It is not Yellowstone, Henry’s Fork, limestone streams, or chalk streams of England.  But, close your eyes for a couple of minutes, forget where you are, open them and it could be some of the above.  Trout rising, a bridge that could be straight out of England, rugged hills – yes, the Brazos has a “little” of each of the above.

I have been fishing this river for over thirty years.  The state usually stocks the river in December on through March.  The largest rainbow I have ever taken from the Brazos was a fighting and leaping sixteen inch one, violently opposed to my plans for him - taken under a tree that hangs over the river within sight of the highway bridge.    Possum Kingdom Tailrace: Located approximately 3/4 mile below the Possum Kingdom dam where Texas Highway 16 crosses the Brazos River. Possum Kingdom Lake feeds the Brazos River from this point.

“General Information: This portion of the Brazos River provides beautiful scenery and offers canoeists a spectacular view of rugged cliffs, high bluffs, and cross-timbers terrain. There is an abundance of angling opportunities along this section of the river, and fishing is usually very good.

Day trips and camping: There are no public campgrounds along the river, but there are numerous gravel bars that can be used as campsites. Campers should clean up their sites and pack away any trash or refuse in order to help preserve the beauty of this region. Note that property along the river front is privately owned

Points of interest: There are several small but exciting rapids along this stretch of the river. Canoeists should exercise caution, however, when navigating these waters (see below).The rocky sections of Garland and Chick Bend provide some beautiful scenery.

Fishing Tips and Tactics:  A fishing trip on the Brazos can be spectacular, both in terms of scenery and fishing success. After getting away from the highway, the river corridor is very calm and natural looking. There is very little sign of human encroachment and the vegetation is lush and comes right down to the bank. This, combined with the primarily rocky banks and stream bottom makes for some very clear, beautiful water.

Hazards: Water levels can be unpredictable and canoeists should be alert to rapidly changing water conditions. The river area can be dangerous, with life-threatening stream flows and undertow currents. Be sure to stay out of restricted areas, and always wear a life jacket. Current flow rates for the Brazos River near Palo Pinto can be found on the US Geological Survey website . Recommended flows for floating this part of the river are 500-2000 cfs, with 1200 cfs being ideal. A pleasurable float can still be made down to 100 cfs”. *                                                                                      * Credits

Stocking dates at the Possum Kingdom Tailrace on the Brazos River at Graford,

              12/16/04, 1/5/05, 2/10/05, 3/17/05.  10,000 fish per stocking.

Texas fishing license information

The flies of choice on this stretch of the river (taken from my notes of 30 years) are:

Griffith’s Gnat, Orange or Green Body Soft Hackle, Grey or Black Caddis, Bead Hair Ear, Soft Hackle Hairs Ear, House & Lot, Adams Parachute Anton Pupa.  I have been using emergers with foam wing or parachute emergers with good success.   The flies vary from #14 – #22. 

These are flies similar in nature to some I have used.

In ripples, and faster moving waters, I have found that casting slightly upriver, dead drift to a full swing,and most of the takes is during the full swing.  Matching the hatch, or finding the right fly can prove challenging on these fish.  I have often found it as difficult as fishing the hatches of the Firestone or Madison rivers of the Yellowstone Park.

Happy Traveling, Happy Fishing.