John Knox Ranch River Access
Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance of arriving. Please email John Knox Ranch at jkroffice@missionpby.org to make a reservation.
Leased Fishing Access
Blanco River near Fischer, TX
Located on the south bank of the Blanco River in Hays County
See map.
Lease period: March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2027
Phone: 830-935-4568
Email: jkroffice@missionpby.org
Lat/Long: 29.968451,-98.192709
Area Description
The John Knox Ranch access area is located on FM 179 (Wayside Dr) approximately 0.25 miles west of the “Slime Bridge” crossing of the Blanco River. John Knox Ranch offers a complimentary parking area for TPWD leased access users, and access to the Blanco River for fishing and paddling purposes.
This access point serves as a take-out for a 3.6-mile float from the Fischer Store Road bridge. However, if putting in at Fischer Store bridge, please arrange to be dropped off with all necessary gear to float downstream. There is no parking allowed at Fischer Store Road bridge.
Alternatively, you can put-in at the Slime Bridge access point, park your vehicle at John Knox Ranch, and paddle upstream approximately 1 mile to view scenic bluffs and experience excellent fishing opportunities in the deeper waters of the Blanco River. Take-out would be back at the FM 179 crossing.
If the river is flowing well and you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, put-in at FM 179, and float downstream to FM 1492 – Blanco River Rd crossing. This float is 6.8 miles and should take 3-4 hours depending on flow and how well the fish are biting! There’s a spot on the north bank where you can take out, but once again, there’s no free parking at FM 1492. Please arrange for a shuttle or a friend to get picked up.
Remember, always be safe! Check USGS streamflow gages at Fischer Store Rd and RR 12 before you go, and know your skill level.
Special Conditions on Public Use
- Access is open each day from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for wade fishing and launching canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards for the purpose of paddling or fishing.
- To gain access to parking, you must email John Knox Ranch at jkroffice@missionpby.org before you arrive to make a reservation and ensure the availability of parking. You will need the reservation confirmation email with the gate code in it.
- John Knox Ranch has limited spaces with no overflow so if you need more than one space, please make a separate reservation for each vehicle.
- Visitors are required to make a reservation (and receive confirmation of that reservation) 24 hours in advance.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
TPWD strives to leave our environment cleaner and more natural than when we found it. We encourage and expect all visitors to do the same by taking any trash and recycling out of the access area and properly disposing of it.
Angling Opportunities
- Abundant angling opportunities are found in this segment of the Blanco River for Largemouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, and Channel Catfish.
- Fishing for black bass is best when turbidity in the river is low, as these species feed primarily by sight.
- Anglers should target faster riffle areas for Guadalupe Bass, boulders, woody structures, and aquatic vegetation in pool habitat for Largemouth Bass.
- Anglers are urged to practice catch-and-release of sportfish.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.