Texan Magazine
There are two seasons at Joshua Creek Ranch (JCR) in the beautiful Texas Hill Country – hunting season and summer sporting resort season. Since 1990, JCR has built and maintained a reputation as one of the premier hunting lodges (primarily wingshooting) in the world. This claim is undeniable with the accolades and endorsements bestowed from top hunting industry brand programs like Orvis, Beretta, Federal Ammunition, and Shooting Sportsman Magazine, not to mention the high-volume of hunters the lodge hosts every year between September and April.
“Fall and winter months are literally ‘for the birds’ at Joshua Creek, but spring and summer opens up a whole new world of sporting adventure and activities for outdoor lovers or anyone just looking for a getaway from the daily grind,” offered Kevin Welborn, Managing Director.
Located along the pristine banks of the Guadalupe River with spring-fed, crystal-clear Joshua Creek running through the heart of the property, JCR is a prime spot for water recreation in the warmer months. The creek is ideal for a refreshing cool-down, fly-fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish (rainbow trout stocked in winter months), or just relaxing in a hammock taking in the scenery.
The renowned Guadalupe River is JCR’s northern boundary and offers unique floating and fishing opportunities for summer Guests. “It seems like we’re always praying for rain here in South Texas,” said Welborn. “But once we get a few hard spring showers, Joshua Creek, and the Guadalupe River both become an oasis for summer fun,” he added.
Fly fishing on the creek and kayak float trips on the river have been a part of JCR’s summer operations for decades, but this year, the 5-star sporting resort is expanding its Fly-Fishing Program to include guided float & wade fly-fishing trips on the Guadalupe River. The Guadalupe River is one of the most popular spots for fly-fishing in the Texas Hill Country and is ideal for catching rainbow trout, Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and others. It is also one of the most scenic float trips in all of Texas.
The experienced JCR Guide team is geared up and ready to hit the water with guests looking for fly-fishing instruction and/or opportunities to test their skills on moving water. In addition to a fleet of kayaks, “we just purchased multiple top-of-the line pro-model float craft boats so we can maximize the fly-fishing opportunities on the Guadalupe River and other waterways in the area – this is something we are very excited about! Each boat is outfitted to accommodate a guide and up to two people fishing,” Welborn said.
JCR is open daily to the public for fly-fishing opportunities that include guided or unguided bank fishing excursions on Joshua Creek along with beginner, intermediate, and advanced instruction from professional guides. Now the guided float & wade trips round-out a complete offering for anglers. All the above can be booked individually, or part of a package that can also include lodging and dining. In addition, JCR will be designated as the only Orvis Fly Fishing School in Texas beginning in 2023 which will expand the Fly-Fishing Program even more.
In addition to fly-fishing, other summer recreation at Joshua Creek Ranch includes sporting clays & simulated driven clays shooting, handgun & long-range rifle shooting (up to 1,000 yards), and free-range trophy axis deer hunts. All activities can be enjoyed on a daily basis or as part of an extended visit that includes luxury lodging, fine & casual dining, and upscale amenities like a resort-style pool, hot tub, and Cantina. Reservations are required.
For more information and reservations, please call 830-537-5090 or visit www.joshuacreek.com.
