Fatties on The Fly

The Brazos River has been fishing exceptionally well lately with healthy flows creating ideal conditions for a true mixed-species experience. We’ve been seeing some very healthy bass eating on mouse patterns, and there are still several big females holding on beds.

The consistent water flow has really kept the action steady, leading to productive multi-species days. Along with largemouth smashing topwater flies, anglers are also finding solid numbers of spotted bass and freshwater drum throughout the system. One of the highlights recently has been encounters with oversized longnose gar, including fish pushing 48” and larger.

Carp fishing continues to improve as well, with plenty of opportunities at fish actively feeding in the shallows. Sight-fishing conditions have been good, and patient presentations are getting rewarded.

Overall, the Brazos is offering a diverse and exciting fishery right now with quality bass fishing, aggressive topwater eats, powerful gar, and consistent shots at shallow-water carp all in the same outing.

The high water we experienced in late spring early summer has set us up for an incredible summer. While the striper and white bass fishing has slowed down we have seen an increase in activity from other species.
Largemouth are good on poppers in the morning and late evening, while slow sinking streamers around brush and cut banks have filled the slower parts of the day.
Spotted bass have moved into the riffles in numbers and can be caught in all water columns. A popper dropper rig with any small streamer has brought a ton of doubles to hand.
Carp are in vegetation at sunrise and sunset, and can be found in slower water behind tail outs and riffles throughout the day. Crawfish, damsels, and jelly’s have put fish in the net.
Gar, drum, and sunfish have filled in slower parts of the day.