MAY EVENTS

BRUSHY CREEK CLEANUP
Saturday, May 3rd on Brushy Creek

Every spring, we show a little TLC to our home water! We hope you’ll join in the efforts to keep the water we love clean. As a show of appreciation, we will wrap with a crawfish boil for all volunteers immediately following the cleanup. There is no charge for lunch, but donations are appreciated!

This event is kid-friendly and a great way to get them involved and actively learning about how to take care of our beautiful Texas waterways.

Cleanup volunteers should wear long pants and bring work gloves. Optionally, you may wish to be prepared with waders or a dry/clean set of clothes.

8:00 A.M. – Fly Shop Opens/ Coffee/ Round Rock Donuts
8:15 A.M. – Cleanup Briefing / Equipment Distribution / Carpool
8:30 A.M. – Cleanup Begins
1:00 P.M. – Cleanup Ends / Crawfish Boil
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, May 7th, 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. 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 / Crystal Minnow Clouser
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

CASTING CLASSROOM – VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, May 10th, 10:00 A.M. LIVE on YouTube

Our Casting Classroom will introduce you to the essential techniques and principles of fly casting, with an emphasis on building a strong foundation. Proper technique is critical to becoming an efficient and successful fly caster, and this course is dedicated to ensuring that you learn the methods that make fly casting work with minimal effort.

You’ll learn the five essentials of fly casting, how to properly apply power during a cast, and how to increase casting distance and efficiency.

Casting accuracy, effectiveness, and enjoyment are all rooted in the principles you will learn in this foundational course, so be sure to tune in online!

FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

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 / TBD (guest Instructor, Mason Pafk)
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

GUADALUPE BASS FLY FISHING & REPATRIATION EVENT
Saturday, May 17th on Brushy Creek

Join us for a unique and exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the future of Brushy Creek! In partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife, we’re hosting a special fly fishing event to catch and re-introduce Guadalupe Bass to the upper reaches of Brushy Creek, where obstructions have prevented their ability to move freely upstream.

This collaborative event will bring together a community of passionate anglers and conservationists for a hands-on experience that directly contributes to the preservation and restoration of our beloved creek. Whether you’re an experienced fly angler or a total beginner, you’ll work side-by-side with Texas Parks and Wildlife experts to safely capture and relocate Guadalupe Bass to areas where they have been cut off.

Come dressed appropriately for wet wading and fishing. NO waders, please. Pack water and your fishing gear (nets highly encouraged!), including your favorite flies for targeting Guadalupe Bass. Grab-and-go Guadalupe Bass Fly Assortments are available for purchase.

7:00 A.M. – Doors Open / Coffee / Round Rock Donuts
7:15 A.M. – Volunteer Check-In @ Living Waters
7:30 A.M. – Mandatory Event Briefing
8:00 A.M. – Head to Brushy Creek & Fish for Guadalupe Bass!
12:00 P.M. – Return to Living Waters with collected Guadalupe Bass specimens

FLY TYING NIGHT – DEMONSTRATION & ROUNDTABLE
Wednesday, May 21st, 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. – Demonstration Tying by Josh Smitherman
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes

INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, May 24th 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 – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, May 28th 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.

ANNUAL ONE FLY TOURNAMENT
Saturday, May 31st on Brushy Creek

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:

7:00 A.M. – Doors Open / Coffee / Round Rock Donuts
7:15 A.M. – Tournament Entrant Check-In @ Living Waters
7:30 A.M. – Pre-Tournament Briefing (Mandatory for Entrants)
8:00 A.M. – Tournament Begins
12:00 P.M. – Tournament Ends
12:15 P.M. – Photo “Weigh In”

JUNE EVENTS

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

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
Saturday, June 7th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing

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!

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

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
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 – VIRTUAL
Saturday, June 14th, 3:00 P.M. LIVE on YouTube

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 21^st! 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 21^st, 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!

MYSTERY SCRATCH OFF TICKETS
Make a purchase of any amount on Saturday, June 21^st, 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 21^st 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 490BL (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

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!

Join Us!

STORE EVENTS