It’s time for another of the club’s all-time favorite outings – the overnighter to Bill Ward’s Ranch near Mexia (pronounced muh-HAY-uh). Bill wants to remove some of the population of bass and sunfish/perch and we are just the group to do it. Bill’s clear, water-filled quarry at the campsite is easily traversed and leads to other lakes. Additionally, Bill’s friend, Kent Yelverton, allows us to fish his lake across the highway.
Camping in an RV or a tent is the easiest, but some may seek accommodation in Mexia’s very nice motels a few miles up Texas 84. There are a few hook-ups for electricity at the quarry so you may want to bring an extension cord for CPAPs or small appliances. Bring your own favorite eats. There will be a fish fry on Saturday night and a breakfast is usually prepared early Sunday. If you have an electric filet knife, please bring it. This is also the FWFF Perch Off. There will be recognition for Largest Bass, Most Perch by Number, Most Perch by Weight, and Total Weight for Largest Five Perch. Final rules or changes will be made at the event, which often happens.
A float tube, kick boat, kayak or canoe is highly recommended, but not required. There are limited bank fishing opportunities. Don’t forget a stringer for the fish fry. A 4-weight to 6-weight rod should handle anything in the surrounding ponds. Bring your camp chair as well. Either a floating or sinking line will do, but a sinking or sink tip line works best in deep water. We recommend nymphs, streamers, poppers, bass bugs and terrestrials to entice the fish. If there are any questions, contact Outings Director Chris Patnode, at 817-819-5519 or outing host Bill Hodges at 817-528-1157.
How to Get There
NOTE: This is not a GPS-friendly address. Follow these directions from Fort Worth:
1.Take Interstate 35W south to Hillsboro.
2.Go east on Texas 171
3.Go through the towns of Bynum, Malone and Hubbard to Coolidge.
4.In Coolidge, go right on Bell Street/Texas 73, just past the convenience store.
5.Go left on FM 2310 just west of Coolidge
6. FM 2310 dead-ends nearly six miles south at Texas 84. Turn left (east) and travel 1.7 miles to a group of buildings.
7. Turn left at the first building, travel about 100 yards, and then take a sharp left. The road curves right heading north.
8. Travel about 3/4-mile until you see a gate on the right. Our club sign should be on a fence by the road.
9. Enter gate code 1948 and head to Bill’s ranch house. You will see the quarry to the south of the house and the grass road leading down to the campsites.
Welcome to one of the best times you will ever have!
