Updated October 15, 2026

    South Llano River (South Llano River State Park)

    river in Texas

    The South Llano flows through open ranchland and state park terrain, offering a mix of riffles, runs and deep pools that hold quality bass and panfish — a favorite for fly anglers seeking quieter waters.

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    56°F
    Overcast, wind 24 mph NE
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    What's working on South Llano River

    1. 01Mild 66°F temperatures and mainly clear skies create pleasant fishing conditions.
    2. 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable, but conditions suggest typical clear and consistent fall flows, good for wading and floating.
    3. 03Fall fishing emphasizes opportunistic feeding on baitfish, crayfish, and subsurface invertebrates.
    4. 04Active foraging from Cichlid, Bass, and Gar is expected as fish prepare for cooler months.
    5. 05The clear water supports effective sight fishing, allowing for precise presentations to holding fish.
    6. 06Focus on deeper pools, rocky structures, and areas with submerged aquatic vegetation for active fish.
    7. 07Vary your retrieve with streamers and nymphs, using slow and steady pulls mixed with short, erratic strips to mimic injured prey.
    8. 08Pay close attention to subtle takes, as fish may be less aggressive in cooling waters.

    Past reports week by week

    7 weeks

    What to tie on

    Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.

    streamer

    Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)

    #4#6#8

    A highly versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing strikes from a wide range of predatory species, including various bass, sunfish, and even rainbow trout in the clear South Llano waters.

    dry

    Scud (Pink/Orange) #14

    #14#16

    These freshwater amphipods are a year-round staple in the spring-fed South Llano, mimicking an abundant food source for sunfish, bass, and cichlids alike.

    dry

    Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)

    #14#16

    Crayfish are a primary food source for many predatory species in the rocky South Llano River during fall, making this an essential subsurface pattern.

    streamer

    Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White) #4

    #4#6#8

    In the river's crystal-clear water, this baitfish imitation is deadly for aggressive largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as gar, seeking out juvenile fish.

    nymph

    Hellgrammite Fly

    Hellgrammite (Dobsonfly larva)
    #4#6#8

    Hellgrammites are a consistent and protein-rich food source on rocky river bottoms, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for targeting bass in the South Llano River.

    dry

    Mop Fly #12

    #14#16

    A general workhorse pattern that imitates grubs and larvae, the Mop Fly is exceptionally effective for putting a variety of species, from cichlids to catfish, in the net, appealing to opportunistic feeders.

    dry

    Popping Bug (Bass)

    #14#16

    On warmer fall days in Texas, topwater action can still occur, especially in calmer sections. This popper creates an enticing surface disturbance, drawing aggressive strikes from sunfish and bass.

    Where to fish and who to ask

    1Junction / Upper South Llano Reach2South Llano River State Park
    Access
    1

    Junction / Upper South Llano Reach

    Upper reaches near Junction with freestone runs and deep holding pools for larger bass.

    30.487°N 100.464°WDirections
    2

    South Llano River State Park

    Primary public access with miles of walk-and-wade fishing through productive pocket water and pools.

    30.867°N 100.407°WDirections

    Get South Llano River (South Llano River State Park) reports by email

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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 South Llano River (South Llano River State Park).

    What flies work best on South Llano River (South Llano River State Park)?

    Our top scored fly patterns for South Llano River (South Llano River State Park) right now are Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass) (80% confidence), Damsel Nymph (Olive) #14 (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Olive) #6 (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.

    What fish species are in South Llano River (South Llano River State Park)?

    South Llano River (South Llano River State Park) holds Cichlid, Bass, Gar. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.

    Is South Llano River (South Llano River State Park) fishing well right now?

    We publish a fresh bite report for South Llano River (South Llano River 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.