By:
Shane Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter
With the often-mild winters we see in the Kendall County area, there’s plenty of time to remain active in and around Cordillera Ranch. Hunting is the most popular winter outdoor activity, but there are many other options.
If you’re not a hunter but you’re a gun and shooting enthusiast, then you should definitely try the Sporting Clays course or Wobble Trap, 5-stand and flush field at the Gun Club, or come out and shoot at our hand gun range or rifle range. The Gun Club is located on the far west end of the Ranch in a beautiful Texas Hill Country setting.
If you are interested in a bird or deer hunt, we have a great relationship with our friends at Joshua Creek Ranch. Only 30 minutes from Cordillera Ranch, Joshua Creek Ranch occupies a uniquely diverse terrain including miles of Joshua Creek and Guadalupe River bottomland planted in fields of grain crops for prime pheasant hunting habitat; bordered by limestone bluffs that rise to oak and elm studded pastures lush with prairie grasses providing perfect quail hunting cover; and densely wooded areas conducive to Texas deer hunting, both Whitetail and Axis. You’ll call it paradise when you experience the combination of this pristine hunt country with the outstanding cuisine and up-scale lodging accommodations at Joshua Creek Ranch. They also offer a long-range rifle range, going all the way out to 1,000 yards. Our rifle range at Cordillera Ranch only goes out to 200 yards.
With the recent drought conditions and low water flow on the Upper Guadalupe River, we have been traveling to other central Texas rivers and streams to fish. Lake Austin is only 80 miles northwest of Cordillera Ranch and offers some great kayak fishing opportunities. The San Marcos River is 55 miles east and offers some outstanding bass fishing. The State of Texas recently stocked the San Marcos River with Rock Bass and they are fun to catch on both a fly rod and conventional fishing rod and reel.
Have you ever noticed that fly fishing is always done in beautiful places? That’s why the lower Guadalupe below Canyon Lake is the perfect place for fly fishing in the Texas Hill Country! The state and Trout Unlimited both stock the lower Guadalupe with Rainbow and Brown Trout. It’s a short drive from Cordillera Ranch for some great trout fishing in the winter! The Blanco River, just north of Cordillera Ranch, is another stocked river that provides some trout fishing in the winter months. If you have not had the opportunity to get on the Club’s newest fishing vessel, our FlyCraft, you should book a trip with us to fish for trout on the lower Guadalupe River in Sattler or for bass on the upper Guadalupe River.
Other rivers in the area are great as well for warm water species in winter including the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal River near Bandera. But by far, the best river to fish in South Texas during the winter months is the Devils River. The Devils River is one of the most rugged and pristine rivers in the U.S. Very few people get to experience the phenomenal fishing and scenery because of the guarded access. The best fishing begins at Baker’s Crossing and continues for more than 23 miles downriver. Whether you’re a tent camper or a cabin camper looking for the ultimate fishing trip, the Devils River has both options.
As the Outfitter for the members of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, I can guide or arrange for your family or guests to do a variety of outdoor recreation activities, so don’t hesitate to contact me. Whether you’re looking for an upland bird hunt, an offshore fishing trip, a family camping adventure or a backpacking trip to a secluded wilderness area, it’s my pleasure to be of service to you.
Have a great winter!
Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com and 210.616.6051, or at the Cordillera Ranch Outfitter Center at 830.336.4823.
