There’s something about the promise of a new fishing spot that fuels anticipation. I’d heard good things about The Steps on the San Gabriel River, just outside Hutto, TX—a well-known stretch of water where white bass run in the spring and local anglers swear by the action. Armed with my new Moonshine Revival 4wt rod and Moonshine Creede 4wt reel, I set out with high hopes of hooking into some local species on the fly.
First Impressions: The Steps
The Steps is a unique stretch of the San Gabriel River, marked by cascading limestone ledges and shallow riffles that transition into deeper pools. It’s a favorite among spin and fly anglers alike, especially during the white bass spawn. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip—low-hanging trees frame the riverbanks, and the water clarity can be impressive when conditions are right.
As I arrived, the river had a nice flow, with a few other anglers scattered along the banks, working their lines. It wasn’t the peak of the white bass run yet, but I was eager to see what I could pull out of the water.
Testing the Moonshine Revival & Creede Reel
This trip was also my first chance to put the Moonshine Revival 4wt through its paces. It’s a beautiful rod—light in the hand, with a classic feel and a smooth medium-action that seemed ideal for delicate presentations. Paired with the Creede reel, a fully machined aluminum piece with a butter-smooth drag, I felt confident in my setup.
Casting felt effortless, and the rod loaded well with my floating line. I started with a small white woolly bugger, hoping to entice some panfish or an early white bass. After a few drifts with no action, I swapped to a soft hackle nymph, working the seams and slower-moving pockets of water.
A Day of Casting, Not Catching
As any fly angler knows, some days are more about the rhythm of the cast than the bend of the rod. Despite covering a good stretch of water, trying various retrieves, and even switching to a Clouser Minnow to tempt something bigger, I came up empty. Not even a sunfish came to hand.
I chatted with a couple of anglers nearby, and they were experiencing the same slow bite. One guy, working a spinning rod with live minnows, mentioned he’d only seen a couple of small bass pulled in all morning. Maybe the fish just weren’t active, or maybe I needed to rethink my approach.
Lessons from the Water
While I didn’t land a fish, the trip wasn’t a bust. The Moonshine Revival and Creede combo performed flawlessly, confirming my choice in the new setup. The Steps itself is a fantastic spot, and I could see its potential, especially as the white bass run kicks into full swing.
Sometimes, fly fishing isn’t about the fish—it’s about learning the water, refining the cast, and enjoying the time spent outdoors. I’ll be back to The Steps soon, with a fresh game plan and maybe a few extra patterns in my fly box.
Have you fished The Steps before? Drop a comment and let me know what flies have worked for you!
