Hidden in plain sight in Wimberley is the ironically named Hidden Valley Hole on the Blanco River. Despite easy access, this little gem of a fishing spot is often overlooked because it lies in the middle of a residential area. However, the river here is gorgeous and a surprisingly healthy fishery. Due to the number of locals looking to cool off in the heat of the summer, its better if you can fish here during the weekdays. If not, at least start as early as possible if you want to find some solitude on the water.
The Fish:
Redbreast Sunfish are the most common game fish in the Blanco River and this spot is no different. With some skill you will be hooking into fat 10″ slabs like the one above. In addition to the Redbreasts, other sunfish you’ll catch are Longears and the occasional Bluegill. Its also possible that you might find a Warmouth here but I’ve not caught them in this area and as far as I know, there are no Green Sunfish here.
With either luck or persistence you’ll hook up with one or more Rio Grande Cichlids.
Bass are almost as common as the Redbreasts if you target them. Largemouths, Smallmouths and Guadalupe Bass are lurking in cover along the shores.
Catfish are apex predators in the Blanco River so always be ready for a beast to tighten your line no matter what fish you are targeting.
How to get there and park: Open Google Maps and enter 29.984488,-98.065322, the green arrow is where you will be parking. Also indicated by the Square “P” in the image above, it is a small spot at the corner of Spoke Hollow Road and Hidden Valley Road good for 1, maybe 2 cars. You should get there early to secure this spot and get in the best time for fishing anyhow. If someone already has the spot taken, you will need to find another spot where you can pull safely off the road and there aren’t any no parking signs.
Rig up your boat or tube next where you park there isn’t really any space down by the river to do this. Be sure to put a leash on it, you’ll want to keep it attached while wade fishing. After rigging it next to your vehicle, drag/carry it to the low water crossing just 30 yards to the north.
General Fishing Tips: The fish are typically VERY close to the shoreline, try to cast within a few inches of it every time. Remember, accurate casts catch fish, long accurate casts catch big fish. As typical for Texas Hill Country rivers, the south shoreline will generally yield better results.
Hidden Valley Hole: You will want to fish the deep pool (A on the map below) just up river first, the Hidden Valley Hole and although it has quite a bit of wadable water there are deep areas you’ll need to cross and/or fish from your boat/tube. The best bass fishing is on entirety of the south bank, but one of the best spots in this pool for catfish and big panfish is under a large overhanging tree centered in the middle of the north shoreline. I’ve seen the residents who live just west of the tree come down and feed the catfish handfuls of kibbles so its sort of a gathering place. Also, just west of that tree is a small floating platform. Starting at that platform and running to a small clump of trees is a hot spot for Rios.
Spoke Hollow Pool: When you feel are done with this pool, continue up river to the Spoke Hollow pool (B on the map), it will require crossing a shallow area but this small pool also has wadable fishing. In addtion to working the shorelines closely, you also want to look for underwater shelves. The ones with any current at all will produce Guads/Smallies.
Other Spots: Just a little further upriver is a very small hole (C on the map) mostly comprised of a shelf drop off and heavily fluted river bottom. If you approach this spot with a measure of stealth, you can stalk some of the heavy bass that hide out here. I recommend working your way back down river, fishing the best spots as you go. If you are still up for more, go over the low water crossing then wade way all the downriver to the pool (D on the map) about 100 yards down. You can probably leave your boat at the crossing and just wade down to this pool.
Hi, I really enjoyed your article, however, have a question. What part or how far in either direction on your map can you go before entering private land? Also, would it be possible for me to join you on a trip to this and/or another location to fish? I would like to occasionally fish with someone who has this interest in common. Thanks again,
Mike Kameya
Mike, unfortunately the Blanco River was hit pretty hard in the flood. As long as you stay in the river, you are legal. Take a look at this writeup to clarify: http://www.texasriverbum.com/legal-access-texas-rivers
Mike, to answer your other question I am currently in California for a while so while I’d love to meet up for some fly fishing on a river there’s no chance of that. Here’s another photo of Hidden Valley after the flood.