It's Hunting Season

Fishing Reports
Written By Bonner Armbruster

At least that's what the duck Hunters tell me as I'm backing my boat down to the water this time of year. "good luck" they say as if I'm out there to struggle through this horrible 60 degree winter day. My answer is always "we'll suffer through It". 

 

Typical trips this time of year are full day and we cover around 6- 8 miles depending on what section of the river is fishing best. This time of year you can almost count on not seeing another person all day, if that floats your boat. I will say this - when the water is low and clear and the temperatures warm up to the low 60s, there is no other place on earth I would rather be than the Colorado River. Old growth Poplar and Pecan trees line the banks creating a ribbon of reds, golds and orange.  Mr. Great Blue Heron and always impressive Osprey are always there to greet you with a fly by.

 

There is something special about fishing this river in the fall and winter. Maybe it's the size of the fish averaging around 3 lbs, or maybe it's the pure numbers once you realize you've caught over 15 by lunch time. Or is it the pleasant temperatures that require only a light fleece jacket to stay comfortable all day. In either case the splendor of the fishing can stay with you for months. We at All Water Guides would love to show you what winter "Hunting season" looks like.

 

Cool days and tight lines

Bonner Armbruster

Bonner grew up on the banks of the San Marcos River, where he learned to swim, paddle, and fish at a very young age. By the age of 6, the older boys at the rope swing had bestowed upon him the coveted title of "River Rat", a moniker he still answers to, with pride, to this day.

A lifelong angler, Bonner learned to fish first with conventional tackle, and eventually found himself drawn to the challenges inherent to fishing exclusively on the fly. His engagement with fly fishing parallels his fascination with craft in general, encompassing the fluid mechanics of fly casting, the dark art of fly tying, and all the myriad knowledge required to understand a fishery from headwaters to its end.

Given the choice, Bonner will always elect for trips in beautiful, secluded settings with clean water and healthy fish over more convenient and potentially crowded locales. He prides himself on his knowledge of Central Texas river systems and is always chasing new water to share with friends and clients.

Born into a line of educators, Bonner also enjoys the instructional aspects of guiding, and loves to see the results of clear, concise instruction in fly angling play out on the water, no matter the age of the angler.

When he's not guiding, you can find Bonner in his woodshop, where he produces award-winning fine furniture, or at his home outside of San Marcos spending time with his wife Samantha and daughter Dottie - one a fellow River Rat and the other one in training.

https://allwaterguides.com/bonner-armbruster
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