Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park)
river in Texas
The Pedernales offers classic limestone-run river fishing with pocket water, plunging pools and rocky structure ideal for streamer and popper presentations; flows are variable so timing matters for best fly fishing.
What's working on Pedernales River
- 01Mop Fly (#12): An exceptionally versatile imitation for a wide array of grubs and larvae, consistently effective for bottom-feeding species including Cichlids, Catfish, Bluegill, and various Bass.
- 02Woolly Bugger (Olive) (#6): This classic streamer is a proven pattern for enticing predatory strikes from Largemouth Bass and Catfish, effectively mimicking leeches and baitfish, especially in cooling fall waters.
- 03Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust) (#4): A critical subsurface pattern for the Pedernales River's rocky sections, targeting both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, as well as Cichlids, which heavily prey on crayfish.
- 04Scud (Pink/Orange) (#14): Mimicking the abundant freshwater amphipods that are a year-round staple in the Pedernales' spring-fed sections, this fly is highly effective for sunfish, bass, and cichlids.
- 05Popping Bug (Bass) (#14): On warmer fall afternoons, topwater action for Bluegill and smaller Bass can still be explosive, with this popper creating an enticing surface disturbance.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Popping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall afternoons, topwater action for sunfish and smaller bass can still be excellent, with this popper creating enticing surface disturbance.
Mop Fly
Fall is a time when various larvae and grubs are prevalent, and this imitation is a general attractor for bottom feeders.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater amphipods are a consistent food source in the Pedernales River's spring-fed sections, mimicking an abundant food source for various species.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
This classic streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, which are prevalent food sources for predatory bass and catfish, and is effective in cooling fall waters.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
Imitates juvenile baitfish that are a primary food source for aggressive bass, catfish, and cichlids, especially in clear water conditions.
Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a crucial food source for bass and cichlids in the rocky Pedernales River, making this a highly effective subsurface pattern for opportunistic feeders.
Where to fish and who to ask
Johnson City / Shady Lane Access
Popular local access with varied currents and holes that concentrate bass.
Pedernales Falls State Park
High-quality access with waterfalls, long run-and-pool sections and lots of bass-holding structure.
Fly shops within 40 miles
The Grateful Angler
Reelfly Outdoor Company
Flytex Angling Co
Living Waters Fly Fishing
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Texas season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park).
What flies work best on Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park) right now are Popping Bug (Bass) (80% confidence), Squirmy Wormy (80% confidence), Clouser Crayfish (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park)?
Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park) holds Cichlids, Catfish, Bluegill. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Pedernales River (Pedernales Falls State Park) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.