Activities & Fishing
Activities for the Whole Family
The family that plays together, stays together! Here are some fun ideas while you're staying in the Castell Cabin on the Llano River.
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Fun in the Llano River
We have 3 kids and this is by far their favorite thing to do. The river in front of the cabin has large granite rocks and gentle rapids for the kids (and adults) to play in. Whether its catching minnows, tubing in the rapids, building sand castles or searching for interesting rocks, the kids always are finding something to do.
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Critter watching in the evening
After a long day of playing in the river, we load the kids up in the Suburban and drive along one of the many dirt roads around Castell. This area has an abundance of wildlife to view - especially deer. But also look for jackrabbits, snakes, tarantulas, armadillos, quail, bobcats, turkeys, hawks, raccoons, possums, and skunks (just a few of the animals that we have seen). Our favorite road to drive is the one directly across the river from the cabin that goes west along the river.
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Kayaking
There is a 5 mile section of the river from Castell that is a fun half day trip. You can rent kayaks at the Castell General Store.
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Biking
There are dirt roads that go along the river that are great for biking.
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Bird Watching
The cabin has a great deck overlooking the terrain which is great for bird watching.
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Night Sky Photography
Castell, TX sits in a low light-pollution area and is perfect for night sky photography. Find a "New Moon" where there is no moon in the sky for the best results.
Light Pollution Map Check Moon Phases
Milky Way: Good - Visible across the sky
Visible Stars: 3000-5000
Pollution: Some light pollution visible near the horizon.
SQM: 21.95 mag/arcsec2
Brightness: .179 mcd/m2
The Best Fishing Around
Okay, we're a little biased. But you won't be dissapointed.
What to Expect
The majority of bass you catch in the Llano will be Guadalupes. There are also Largemouths, Smallmouths and the usual assortment of perch. Don't expect monster fish - the average size is between 10" and 12" but each trip usually yields a couple of fish in the 2-3lb range. To keep things fun, fish with ultra-light spinning gear using 4lb test.
Wade Fishing
Around the cabin there is some wade fishing, but the better fishing is reachable by canoe or kayak. A half-mile below the cabin is a series of rapids/pools that are good wade fishing. It can be reached by walking in the river, but a canoe makes it much easier.
Trout Fishing
Trout are released in December at the Castell bridge which is just a few hundred yards from the cabin. Call the Castell General Store at 325-247-4100 for stocking dates.
The Full Fishing Experience
Ready to go fishing? We've plotted 2 main trips to make your fishing experience worthwhile.
Cabin to Schneider's crossing (5 miles)
There is plenty of fishable water along the stretch downstream between the cabin and Schneider's crossing (5 miles). About a mile past the cabin, the river channels up on the south side and makes for some excellent wade fishing.
Highway 87 Bridge to Cabin (12 miles)
This is a hard trip and only recommended for the more ardent fishermen. Expect to do a solid 6 hours of paddling not including fishing time. I usually plan on 10-12 hours when taking this trip. Also expect to get out a few times to drag through some shallow rapids. But with that said, the fishing can make all the effort worthwhile.
Rentals & Shuttles
Need a boat or shuttle? The Castell General Store has canoe/kayak rentals as well as a shuttle service.
Give Randy a call at 325-247-4100
Places of Interest
Feel up to a bit of travel in the area? There are several attractions and activites around that will make this vacation memorable for the whole family.
Enchanted Rock
A 425' granite rock you can climb with spectacular views on top. If you are really adventuresome, there is a cave on top that goes about 100' down and comes out on the side. There are no markings other than a faded painted arrow pointing to a small hole. Its fairly well known, so you can probably ask around if you have trouble finding it. You can also give me a call if you want more info.
Odeon Theater
Take a step back in time and see a movie at the Odeon Theater in Mason. Built in 1928, it is the oldest operating theater in west Texas. For only $4 a ticket and $2 popcorn, it is a great value. Note that movies are only shown on Friday (7:30) and Saturday-Monday (7:00).
James River Bat Cave
Watch millions of bats come out of cave while you sit close enough to feel the wind generated from their wings. Also, it's a very scenic drive down a dirt road (10 miles) and across a river (no bridge) to get there. The cave is about an hour from Castell and you will want to call beforehand to find out what time the bats are coming out (usually between 6 and dusk). Open Thursday through Sunday from mid-May through mid-October.
Shopping & Tourism
Fredericksburg (map) has a lot of touristy-type shops, German food, and wineries.
If you don't want to fight the crowds at Fredericksburg, then consider going to Llano (map) or Mason (map). Both of these towns have unique boutiques, art galleries and antique shops within easy walking distance located around a historic square.
Wineries
There are several wineries in the area including Fall Creek Vinyards, Sandstone Cellars Winery, and several in Fredricksburg
Parks, Museums, & Tours
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Longhorn Cavern State Park
Enjoy tours of underground caverns where they are always cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A great place to take the kids. -
National Museum of the Pacific War
Also known as the Admiral Nimitz museum in Fredericksburg. The complex contains 3 different museums dedicated to WWII and covers 6 acres. -
Fort Mason
Take a free walking tour around historical Fort Mason that overlooks the city of Mason.