The Local Angler Fly Fishing Austin & Central Texas

It may be a "best-kept secret," but central Texas has some of the best fly fishing in America. With Texas native and fly fishing expert Aaron Reed as your guide, enjoy dozens of wades and paddles, all within easy reach of Austin.Discover secluded spring creeks braced by soaring limestone cliffs. Wade in broad pools dotted with lily pads and stands of water willow. Paddle deep, slow rivers. Easy-to-follow narrative, detailed maps, and gorgeous color photographs make it easy to "Go fishing now!" even if you have only a few hours to spare.There's something for every angler in central Texas. Visit the nation's southernmost trout fishery on the Canyon Lake tailwaters. Catch more than half a dozen species in a single day, including native Guadalupe bass and the only cichlid native to the United States. Fly Fishing Austin and Central Texas is your passport to the challenges and rewards of angling in this unique and beautiful region. A look inside:49 detailed on-the-water route descriptions to 12 featured streamsMore than 100 legal access points on 19 creeks, rivers and streamsFull-color maps showing stream access pointsMore than 300 full-color photographsDozens of local angler-friendly hangoutsLocal and natural history from dinosaurs to current eventsDescriptions of common flora and fauna found in the areaComprehensive Texas river law primerTips for taking kids fishing.Advice for selecting rods, reels, and line for local conditions and speciesLocal fly shops and guide servicesThe mysterious story of Round Rock's "Hairy Man"Where to find and how to catch trophy rainbow troutAnd much, much more! -- Aaron Reed

Winner of FFI Roderick Haig-Brown Award 2020 (United States) Winner of Gold Benjamin Franklin, in Sports and Recreation 2021 (United States) Winner of Texas Outdoor Writers Association Excellence-in-Craft competition: Online Article 2009 (United States) Winner of National Outdoor Book Award 2020 (United States) Runner-up for Texas Outdoor Writers Association Excellence-in-Craft competition: Humor 2009 (United States) Runner-up for Thomas Jefferson Journalism Competition 1997 (United States) Runner-up for Thomas Jefferson Journalism Competition 1998 (United States)

“"It is basically a treasure map that gives you the tools and knowledge you need to fish on your own in Central Texas. I really enjoyed Part 5 of Aaron's book called 'Ankle Bitters and Other Wildlife.' Also, his recommendations on music and nearby watering holes gives you a glimpse into Aaron's mind and is a fun way to walk in his soggy river shoes." --Davin Topel, Whiskey River Chronicles, (05/01/20) "This book is the Bible of Central Texas Fly Fishing" --Jim Gebhart, On the Fly Magazine, (05/12/20) "I found it to be a mesmerizing manifesto on sampling all the good things in life in the heart of the Lone Star State - yes fishing, but also local cuisine, backcountry hiking, communing with comrades, canoeing/kayaking, bird-watching, and conservationist riverkeeping. " --Chad McPhail, author of 49 Trout Streams of Southern Colorado, Between Fact and Fishin', "A gateway to the magical world of fly fishing, Aaron Reed brings a jeweler's eye for detail. Anglers will be rewarded with access to new waters, fish identification and historical perspectives." --Phil Shook, author of Flyfisher's Guide to Texas and Flyfishers Guide to the Northeast Coast "Everything from general fly fishing information like lingo, gear, and ethics, to fish identification and tips for getting children out on the water. There is also an abundance of high-quality photos. He ranks the best ways to access the water, includes info on the best local brewery to hit after fishing, suggests a good song for that particular stretch, and other fun tidbits. This is a great read to have on your shelf." --Katie Burgert, Fish Untamed "The book is extremely rich in photography, creatively designed and organized, and keyed nicely with design elements (icons) to call attention to details about waters, and just as important - your musical soundtrack. This book will change your plans for 2020 and beyond." --Shannon Drawe Texas Fly Caster, (04/26/20) "This book is an impressive recruitment tool for exploring some of the most enchanting and remote waters of Texas. Even if you don't intend to apply what you learn from Reed, you will enjoy his sometimes-reflective prose and sincere passion for fishing and conservation." --David Sikes, Port Aransas South Jetty (04/08/20) "Fly Fishing Austin & Central Texas is a must for the dash or console of every fly-angler's truck or SUV." --Craig Nyhus, Lone-Star Outdoor News, (02/14/20) "I think every reader will connect with different chapters based on their individuality, but no doubt there are remarkable fisheries in the book for everyone - from expert to newbie, from children to the elderly, from guys to gals - the fish are here for all of us to enjoy." --texansonthefly.com (01/23/20) "An insider's guide to local craft breweries and hole in the wall joints where you can take in live music or grab a bite to eat. More than a "how-to" guide; the book is an introduction to the fly fishing community and culture in Austin that will inspire you to go there and experience it." --Larry Littrell, TailerTrash.com (02/28/20) "Aaron has created a valuable resource for anyone wanting to fly fish in central Texas. This book will be a valuable resource for years to come." --Alvin Dedeaux AllWaterGuides.com "This book is a literal wealth of knowledge to fly anglers of every skill level! I consider this book a necessary tool for anyone looking to fly fish the heart of the Lone Star State!" --Chris Johnson LivingWatersFlyFishing.com”

"Besides being a first rate writer, he's a darn good photographer, and his color photographs are the perfect supplement to this well designed and thoroughly useful guide."—National Outdoor Book Awards, (Winner 2020, Outdoor Adventure Guidebooks)
"Aaron Reed is a darn fine writer with a great eye for detail. It is one of the best region-focused resources on fly fishing I've seen in a long time"—Kirk Deeter, Trout Unlimited Magazine, (Summer 2020)
"The book is full of beautiful photographs — whether it be the luscious images of rivers and creeks, the smooth skin of the Guadalupe bass or the shining scales of the golden river carpsucker. Whether you’re a first-time fly fisher or veteran angler, you’re certain to leave this book with new knowledge and hopeful surprises." —Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, (07/29/20)
“It is basically a treasure map that gives you the tools and knowledge you need to fish on your own in Central Texas. I really enjoyed Part 5 of Aaron’s book called 'Ankle Bitters and Other Wildlife.' Also, his recommendations on music and nearby watering holes gives you a glimpse into Aaron’s mind and is a fun way to walk in his soggy river shoes."—Davin Topel, Whiskey River Chronicles, (05/01/20)
“This book is the Bible of Central Texas Fly Fishing"—Jim Gebhart, On the Fly Magazine, (05/12/20)
"I found it to be a mesmerizing manifesto on sampling all the good things in life in the heart of the Lone Star State - yes fishing, but also local cuisine, backcountry hiking, communing with comrades, canoeing/kayaking, bird-watching, and conservationist riverkeeping. "—Chad McPhail, author of 49 Trout Streams of Southern Colorado, Between Fact and Fishin',
"A gateway to the magical world of fly fishing, Aaron Reed brings a jeweler's eye for detail. Anglers will be rewarded with access to new waters, fish identification and historical perspectives."—Phil Shook, author of Flyfisher’s Guide to Texas and Flyfishers Guide to the Northeast Coast
"Everything from general fly fishing information like lingo, gear, and ethics, to fish identification and tips for getting children out on the water. There is also an abundance of high-quality photos. He ranks the best ways to access the water, includes info on the best local brewery to hit after fishing, suggests a good song for that particular stretch, and other fun tidbits. This is a great read to have on your shelf."—Katie Burgert, Fish Untamed
"The book is extremely rich in photography, creatively designed and organized, and keyed nicely with design elements (icons) to call attention to details about waters, and just as important – your musical soundtrack. This book will change your plans for 2020 and beyond.”—Shannon Drawe Texas Fly Caster, (04/26/20)
"This book is an impressive recruitment tool for exploring some of the most enchanting and remote waters of Texas. Even if you don’t intend to apply what you learn from Reed, you will enjoy his sometimes-reflective prose and sincere passion for fishing and conservation."—David Sikes, Port Aransas South Jetty (04/08/20)
"Fly Fishing Austin & Central Texas is a must for the dash or console of every fly-angler's truck or SUV."—Craig Nyhus, Lone-Star Outdoor News, (02/14/20)
“I think every reader will connect with different chapters based on their individuality, but no doubt there are remarkable fisheries in the book for everyone – from expert to newbie, from children to the elderly, from guys to gals – the fish are here for all of us to enjoy.” —texansonthefly.com (01/23/20)
"An insider’s guide to local craft breweries and hole in the wall joints where you can take in live music or grab a bite to eat. More than a “how-to” guide; the book is an introduction to the fly fishing community and culture in Austin that will inspire you to go there and experience it."—Larry Littrell, TailerTrash.com (02/28/20)
"Aaron has created a valuable resource for anyone wanting to fly fish in central Texas. This book will be a valuable resource for years to come."—Alvin Dedeaux AllWaterGuides.com
"This book is a literal wealth of knowledge to fly anglers of every skill level! I consider this book a necessary tool for anyone looking to fly fish the heart of the Lone Star State!”—Chris Johnson LivingWatersFlyFishing.com

Aaron Reed is an award-winning outdoor writer and Army veteran. He currently splits his time between his native Texas Gulf coast, where he drives a tugboat, and his home near the banks of the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, Texas. He is a founding member of the Texas Streams Coalition and has worked for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious FFI Roderick Haig-Brown Award. When he is not working, chances are you can find him knee-deep in a stream somewhere around Austin, often with his wife and one or more of his three boys, trying like heck to become a better fly fisherman.

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