Lindsay Ranch Guesthouses

 The Llano River offers the adventurous outdoorsman and casual recreationist abundant opportunities.

Picnicking and swimming are the most common activities followed by fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

There are other opportunities as well, including photography, gold-panning, rock collecting, nature observation and more.

 About 37 miles of the Llano River flow through Mason County.

All free, public river access is from the public right-of-way (R.O.W.) at one of the five road crossings in the area. 

1. White's Crossing (State Highway 1871). 

This crossing is about 9 miles southwest of Mason. Fly fishers test their skills up and down the wideopen river, with the most intrepid picking their way to the deep pool about a sixteenth of a mile downstream. 

Kayak and canoe launching is fequently done here for the float to James River Crossing just over 4 miles downstream. 

It is recommended to use a stick or paddle as a brace if walking this section. And take it slow!

2. James River Crossing (State Highway 2389). 

The most accessible public river access is James River Crossing 9 miles south of Mason.

Signs are posted by the County outlining certain access and use restrictions.

This is the bridge that leads toward James River Road and the Eckert-James River Bat Cave. 

This is a good place to take your kids fishing for perch and sunfish. Fly fisher will find good bank and wade fishing access with no casting obstructions.

It is about 6 miles down to Martin's Crossing. 

3. Martins Crossing (Simonsville County Road). 

The 9.5 mile drive south from Mason to Martin's Crossing is quite remote and also quite pretty.

The road begins as State Highway 1723, but turns into the paved but rugged Simonsville Road 5.5 miles from town.

A special treat on this drive is an open vista south into the Llano River Basin at about mile 7. 

 

Photo by Marek Popiel

4. Keller's Landing (U.S. Highway 87) between Mason and Fredericksburg. 

The easiest public access to the river is from the southeast side. River access is via a steep muddy bank.

Be careful of your footing and of the poison  ivy that grows here in abundance.

This access point sees very few swimmers, but is very popular with anglers.

It is also the launch point for canoe and kayak trips to Castell, 12 river miles downstream.

5. Castell Crossing (State Highway 2768)

Twenty miles from Mason on the south bank of the Llano River is the small community of Castell.

Castell had its beginning as one of the five German Freethinker communities that were established along the Llano River in the mid-nineteenth century.

It is the only one of those communities to have survived. Clay Lindsay's great-grandfather, Franz (Francis) Kettner, was one of those early settlers. 

Fishing of all sorts is reported as very good in this area and it is quite easy to walk up and downstream of the crossing.

Due to the popularity of the area, catch and release is strongly encouraged.

Just below the bridge is a favorite place for swimmers and some deep pools also exist just downstream.

Be aware of traffic. It's rural, but it's still a state highway.

Information from the Mason County News 2014 Spring Visitors Guide.

Article written by Tony Plutno, Llano River Region Adventures

http://HeadForTheHillCountry.com

 

Photo by Marek Popiel

RESPECTING THE RESOURCE:

There are some practical and safety related things to consider when visiting the crossings. The crossings are all public thoroughfares, open to vehicular traffic. Local ranchers use these roads daily so it is important that roadways and driveways be kept clear.

Respect all "No Trespassing" signs.

All of the crossings except the Highway 87 bridges are subject to flash-flooding so stay aware of the weather and heed road closure warnings.

The highways often have black cows on them and all roads have lots of deer, feral hogs and other wildlife, ranch equipment, sight-seers, motorcyclist and bicyclists. So be aware and share the road. 

Except for Castell, there are no services. Cell phone service is spotty but can sometimes be had on a high point and can usually be had at Highway 87 and at Castell. 

Cat-holes are currently acceptable for human waste but please pack out paper waste. Preferably take it all with you. 

Litter is a serious problem at all crossings. Packing it out is essential and perhaps grab a bit extra if you can. 

Low volume on the stereo will help keep the river a quiet and peaceful place for all. 

We hope you enjoy these wonderful, public treasures, when you visit Mason.

Information from the Mason County News 2014 Spring Visitors Guide.  

Written by: Tony Plunto, Llano River Region Adventures.

http://HeadForTheHillCountry.com.