Members in the Wild: Loving the Llano
As a professional fly fishing guide, I’ve spent the last decade getting to know the rivers of Texas on an intimate level. It has become my life passion to explore these waterways but also share their wonders with others through angling and paddling. Seeing the look on someone’s face as they catch their first Guadalupe bass on a beautiful stretch of river is just as exciting for me as it is for them. Nothing tops wild fish in wild places, and that is becoming harder to come by these days. That’s why I am devoted to sharing my passion with others in hopes that they too discover a deeper connection and understanding of the natural world. I believe this is the key to fostering stewardship and creating the next generation of protectors of the habitats and species we hold so dear.
The Llano river is one of my favorite places to fly fish in central Texas for many reasons. Having been hit by several major floods over the last century, the Llano river is a testament to the power and resilience of nature. Its beautifully rugged and remote landscape, rich with life that seems to thrive, even in the wake of such catastrophic events, is simply inspiring. Thanks to its remoteness, it is one of the few iconic Texas rivers that has remained largely untouched by the population and development pressures facing many of our other Texas rivers. There are still stretches of the river where you are more likely to see beavers or bald eagles than people.
For me, guiding goes beyond the fishing. It carries a duty and obligation to actively demonstrate my commitment to the resources on which I rely to make a living and to help others appreciate, enjoy, and learn to conserve our precious aquatic ecosystems. This is why I support TLC and its mission to conserve land before it is too late. We can prevent the loss of Texas treasures like the beautiful and wild Llano River and preserve it for future generations.
Follow Johnny on Instagram: @friendofthefishes
Johnny Guerra says nothing tops wild fish in wild places.
Johnny Guerra guiding a fishing trip on the Llano River in the spring of 2021