Ends
5:00 P.M. – Photo “Weight In”
5:30 P.M. – Winners Announced / Prizes Awarded

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, June 11th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights are held in-person at the fly shop.

For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.

For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.

6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #3-4 / Foam Beetle and Elk Hair Caddis
Intermediate Fly / McGovney’s Simple Crab
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

FLY FISHING SOUTHERN COLORADO – IN PERSON ONLY
Saturday, June 14th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Planning to beat the Texas heat with a trip to Colorado this summer? Don’t forget to plan some time to fly fish the southern region of the state along your way. Or consider making it the focus of your trip, because there is more to explore than you’ll have time for in just one trip!

Hear all about some of Chris Johnson’s favorite lesser-known brown trout and Rio Grande Cutthroat fisheries. Learn where to go and how to catch them! Trip planning, fishing destinations, local eateries, jaw-dropping scenic stops, fly selection, and a comprehensive packing list will all be covered! Be ready to learn, with your notebook and atlas handy and don’t be surprised if you find your next favorite fly fishing destination because of this class!

FLY FISHING SOUTHERN COLORADO – LIVESTREAM ONLY
Saturday, June 14th at 3:00 P.M. on YouTube

Planning to beat the Texas heat with a trip to Colorado this summer? Don’t forget to plan some time to fly fish the southern region of the state along your way. Or consider making it the focus of your trip, because there is more to explore than you’ll have time for in just one trip!

Tune in online to hear all about some of Chris Johnson’s favorite lesser-known brown trout and Rio Grande Cutthroat fisheries. Learn where to go and how to catch them! Trip planning, fishing destinations, local eateries, jaw-dropping scenic stops, fly selection, and a comprehensive packing list will all be covered! Be ready to learn, with your notebook and atlas handy and don’t be surprised if you find your next favorite fly fishing destination because of this class!

NO FLY TYING
Wednesday, June 18th

LIVING WATERS’ 17th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Saturday, June 21st at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Shop, eat, and win prizes at our Anniversary Party this June 21st Come by any time from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. to enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and discounts across the store. We’ll be serving up a BBQ lunch from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. Plus, the party wouldn’t be complete without our famous Raffle Prize Drawing and Mystery Scratch Off Tickets!  We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

RAFFLE PRIZE DRAWING
For every $10 you spend in store (or by phone order) on Saturday, June 21st, you’ll receive a free raffle ticket to place in the Anniversary Prize Drawing(s) of your choice. You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be announced the following Monday. Check back soon for a list of this year’s awesome giveaways!

  • Full Day Guide Trip for up to two anglers ($600 value)
  • Scott 9’ 4-wt 50th Edition G Series Fly Rod + Ross Evolution LTX Reel of Your Choice ($1570 value)
  • Decked Honcho Case with Foam ($375 value)
  • Fly Tying Shopping Spree ($500)
  • Private Casting Lesson for up to two students ($300 value)
  • SMITH Optics Sunglasses of Your Choice (up to a $350 value)
  • Sea Run Riffle Daily Fly Rod Case ($350 Value)
  • Texas Coast Saltwater Fly Assortment ($300+ value)
  • Lamson Remix S 3pk of Your Choice (up to a $350 value)
  • Fishpond Tailwater Fly Tying Kit & Dr Slick Fly Tying Tool Set ($290 value)

MYSTERY SCRATCH OFF TICKETS
Make a purchase of any amount on Saturday, June 21st, and you will receive a Mystery Scratch Off Ticket redeemable in the month of July! Every ticket is a winner! Prizes range from total purchase discounts to free fly lines to a grand prize Half Day Guide Trip! Mystery Scratch Off Tickets are limited to the first 200 in-store purchases on Saturday, June 21st and are only valid during the month of July.

BBQ LUNCH
Owner Chris Johnson’s dad (also Chris) will be smoking up a load of his famous brisket and serving it up with all the fixins, plus beans, potato and cabbage salad, and drinks for lunch from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M! Lunch is free, but donations ($10 suggested) are appreciated!

FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, June 25th at 7:00 P.M. on YouTube

The fourth Wednesday of the month is Virtual Fly Tying. Join Living Waters’ owner and Umpqua Signature Fly Designer online as he shares a new in-depth fly tying tutorial each month. 

Johnson’s Jigged Pinch Hitter
Hook: Hanak 490 BL (discontinued), sub with TMC 403 BLJ #08-12
Bead: Slotted Tungsten to match, Tarnished Brass
Thread: Veevus 10/0, Tan
Antennae: Perfect Rubber, Motor Oil
Dubbing: Whitlock’s SLF, Red Squirrel Abdomen
Pinchers: Micro Pine Squirrel, Sculpin Olive
Legs: Perfect Rubber, Motor Oil
Underwing: Whiting Spey SH/C, Grizzly Golden Brown
Back: Pine Squirrel Zonker, Sculpin Olive
Collar: Spun CDC, Brown or Tan

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, June 28th at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fly casting and fly tackle, as well as access points and fly selection for the Texas Hill Country. All necessary equipment will be provided; just bring a notebook and pen!

10:00 – 11:30 / Introduction to Fly Casting – We’ll be kicking things off with a casting class catered towards beginners. This portion of class will take place outside; please dress for the weather.

11:30 – 1:00 / Basic Rigging for the Hill Country – This presentation will explain the how’s and why’s behind rod, reel, and line selection for fly fishing our local waters. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different fly line tapers, and show you the knots you need to get rigged up and ready to fish!

LUNCH BREAK – We’re located just a short walk from many local eateries.

2:00 – 3:30 / Local Hot Spots – Learn where, how, and when to fish our local hot spots, including techniques, river access, and fly selection for each body of water!

 

JULY EVENTS

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, July 2, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights are held in-person at the fly shop.

For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.

For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.

6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #1-2 / BC Streamer and Woolly Bugger
Intermediate Fly / Smartt’s Chrome Minnow
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: SUNFISH OF CENTRAL TEXAS – VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, July 5th, 10:00 A.M. on YouTube (pre-recorded)

Tune in online for an in-depth class focused on one of Central Texas’s most beloved and accessible game fish, sunfish! From the brightly colored Longear to the feisty Bluegill, sunfish offer endless opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy fly fishing close to home. We’ll cover species identification, seasonal patterns and habitat preferences, fly selection and presentation techniques, and variations by waterbody.

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, July 9th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights are held in-person at the fly shop.

For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.

For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.

6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #3-4 / Foam Beetle and Elk Hair Caddis
Intermediate Fly / Redfish Crack
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

EXPLORING P.I.N.S. ON THE FLY with K.C. WILLIAMS
Saturday, July 12th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Just south of Corpus Christi, TX, Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) – the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world – is home to an exciting array of saltwater fish species! Only a half-day drive from the greater Austin area, it is the perfect place for a grand saltwater experience close to home.

Living Waters’ guide, K.C. Williams has always had a deep love and connection to the Texas coast. A Houston native, he spent many childhood weekends and summers fishing the Padre Island National Seashore with his parents. Years later, K.C. returned to the coast full time to study Marine Biology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he worked at Harte Research Institute for Gulf Coastal Studies on oyster restoration and conservation programs such as Sink Your Shucks™ and the Living Shorelines Project. He helped create many new oyster reefs along the coast and assisted in the installation and growth of the first maricultured oysters in cages with Harte Research Institute. These first oysters went on to be the groundwork for changing legislation that now allows commercial oyster farms in Texas waters. Now as a Hill Country fly fishing guide, K.C. is still drawn to the Texas coast and takes many trips each year to camp and fish on the National Seashore.

In this unique class, K.C. will share his first-hand knowledge, a history of the Padre Island National Seashore, and know-before-you-go essentials for a successful trip to Texas’ most remote and wild seashore. He’ll cover fly selection for favorite species; reading tides, surf, and weather; navigating beach driving and camping; and much more! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler looking to adapt your skills to a coastal environment, this class offers practical skills and rich local insight.

FLY TYING NIGHT – ROUNDTABLE ONLY
Wednesday, July 16th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Join us in the loft for an evening of roundtable/freestyle fly tying. Bring your own vise, tools, and materials. We’ll have a cooler of drinks.

6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Freestyle Fly Tying
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

TARGETING BIG BASS on the FLY with BOB POOL
Saturday, July 19th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Bob Pool, affectionately known as “Big Fly Bob,” is a seasoned fly fisherman with over five decades of experience, and he has dedicated the last 35 years to the pursuit of trophy largemouth bass. His journey into the world of angling began in his youth, where he honed his fishing skills and ran a successful jig-tying business during his high school years. Bob’s innovative approach to fly fishing is characterized by his adaptation of conventional fishing techniques into his fly patterns and presentations, while his legacy in the community is marked by his unique fishing methods, near unbelievable stories, and his dedication to the sport.

In his presentation, Bob will teach you how to effectively target trophy-sized bass, using unconventional strategies and the proper gear. This class is designed for fly anglers who are ready to break through the 5-pound barrier and consistently land big bass on the fly. You’ll learn what it is that makes these big predators different from their smaller counterparts; how to tie and fish flies that mimic conventional bass lures; how to identify prime ambush zones and seasonal habits, and so much more! Whether you’re looking to land your first 8-pounder or simply want to improve your odds of catching better fish, this class will change how you approach bass on the fly and leave you roaring with laughter. 

FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:00 P.M. on YouTube

The fourth Wednesday of the month is Virtual Fly Tying. Join Living Waters’ owner and Umpqua Signature Fly Designer online as he shares a new in-depth fly tying tutorial each month. 

Johnson’s Mimic Sedge
Hook: TMC 101, #12-18
Thread: Veevus 10/0 or 12/0, Tan
Body: Cow Elk Body Hair, Bleached
Wing: Cow Elk Body Hair, Bleached
Underwing: CDC, Tan
Hackle: Whiting Rooster Dun Grizzly

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, July 26th at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fly casting and fly tackle, as well as access points and fly selection for the Texas Hill Country. All necessary equipment will be provided; just bring a notebook and pen!

10:00 – 11:30 / Introduction to Fly Casting – We’ll be kicking things off with a casting class catered towards beginners. This portion of class will take place outside; please dress for the weather.

11:30 – 1:00 / Basic Rigging for the Hill Country – This presentation will explain the how’s and why’s behind rod, reel, and line selection for fly fishing our local waters. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different fly line tapers and show you the knots you need to get rigged up and ready to fish!

LUNCH BREAK – We’re located just a short walk from many local eateries.

2:00 – 3:30 / Local Hot Spots – Learn where, how, and when to fish our local hot spots, including techniques, river access, and fly selection for each body of water!