JANUARY EVENTS

EXPANDED TROUT TECHNIQUES
Saturday, January 4th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Are you ready to move past bobbers and split shot when trout fishing? If you answered yes, then this presentation is for you! Owner, Chris Johnson will be opening a veritable toolbox full of different tactics, techniques, and fly presentations that are effective for trout everywhere! This class will prepare you for a wide range of angling difficulties and will teach you how to remain successful, regardless of conditions! Chris will touch on streamer fishing, proper fly selection, sinking lines, tightline nymphing techniques, and much more! If you intend to fish the Guadalupe River this season or you simply want to become more adept as a trout angler, this is one presentation you will not want to miss!

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, January 8th, 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 will be 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. New students are strongly encouraged to 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 / CDC Biot Comparadun
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, January 11th 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!

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, January 15th, 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 will be 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. New students are strongly encouraged to 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 / Sunfish Half & Half
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

FLY FISHING BRUSHY CREEK: WINTER TACTICS
Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 A.M. on YouTube

Our home water can be tricky at any time of year, but the wintertime fishing on Brushy Creek can be particularly challenging. That being said, the winter months can provide some of the finest dry fly fishing opportunities of the year! Waiting until spring to fish our local rivers is a mistake you don’t want to be guilty of making! You may very well miss out on some of the best fishing of the year! This presentation will teach you how to select the proper flies and tackle for warmwater fishing during our cooler months. Chris will also walk you through how to properly “pick your days” during the winter season and will discuss a wide variety of presentation techniques for bass and panfish as well.

FLY TYING NIGHT – DEMONSTRATION & ROUNDTABLE
Wednesday, January 22nd, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

The third Wednesday of the month is in-person Demonstration Fly Tying, during which our in-house or guest instructor will tie through a more advanced fly pattern or technique. Rather than tying along, attendees will simply watch and learn. Tables will also be set for those who would like to freestyle tie or practice what they’ve learned after the demonstration – just bring your own vise, tools, and materials.

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

TENKARA FLY FISHING FOR TROUT
Saturday, January 25th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

It’s no secret that we like tenkara fly fishing and there are plenty of others that feel the same. Most Texas anglers focus there tenkara efforts on bass, sunfish, and cichlids, and rightfully so. While, Tenkara has its limitations, it also has its strengths. One such strength is presenting flies to trout. Tenkara is typically best suited for small to mid-sized trout, but with the proper rod, tenkara can be exceptionally effective when targeting large trout as well! This presentation will cover rod selection, line types, presentation techniques, and perhaps most importantly, how to properly fight large fish on tenkara! Learn the ropes and put them into practice on our local tailwater this season!

FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, January 29th 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 Crafty Shad
Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, #01
Thread: GSP 100D, White or Veevus 8/0, White
Wing: Craft Fur, White, Tan, Olive, Golden Olive
Flash: Flashabou and Krystal Flash, Assorted
Belly: Senyo’s Laser Dub, White
Head: Senyo’s Laser Dub, White and Olive
Cheek: Senyo’s Laser Dub, Yellow
Eyes: Fulling Mill Baitfish Eyes, 7mm or 8mm, Silver

 

FEBRUARY EVENTS

FLY FISHING FOR WHITE BASS (North Central Texas) with PAT VANEK
Saturday, February 1st, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

Learn how to chase white bass effectively on the fly by taking some time to listen to what Pat Vanek has to say about one of his favorite species! Pat, owner of Bosque Valley Fly Fishing, guides the Brazos River and Lake Waco tributaries for a wide variety of fish, but he has a special place in heart for the scrappy white bass. Come and find out when, where, and how to catch them with a fly rod!

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, February 5th, 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 will be 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. New students are strongly encouraged to 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 / Barr’s Copper John
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, February 8th 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!

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, February 12th, 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 will be 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. New students are strongly encouraged to 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 / Mini Chuckwagon (Jigged)
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

Community Matters: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Wastewater Treatment
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00 A.M. on YouTube 

Many urban areas across the Texas Hill Country are experiencing explosive population growth. In most cases, this means new construction, loss of green spaces, and infrastructure strain. More residents will always equal increased water usage. Once showers have been taken, the dishes have been washed, and toilets have been flushed, then what? Where does all that water go and how is it effectively treated before being re-used by the municipality or returned to a local waterway?

In this unique presentation, Chris will walk you through a basic overview of wastewater treatment and the effects that it has on receiving water bodies. Treatment plants are a necessary part of city growth and while many do their job exceptionally well, many others do not. This presentation will discuss the benefits and detriments of water treatment. Chris will explore common concerns regarding our local waterways and how the community can stay informed and involved in the decisions that affect their natural resources. There will be plenty of time for Q & A following the presentation.

NO FLY TYING
Wednesday, February 19th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

TROUTFEST TX 2025
Saturday, February 21st – Sunday, February 22nd at Lazy L & L Campground, New Braunfels

Trout Fest is the single biggest and best fly fishing event in the state, and it’s completely free! Sit in on lectures from Devin Olsen, Maxine McCormick, Jen Ripple, our own Chris Johnson and more; perfect your cast with FFI certified instructors, shop with local brands and retailers, learn fly tying techniques from local experts; and fish Texas’ premier tailwater trout fishery – the Guadalupe River!

Stop by the Living Waters’ booth to shop a curated selection of fly shop merch and event specials!

The fly shop in Round Rock will remain open for those not attending the event.

FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, February 26th 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 Mouse
Hook: TMC 201R #4-8
Thread: Veevus 8/0, Tan
Tail: Micro Pine Squirrel Zonker, Brown (trimmed)
Back: Sight Cast Foam Strips, Tan/Brown
Belly: Hebert Minor Hen Saddle, Wild Type Brown 
Collar: Spun CDC, Natural Dun or Brown