Mushrooms and greens along the Bosque River

[Gecko Herder]

We're planning our annual camping trip with my brother-in-law and 2 coworkers down by the Bosque River east of Waco and I'm hoping to bring back more than just firewood this year. I've found some good patches of lamb's quarters and amaranth near the riverbanks in past years but I've never looked for morels in this area even though the bottomland hardwoods seem like they could be promising in early spring. A buddy at work mentioned he once found chicken of the woods on a dead oak near Lake Waco but I don't know if that's just a one off. Are there any productive zones along the river or nearby creek drainages where people have had luck with wild edibles, especially mushrooms or perennial greens? Should I also even bother looking for mussels or crawdads in slow moving sections or is it better to stick to plants and fungi?

 

[wildberri3s]

I camped near the North Bosque last spring and found a bunch of morels under old elm trees after a warm rain. Such great spot to check. We also saw chicken of the woods on a fallen oak near Hog Creek. Mussels are easy to find but not very filling. Crawdads are better if you've got traps. Still, wild plants and mushrooms are your best bet. Bring a bag and a simple guide, there's plenty out there!

 

[Gecko Herder]

I camped near the North Bosque last spring and found a bunch of morels under old elm trees after a warm rain. Such great spot to check. We also saw chicken of the woods on a fallen oak near Hog Creek. Mussels are easy to find but not very filling. Crawdads are better if you've got traps. Still, wild plants and mushrooms are your best bet. Bring a bag and a simple guide, there's plenty out there!

Thanks so much for sharing such helpful details about your trip! I'm really glad to know that both morels and chicken of the woods grow in that area. We're planning our trip for early next spring and are already looking at maps using your suggestions. When you found the chicken of the woods near Hog Creek, do you remember if it was the bright yellow kind or the paler one with the white underside?

 

[AMTED]

I haven't foraged that specific area but greens like lamb's quarters and amaranth are abundant along rivers. Morels are rarer in Central Texas but you might come across oysters on downed hardwoods and the occasional chicken of the woods on oak or elm logs after rain. Don't overlook dewberries or persimmons in season, and pecan groves along bottomlands. For mussels and crawdads, check local regulations and water quality. Enjoy exploring!

 

[Gecko Herder]

I'll keep an eye out for elm clusters and check after a warm rain. Lamb's quarters and amaranth were easy to spot last time, hoping to add mushrooms to the mix this round. Might even try mapping out the tree cover ahead of time. Has anyone ever found anything edible closer to the riverbank or near cottonwoods?