NSW
These reports are supplied by Jeff Brown, who runs a guiding and teaching service. For further information, Jeff can be found at his website or by e-mail.
RIVERLANDS FLY & SPORTSFISHING
3 DEWDNEY ROAD EMU PLAINS. NSW 2750
MOBILE 0418 435 410 PHONE/FAX 02 4735 2990
March 2003 NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
John Burdette from the USA bought the rain with him, which although gratefully received it did dirty up the only stream that had been fishing really well. This necessitated a move back to the lakes and unfortunately being skunked for the day.
It is always great to introduce new anglers to freshwater fishing. Peter
and Adam Streltschenko had a crack at fly fishing only to be foiled
by some very ordinary weather. Not to be defeated by “mother nature”,
spin outfits were broken out and good old Celta lures employed
to land some great trout.
Adam scored the double with both
a rainbow and a brown while Peter had to settle for a couple
of browns. Both guys were understandably happy as this was the
first time they had been trout fishing.
A quick trip out mid-week (25th) to have a look around produced a few fish from Lake Lyell. These browns seemed to be looking for yabbies and proved receptive to unweighted brown Woolly Buggers and New England Yabbies. A quick look over some of the close streams proved disappointing not seeing any fish out moving about.
The Lithgow district received a bit more rain since last weekend so hopefully fishing will continue to pick up on the lakes. Thommo's has produced some fish after dark on warmer days.
Sandown Racecourse will be the venue again for this great event to be held from August
22nd – 24th. I will be on the G-Loomis stand again, stands #6 & 7, just near the undercover casting lanes.
Show times. Friday 22nd: – 12 noon to 7 pm. Saturday 23rd: - 10 am-7 pm &
Sunday 24th: - 10 am – 6 pm.
If you have any enquiries either contact Greg Cooper on 03 9761 4004 or myself by email or phone.
Parking is not an issue and getting in from Melbourne C.B.D. does not take long.
There is plenty of opportunity to play with a great range of rods from various manufacturers on the casting lanes. Lodges, guides and other people of interest to anglers will have displays for you to enjoy. If you want a PDF file layout of the site, I can download one on request.
Fly lines
Fly lines seem to end up the poor cousins in the fly-fishing equation. Lines do not take a great deal of time to clean and it makes a big difference to the performance of your line.
Clean line run easier through guides when casting therefore makes casting over all distances much easier. Floating lines will also float better. So what is involved?
Simply wash your line in warm water with a gentle soap (not dish washing liquid); this will lift most of the dirt off the line. Next take one of the many fly line conditioners and apply according to the directions. I have found any paste type conditioners MUST be polished off for maximum result. If there is any residue of the paste it will attract dirt and dust and you have just waisted your time.
Some fly lines develop memory (coiling or forming a wiggly shape on the water). To remove line memory, simply stretch the line. A fly line that has not been used for some time should be stretched as a matter of course in your preparations.
Note: - If your have a continuous memory problem with a fly line, either replace the line or make your retailer aware of the problem and they should address the problem to the manufacturer or importer.
Reel seats and guides.
Reel seats take the most punishment on a rod. Dirt will slowly build up in the reel seat so give it a light wash with a nail brush every now and them to clean out the thread and apply a light spray of WD40 or similar.
Guides are also easy to look after. Occasionally take a small strip a cloth, dampen it and pull it gently through each guide making sure to also clean against the rod. Clean guides allow line to run much easier.
Teeny TS-T Saltwater Fly Lines
Teeny have just released a new saltwater line in Australia.
These new lines have a 10 ft clear slow sinking tip along with 14 ft of regular intermediate sinking line. Total tip section is 24 ft of slow sinking head and has 76 feet of floating line. This line is manufactured in one piece for greater strength and smoothness when casting.
Lines are available in three line weights; TS-T200 (1.5 ips) 7-9 wt rods, TS-T300 (2.0 ips) 8-10 wt rods and TS-T400 (2.5 ips) 9-12 wt rods.
Gortex Products – Detecting leaks.
If genuine Gortex products the location of a leak is achieved by using “Rubbing Alcohol” that is obtained from a chemist.
Lightly saturate a cloth and rub over the inside area where you suspect there is a leakage. If in fact a perforation of the Gortex layer has occurred a grey to black mark will appear. Simple them apply Aqua Seal to repair the leak.
I do not know if this technique works on other generic breathable materials, I have not tried it yet!
Airflo's “Di-Do” Sink Putty.
Airflo is not the only company with a product like this, however it is the one I picked up from a local retailer.
If you find yourself in a situation were you need to get a fly down deeper and you don't have either a heavy enough fly or a sinking line, this type of product comes in handy. “Heavy Putty” could be one way of describing this stuff.
Simply mould a small amount around the eye of the hook and you have a sinking fly. Caution, add with a discretionary hand as this stuff really gets down quick.
Airflo floatant
Fly floatants are a dime a dozen in the market place. Gink is probably the best known and is what others are generally judged upon.
Airflo's contribution to the market works well in warmer weather but is very thick and “gluggy” in colder weather. In Tasmania I found you had to work the floatant in your finger for some time to make it fine enough to work into dry flies. Warm days no problems! Once into a fly it works well.
Last but not least, Geoff Wilson's Complete Book of Knots & Rigs has a new expanded edition.
The latest edition is 88 pages and covers 20 new or updated knots. Again all facets of angling are covered so, if you are chasing bass using braid line, fishing with floats for mullet, trout on fly or running skip baits for marlin you will find the appropriate knots and rigs for your particular angling pursuit.
RRP. $14.95
November 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
Peter Kleeblat kicked off the month on November 2. Wind conditions greeted us on the day and with the streams running very clear and low. Success came late in the day with a dun hatch on Lake Lyell in one of the small bays.
New comers Trent Karoll, Hunter Page and Hugh O'Neil received a real surprise to find out how close you can hook up a wild trout.
As everyone knows the streams are very low at the moment and fishing is confined to pools with depth. Standing and watching tight along the banks is a good investment in time and will often provide results. This applies in both in good and low water conditions. The Fish River and Campbell's have produced the vast majority of fish from within a 60 cm margin of the banks.
On November 23 Craig Owen, Tony Ranieri and myself went looking for a bit of flowing stream water. I had been given the name of a bloke out towards Cowra and we left Emu Plains at 3.3o am. On arrival and following the track as specified we were greeted by a flowing stream that had crystal clear cool water flowing like some sort of forgotten image from recent history in the Oberon district.
In short the brown trout won the day, trout six bust-offs and anglers three fish to hand. Browns of up to 2 kg demolished light tippets in the weed growth. Hopper and nymph patterns the order of the day to fool some quality fish. We had a ball but it is a long run for a days fishing. What the heck, these things must be done!
CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and I would like to take this early opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in case you are away prior to receiving the December newsletter. Thanks again for your support during the past twelve months.
For anyone wishing to give a “Gift Certificate” with a fishy difference, give me a ring or an email. Tour and tuition certificates are available with your personal message on each certificate.
In Octobers' newsletter I mentioned a couple a possible problems with the new
“TRU-CAST” fly lines from Airflo.
As it turns out a good clean took away the apparent sticky feeling and it ran as new through the guides again. On Small arbour reels it looks like you will need to give the line a regular stretch to remove the coiling effect.
After seeing the little “Ultra-Bright” torch I thought I would look around at what head torches are available suitable for the angler. Petzl is no longer the only quality product on the market and two companies had torches that really stood out, Princeton Tec and Black Diamond.
Princeton Tec have their origins in the scuba diving industry and as a consequence know how to make a quality waterproof torch. The torch that stood out for general angling use is the “SOLO”.
Power by two AA batteries the Solo has a published burn time of 2 hours using the Halogen bulb and 8 hours with the Long Burn Bulk (supplied). The Princeton Tec Solo weighs in at 127.5 gm (4.5 oz) with batteries, so it is nice and light.
The head harness is fully adjustable and the torch is fully waterproof. If you wish to convert the Solo to an LED head torch, a Princeton Tec ÏSolo” $79.95
LED module with three high output white LED bulbs are available. This conversion gives you a 100-hour burn time (published figures).
The second of the Princeton Tec headlamps to grab my attention is a unit called the “AURORA”. At only 80 gm (2.8 oz) this little multi-light function LED headlamp is a cracker.
The Aurora is not a long-range possum spotting light, however is does offer three fixed and two strobe levels at the push of a button. Again this beast is waterproof and runs on three AAA batteries giving burn times of 50-160 hours depending on the light settings selected.
Princeton Tec "Aurora" $79.95
Of the headlamps I looked at the one that took my fancy, as the all rounder is the Black Diamond “Gemini”. The Gemini has both a low power consumption LED globe (soft light, 1000 hr burn time) and a long life Xenon Halogen globe (7.0 hr burn time) capable of casting a 70 m beam for walking back at night.
The Gemini comes with an additional Bright Xenon Halogen bulb capable of a 100 m beam; this reduces your burn time to 3.5 hours. Powered by three AA batteries, the capability of being able Black Diamond ÏGeminiÓ $99.95
to switch between a soft light suitable for changing flies and lures over to a beam ideal for walking back along tracks or lake foreshores at night, offers anglers the best of both worlds.
Of the three lights looked at this is the heaviest at 150 gm (with batteries).
After using some borrowed head torches, I confess to liking the Solo and Gemini due to the availability of the stronger light source in the earlier parts of the evening when tying on small flies. The softer LED light did leave me struggling slightly. The Ultra bright from the last newsletter could be focused to a fairly narrow beam and seemed OK earlier in the evening light.
I would like to thank Paddy Pallin at Parramatta (9633 1113) for spending time with me bringing me up to date on some of the head torches on the market and giving away some of their valuable catalogues.
I will look at some other interesting products from the hiking, outdoor and angling market over coming months that anglers will find useful. These will include some other head torches, hiking poles, high tech wet weather jackets, breathable waders, new polaroid glasses and what ever else I can find to make our lives more comfortable, easier and successful as anglers.
Anyhow, more next time around.
Jeff Brown
October 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
As mentioned in September's newsletter Col Breese opened the stream season on a very positive note with his largest ever stream caught brown that pulled the scales at 2.5 kg.
If only the fishing on the streams could be that good all the time. Some of the streams have been very quiet to say the least then you strike a patch of gold. Garth Olsson of Glenmore Park also managed a milestone landing several browns between 1.2 and 1.5 kg. Garths, and mine, biggest surprise came in the form of a 1.2 kg rainbow. I have never seen a rainbow in this particular stream before so it was great to see.
Thommo's is still all over the shop with very inconsistent results. Plenty of hard hours for little result, however as the weather is warming fast the after dark action should come on tap soon.
Benoit Laganiere from he QBE group stole the honours with three nice browns form the lakes during their two days away. Five fish on Friday did not come to hand for one reason or another. Bad luck
all-round in this circumstance as some instances were to new anglers.
Ti Lau from Malaysia hooked up on lake Lyell on a feisty brown of just on 1 kg and performed more like a cranky rainbow. On the subject of Lyell, some early morning polaroiding is still producing some good quality fish. Reports coming to me indicate a wide variety of locations.
Our “G-Loomis” Demonstration & Trial Day went off well with a good number of people taking advantage of the opportunity to try various Loomis rods. John Bethune, Dean Hayes and myself assisted people and gave out casting and fishing tips on various types equipment.
On Sunday 27 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith City Council hosted Active Australia Day. Active Australia Day is the brainchild of the Federal Government trying to get people out and about to participate in outdoor sports. I had a display and demonstration area for the public to try their hand at fishing. Most interest centred on the fly-casting demonstrations and chance to try it out themselves.
Young Craig Buckley stole the show at five years of age. Casting double handed this little bloke had his timing and presentation down pat in five minutes. I can attest to several stunned fly anglers not to mention the disbelief and pride on his parents faces.
Craig Buckley
Most of you will remember three of us going to Tasmania in February of this year for six days fishing with Ken Orr. As it happens we re-booked to go again next February (1-7) and Jason Azzopardi has to drop out due to a new job.
We have a position available for the trip leaving on Saturday 1st and returning on Friday evening 7th of February. The trip is $3080.00 plus airfare and is fully inclusive. If you are interested and want more details please contact me on 0418 435 410 or by return email.
AIRFLO Fly Lines
Since to Fly Fishing Expo I have had three Airflo Fly lines clients and I have been using. This is the progress report thus far.
“BACKCOUNRTY”: - olive colour, 27 m (90 ft). Great presentation, excellent to use in the wind and very easy to use for longer casts. This line is right up there with Scientific Angler's Teeny's LaFontane Professional and Mastery XPS lines. No noticeable memory problems (used on a Snowbee XS large arbour reel).
“MAXIMIUM POWER”: - Greenish Yellow? Unusual colour, good though! 30m (100 ft).
This is a distance style line that is very friendly at close range, presents and roll casts well at short to medium range. Excellent in the wind and obviously performs very well over distance.
Again, no memory problems so far.
“TRU-CAST”: - Bright Green, 24 m (82 ft)
Primarily designed as a learners line this line is good value at approximately $50.00 retail. It certainly out performs other fly lines in its price class hands down. Time will tell as to its durability. This line does need stretching occassionaly.
One thing I have noticed along with some others who have used the line, it has seems to develop a slightly sticky feeling in this warmer weather and, as it has gotten a little dirty. The line may simply need cleaning and as yet I have not done this.
Unlike the two lines listed above, the Tru-Cast has only a single polymer coat construction, where as the dearer lines are a multi coat construction.
Tru-Cast lines load a rod very easy, present quite reasonable and are easy to use over distance if need be.
Now for a total change of focus! It is a nice surprise to find something new for fishing that is both practical and inexpensive. A client from came out fishing and I noticed his small head torch and was gob smacked to find out this bright little light cost him a mere $40.00. That aside, he had a second light that he purchased for his son at half the price.
Both the LED Ultra-Bright and the General Purpose light have adjustable beams, have a head harness and hat clip and, both take AAA batteries.
The LED has an advertised life of 15 hour for two AAA alkaline batteries. The LED Ultra-Bright is also water resistant. Considering the Petzel Tikka LED retails for around $90.00 you can buy two if you are on a budget.
I will admit straight away that Petzels' quality so far is without pier in the market.
FOR SALE
Hardy Ultra Light Disc #5 reel with 20lb Micron backing and WF5F Teeny fly line. This reel is in excellent condition and has never used in salt water. $350.00. O.N.O.
For enquiries please contact me on 0418 435 410.
Anyhow, more next time around.
JULY 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
The lack of rain has not helped anyone making the effort to check out either the Cox’s or Wollondilly systems. Only a few fish have been reported from either the Jenolan or Coxs Rivers.
Lake Oberon has proved the only lake of any consistency other than the private lakes. Green woolly buggers and Tom Jones fished on clear intermediate line proved successful recently on Oberon.
I will give a wrap up on the National Fly Fishing Expo next report.
Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne
August 2-4 2002 sees the inaugural Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne. Sandown Park on the Princess Highway Springvale is the venue.
The fly-fishing trade, guides & instructors, fly fishing clubs, accommodation providers, tackle experts etc are all represented for the public to speak with.
If you come down, you can find me on the G-Loomis stand (Stands 6&7) just near the indoor casting arena.
VERY IMPORTANT To KNOW!!!!! This affects all of us.
Threatened Species Legislation
In 1997 the NSW endangered species legislation was changed to include responsibility for threatened aquatic species.
As a result NSW Fisheries established a scientific committee to advise the Minister on key threatening processes.
Threatened species named by, this committee include Southern Bell Frog, Booroofia (Booroolong?) frog, Corroboree frog, Galaxias, Macquarie Perch and Silver Perch.
As a result, the stocking of brown trout has been forbidden in the Queanbeyan, Murrumbidgee (both declared trout streams!), Goodradigbee, and Shoalhaven rivers. Native Dog Creek and Mannus Creek are also included.
Browns and rainbows are forbidden to be stocked in the Queanbeyan, Goobragandra, Native Dog and Niarrigul Creeks. Because of the "Precautionary Principle", a ban apparently need be supported only by anecdotal, not scientific evidence, or if there is hard evidence, it need not be made public.
Until now this committee's work has not been publicised. We need to do all we can to ensure that everyone is made aware of the threat to our trout fishing.
I urge all anglers to write to their MPs, also The Hon Bob Carr (State Premier), the Hon Bob Devus (Minister for Environment) and The Hon E. Obeid (Minister for Fisheries). Tell all your angling associates about it too.
COMING EVENTS
Robbyn and I have organised the Riverlands Care Rally for Kids with Cancer on September 21, 2002. The Care Rally is a fundraising project supporting the Oncology Department within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead requires an additional $2.2 million dollars in community funds to allow it to continue with its current work in Cancer care and research.
The rally will start in Penrith in the Penrith Panthers car park and finish; now where was that? Entry fees ($50.00 per car) go directly to the charity. The participants in each vehicle are entitled to BBQ lunch and refreshment at our final destination. This is NOT a speed event and is a question and answer format. Answers to all questions are visible from the road.
The rally is a return to a family and friend orientated day out with entertainment some static displays and fun and games at the other end. Participation prizes are up for grabs along with some great raffles and auction items.
"Please come and join in the rally to help us help "Kids with Cancer" and enjoy a great day out. Thanks!"
On a totally different note, Robbyn will make her professional singing debut at the SideOn CafÈ in Annandale on September 9. Now some of you have met Robbyn and many have not.
Rob is performing in cabaret, and the evening is in support of the Riverlands Care Rally for Kids with Cancer. This is a Monday night and show and dinner is $40.00 with earnings for the night going to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
JUNE 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
The end of stream fishing season finished with a bang over the final two weeks. Craig Owen came up from Canberra and fished the second last Saturday.
Three browns ranging from 1-1.3 kg all sight fished on the Campbell’s River on a miserable day. Polaroiding proved difficult and, the fish quite spooky. The following weekend saw Tony Ranieri on the same stretch of water only with far better light conditions and the fish in a more agreeable mood.
Tony caught 10 brown trout ranging from 1.2-2.2 kg caught on black nymph (1), glo-bug (1) and on a Murdoch (8).
Thanks must go out to Chris Murdoch for introducing me to this beautiful wet fly. You can find it in Fur & Feather on page 63-65. I admit to tying it slightly different to the described version. I am happy to describe it if you want the recipe as I have tied them.
David Graham wanted his daughter Holly to learn to fly fish prior to going to Canada for twelve months. Holly is not only a willing fly fishing student but managed to show dad up on her first day out. A 1 kg brown as her first fish is great effort. More impressive Holly saw it move, cast ahead and came up tight without to much side line advise. Well-done Holly!
Thompson’s Creek Dam is not firing as it has over the last couple of June periods. Water levels are down and there is a much higher degree of weed growth in comparison to previous years. I can’t imagine why the weed growth would effect thing other allowing you to see fish cruising outside the drop-offs easier but, the lower water levels have most of the gravel areas high and dry.
Snow, bitter temperatures and some very strong winds have greeted us on some days over the last two weeks at TCD making angling somewhat interesting.
On the subject of Tommos, if you are looking for and old-fashioned place to grab a good pie or nice cake, there is a new bakery at Wallerawang. As you come from the lake back towards Wang, turn left instead of turning right over the rail bridge and you will find two hundred metres down on your left.
Proprietors Bev & Bill Holden are certainly providing country hospitality, a great Aussie trait.
VERY IMPORTANT To KNOW!!!!! This affects all of us.
Threatened Species Legislation
In 1997 the NSW endangered species legislation was changed to include responsibility for threatened aquatic species.
As a result NSW Fisheries established a scientific committee to advise the Minister on key threatening processes.
Threatened species named by, this committee include Southern Bell Frog, Booroofia (Booroolong?) frog, Corroboree frog, Galaxias, Macquarie Perch and Silver Perch.
As a result, the stocking of brown trout has been forbidden in the Queanbeyan, Murrumbidgee (both declared trout streams!), Goodradigbee, and Shoalhaven rivers. Native Dog Creek and Mannus Creek are also included.
Browns and rainbows are forbidden to be stocked in the Queanbeyan, Goobragandra, Native Dog and Niarrigul Creeks. Because of the "Precautionary Principle", a ban apparently need be supported only by anecdotal, not scientific evidence, or if there is hard evidence, it need not be made public.
Until now this committee's work has not been publicised. We need to do all we can to ensure that everyone is made aware of the threat to our trout fishing.
I urge all anglers to write to their MPs, also The Hon Bob Carr (State Premier), the Hon Bob Devus (Minister for Environment) and The Hon E. Obeid (Minister for Fisheries). Tell all your angling associates about it too.
COMING EVENTS
Robbyn and I have organised the Riverlands Care Rally for Kids with Cancer on September 21, 2002. The Care Rally is a fundraising project supporting the Oncology Department within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead requires an additional $2.2 million dollars in community funds to allow it to continue with its current work in Cancer care and research.
The rally will start in Penrith and finish; now where was that? Entry fees ($50.00 per car) go directly to the charity. The participants in each vehicle are entitled to BBQ lunch and refreshment at our final destination. This is NOT a speed event and is a question and answer format. Answers to all questions are visible from the road.
The rally is a return to a family and friend orientated day out with entertainment some static displays and fun and games at the other end. Participation prizes are up for grabs along with some great raffle and hopefully auction items.
"Please come and join in the rally to help us help "Kids with Cancer" and enjoy a great day out. Thanks!"
On a totally different note, Robbyn will make her professional singing debut at the SideOn CafÈ in Annandale on September 9. Now some of you have met Robbyn and many have not.
Rob is performing in cabaret, and the evening is in support of the Riverlands Care Rally for Kids with Cancer. This is a Monday night and show and dinner is $40.00 with earnings for the night going to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne
August 2-4 2002 sees the inaugural Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne. Sandown Park on the Princess Highway Springvale is the venue.
The fly-fishing trade, guides & instructors, fly fishing clubs, accommodation providers, tackle experts etc are all represented for the public to speak with.
If you come down, you can find me on the G-Loomis stand (Stands 6&7) just near the indoor casting arena.
Product Reviews
Two new book releases to check out.
It seems there is a quick overview book for most things these days. Andrew Norton has put together MARINE & MOTOR GUIDE and it covers the what and whys of two & four stoke motors from 2 hp upwards.
OK, we see this is a variety of press however, maintenance and all other associated outboard subjects seem to be coved a well. Add reviews on sounders, batteries and chargers, marine radios and electric trolling motors you have a decent quick glance reference book.
RRP $11.95. A good read if you are trying to make some informed decisions early without the assistance of sales people.
Let’s go fishing, where, anywhere around Sydney.
Author Gary Brown (no relation) has wet a line around Sydney for quite some time now. Gary developed and wrote the recreational fishing course for TAFE in NSW and certainly knows his stuff.
FISHING SYDNEY’S WATERWAYS is comprehensive to say the least.
Port hacking, Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour, Narrabeen Lakes, Pittwater, Broken Bay, Georges River, Parramatta River, Hawkesbury system and the coastal and offshore grounds are all reviewed.
GPS marks from Coal Cliff in the South to Broken Bay Wide off Barrenjoey Headland in the north will give anglers new to these grounds easy access.
Relevant information on species, local restrictions and regulations, boat ramps, marine radio usage, emergency contacts in various areas are all included in the book. Great value and concise information!
RRP $19.95
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
April-may 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
The catch of the last eight weeks definitely goes to Max Caprarelli with a 2.2 kg brown on a 3-wt rod. Max accounted for numerous fish on the day from some less than hospitable surroundings.
New fly fishers met with success some very unexpectedly and exhibiting excess enthusiasm on the strike resulting in bust-offs. What a way to learn striking does not need excessive power.
Water levels in the streams are steadily dropping due the lack of rain. Despite this some browns are aggregating on reds for early spawning, always a healthy sign. Fish numbers have been down a little on last year, however the average size is up (stream fishing).
Thompsons Creek Dam have proved a little fickle, however some quality fish a still coming to hand. An evening spent fishing with Kiwi mate Mark Ashcroft produced zip except for some very fresh air and an incredible sunset. It was worth the walk just for that.
The rivers and streams are very clear due to the lack of water flow. This has necessitated the use of longer leaders on the stream and in many cases down sizing flies especially nymphs in shallower waters.
MEGALONG VALLEY
Attention to all anglers who have accessed the Cox’s River by riding from Pack Saddlers in the Megalong Valley, not anymore folks. The owner of the land (no doubt after National Parks influence) has withdrawn permission for horses to be ridden down the Iron Pot track to the river.
In short you now have to walk or cough up for a helicopter ride. Sorry for the news.
COMING EVENTS
August 2-4 2002 sees the inaugural Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne. Sandown Park on the Princess Highway Springvale is the venue.
The fly-fishing trade, guides & instructors, fly fishing clubs, accommodation providers, tackle experts etc are all represented for the public to speak with.
If you come down, you can find me on the G-Loomis stand (Stands 6&7) just near the indoor casting arena.
Craig’s MONARO ROUNDUP
Fishing has been patchy to say the least.
The mouth of the Eucumbene River had been good, however this has backed off as news filtered through and the number of anglers picked up.
Other than that, stick with it and good luck.
NEW SERVICE OPTIONS
As of now, anglers wishing to totally unwind at the end of a days fishing or a weekend can enjoy a Japanese Herbal Spa. This service is available Friday through Sundays only. For further details please contact me direct.
Product Reviews
As most of you are aware I have been wearing Snowbee breathable waders for several seasons and they have served me well. Unfortunately their availability, or lack of it, has forced me to look at other product. After some research I picked up a pair of the new Redington Barrierflex breathable chest waders.
I have only worn them four times (approx 38 hours) however; I have noticed some difference in the breathablity. A finer weave outer material seems to shed water faster and they also dry faster.
I will give a full product assessment of these waders by the end of winter.
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
March 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Both the weather and the fishing have been a little variable. Craig Owen, Jason Azzopardi and Tony Ranieri all put up with the conditions over recent weeks to nail some beautiful brown trout (1.4 -1.65 kg) from the streams.
Close quarter accurate casting and the continued preparedness to experiment with flies, mainly small, all added up to success.
New clients Jim Smythe and Lance Bones had fun on the lake late on Saturday prior to Easter watching in frustration as two big browns worked all around them only to ignore ALL offerings. That’s fishing!
Ron Jones came out firing on his first trip away after his family gave him a gift certificate. Ron quickly developed a taste for sight fishing and nailed three nice fish, check out this brown laying in next to the weed bank. Hard to see isn’t he?
Tony Weale and Keith Wallin had their first look some genuine tight water, finding out that skinny water holds many surprises. Looks can be deceptive as the afternoon action proved for the guys.
PLANNING FISHING TRIPS
Recently a couple of enthusiastic anglers highlighted the need to stick to the planned trip or, at least let family know of the change in plans.
Basically fishing was good and they lingered longer than expected. The gentleman concerned told family that they would be home by mid-afternoon on the Saturday after three days away. No worries until a frantic wife rang me at 8 pm when said persons had not been heard from. Now I got roped into this as I had seen them earlier and I had been mentioned at home.
By 9.30 pm no fishos and more worried family members were on the phone asking me did I know where they could be? Well by now I had contacted Oberon Police to ask questions, let them know what I knew and, help co-ordinate an initial search, now 10 pm. Police go out for a look throughout the district to areas previously discussed with said anglers.
At 10.45 pm, #1 son rings to say dad is home and all is well, police are still out looking. Police ring at 1.15 am Sunday to say they were unable to find said anglers car only for me to convey the good news.
MORAL to this story is that families worry when you don’t show up when you are expected. To the credit of this family, some six hours went past before the alarm bells started ringing, after all, dad is out fishing. If plans change, LET SOMEONE KNOW so they don’t worry! Please.
COMING EVENTS
August 2-4 2002 sees the inaugural Yamaha National Fly Fishing Expo in Melbourne. Sandown Park on the Princess Highway Springvale (Melbourne) is the venue.
The fly-fishing trade, guides & instructors, fly fishing clubs, accommodation providers, tackle experts etc are all represented for the public to speak with.
If you come down, you can find me on the G-Loomis stand. (Location to be advised)
Craig’s MONARO ROUNDUP
Recently the Eucumbene R. has been fishing well, with reports that the drop off out from
Providence has been producing fish to about 2 1/2 lbs. First hand news is that the river mouth its self is producing good fish to 4 lbs and the occasional larger fish lurking around.
Catches have been made after dark, fishing the channels and gutters using intermediate and sinking lines with local mudeye and Yabbie patterns fished slowly. Watch out for that first strike, it can be a doozy. To quote a friend of mine after landing his first fish, " I'm still shaking, I think I need a drink".
Best times at the moment are with a slight breeze and clear night with the moon up. Fish until the moon goes, this normally gives you about four hours of fishing. With the resent rains we have had down here, some of those magic double figure fish will be making an appearance soon.
Over the Easter weekend we explored the Goodradigbee River near Brindabella with some nice fish sighted. Tidbinbilla Creek BBQ area turned up a few small fish rising to midge late in the day.
Catch you out there.
Craig
Book Reviews
I must apologise to a few of you for inadvertently leading you astray. "The Fly Tier’s Benchside Reference is still being distributed in Australia. My initial information of its demise was incorrect and is available through your tackle store. RRP $153.95
Australian Fishing Network (AFN) has released a new book entitled Freshwater Fishes of Australia by Bill Classon and Stephen Booth.
Looking through it made me more aware of the vast array of freshwater species we have, most of which we rarely hear-of. From Cape York to Tassie and everywhere in the middle. Trevor Hawkins and Phill Jones sketch each species that accompanies relevant name, description, distribution, life cycle, conservation status and fishing notes.
A good reference book for all freshwater anglers.
RRP $24.95
Product Reviews
Getting to fishing locations is half the fun on some trips. Gear to make life more comfortable and/or safer is always of interest. For a couple of seasons I have searched for some decent gaiters, bingo I have found them.
Sea to Summit put out a H.D. Gaiter featuring a 50 mm front Velcro closure, good leg shape, tough (very tough) under bootstrap and a very comfortable upper adjustment strap. No doubt they are available elsewhere around Sydney however, I found them at RockSports in Glenbrook. Retail price $62.50 a pair.
With the rigors of blackberries, possible snake strike and general hard wear and tear in some of the backcountry locations, these gaiters seem to have all the good features and none of the baggage.
Fly Tying
Wapsi Beaver Dubbing is relatively new to the Australian market. I have to admit this dubbing is particularly easy to use and makes up some damn fine nymphs. This is a natural material exhibiting all the good qualities of natural fibres. Available in stores now.
During our recent trip to Tassie and subsequent trips into the Oberon region, nymphs made from Wapsi Life Cycle (previously reviewed) and Beaver dubbing have been used side by side by various anglers. From what I can observe during this period neither material seems to hold a major edge over the other.
Craig Owens fish seen at the start of the newsletter took a FR1 nymph tied using Wapsi Life Cycle (dark brown). The second fish lying beside the weed bed nailed a FR1 tied with Beaver Dubbing.
Thanks
I would like to extend my thanks to Craig Owen who is now based in Canberra, formerly from Western Australia, who supplied the Monaro Roundup for us. With a bit of luck these reports maybe a regular feature. By the way, it is Craig’s ugly mug in the first photo.
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
FEBRUARY 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
TASSIE SOJOURN
Graham McGraw, Jason Azzopardi and myself headed to Tassie on February 3 to hook up with Ken Orr of Orrsome Trout Fishing. To say we had a good time is an understatement.
Graham caught a rainbow at 3.5 kg, Jason caught two 4.5 kg Atlantic Salmon and rainbows to 2.5 kg and my best a 6 kg Atlantic. Everyone caught rainbows over 2 kg and a wide size variety of quality brown trout.
We were away a total of six days and caught approximately 130 fish; rainbow & brown trout, Atlantic salmon and I even managed three small redfin.
Kens’ operation is first class and I would recommend anybody to look him up. We had the privilege of being guided by Noel Jetson formerly of Cressy in northern Tasmania. Noel is a character and a great guide with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to anyone lucky enough to fish with him.
Jason & Graham fished Lake St Clair with Barry Hickman and found out how to get blown away in quick time by both large browns and rainbows burying them into the timber along the shoreline.
For the first time I had a look at some of the Tassie streams and had a great time. The waters are clean, cold and held plenty of fish. Tasmania this season has not had its customary
summer conditions and as a consequence the dry fly action was not up to its’ usual high standard. Now I’ve said that, we could not complain about the fishing.
I won’t waffle on or nothing else will get covered.
ON THE LOCAL SCENE
Locally, the Lithgow/Oberon district received much needed rain, up-to 150 mm in some areas. The streams are running nicely again and the fish are out and about. Hoppers are around in abundance and several good fish have fallen to hopper patterns in the last couple of weeks.
Mark Williams caught three rainbows on Lake Lyell in half an hour fishing using an intermediate sink line armed with a Woolly Bugger. Casting straight out from the shoreline, letting it sink and retrieving up and over the weed beds did the trick. If you are working Lyell from a boat, fishing sinking lines parallel to the weed line should work for you.
Thompson’s just before dark is yielding some fish, most people are walking out before the action starts. Admittedly things are inconsistent. Oberon has also been working early and late in the day.
My apologies for the lack of content this month, but I have been slightly distracted. More content next month including some new fly tying materials from the USA.
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
January 2002 NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
As you can imagine with the fires and the holidays January has been reasonably quiet. Water levels in the streams and lakes are down, but thankfully the fish have still been on the job. Low water levels meant changing tactics and fishing locations, but fish are there to be found.
Visiting American angler, Erik Kleinbeck, lost a cracker of a fish at Lake Lyell early in the morning but put the disappointment behind him to have a ball nailing some good browns on the stream.
January seemed to be the month of new anglers. Keith Wallin will remember his first couple of days for quite some time with the top prize of a 1.5 kg brown on the second day. To top it off, Keith spotted the fish in difficult light, cast to it first time from a confined position and played it like an old hand. Top stuff!
I am off to Tasmania in early February with two mates, so hopefully will have some good news to share next month.
PRODUCT REVIEWS
Back in August 2001 I reviewed the "MODULA" series fly reels from the British Reel Company. After a lot of use of the M55 (3-6 wt), I can say happily to have experienced no problems. One thing worth noting is that the O-ring must be kept lubricated with a silicone
O-ring grease otherwise the spools are a little hard to get on & off. Basic maintenance will see to this minor detail.
Tight lines,
Jeff Brown.
December NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Early in the month I had the pleasure of the company of author and long time journo Dick Lewers’ for a day. What this guy has forgotten most of us will never know. Having Dick out with me reminded me of what is important in life; friends, mateship, enjoying our surroundings and sharing a great sport. Not that these things were necessarily lost on me at any rate.
Time and time again we are all guilty of being in too much of a hurry for some of the small but important things in life. Considering the time of the year, it maybe appropriate to consider all the great things we have and enjoy some of the natural beauties around us. We in Australia are fairly lucky when you consider some of the crap the rest of the world is enduring at the moment.
The good results on the streams continued. The six fish on this day continued to demonstrate the importance for anglers to be prepared to experiment with changing flies around. Six fish taking six different flies. Windy conditions and a barometer that resembled a roller coaster ride certainly tested patience of anglers and, the illustrated how quickly fish will turn on and off on any given day.
An evening at Thompson’s showed some fish rising out over the weed beds but only limited success on the fly. One chap fishing near us hooked but lost a very good rainbow. The couple that came to hand took a Twilight Beauty and a Muddler Minnow. As we were only there for a couple of hours I cannot give you a lot more than that.
Evening rises on the stream have also been a little inconsistent, however when on have produced some great action on small dries and emerger patterns.
BOOK REVIEWS
I will assume most of you read FlyLife magazine. Issue 26 has an interesting and
thought-provoking article on "Catch & Release." I will not lay my personal philosophy out here, but have a read and see what you think.
Client FORUM
The question of "should dry flies always have floatant applied?" pops up every now and then.
In short, NO!
For example if you are fishing on glassy water and are looking to try and get the fly to sit into the surface film, don’t apply floatant.
Another circumstance could be if you are trying to fish just under the surface with a dry fly. Do this by slightly trimming the hackle down a little and do not applying floatant. This could be done with flies such as a Red Tag if you wanted a drowned beetle pattern and you don’t have a specific pattern in your box.
Christmas Greetings
To everyone, their family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thanks again for all your support throughout the year and I look forward to being of assistance again in the coming year.
Tight lines and Christmas cheer.
Jeff Brown.
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Oberon Dam yielded some of her bounty to all fishing techniques early in the month. Ron McLay landed two rainbows fishing in loathsome conditions stripping Mrs Simpson (sz 6) around on the evening of the 31st of October. Fishing later in the week on his own at Kelly’s, Ron picked up a 2.5 kg brown on a Simpson just on dark.
On the evening of the 2nd after dropping clients at Lake View Ridge B&B, I fished Kelly’s Lane for a couple of hours for three rainbows and a brown.
Ron, Katie & Brendon Sforcina witnessed some of the best brown trout activity seen for some time on various sections of the Fish River, both on private and public access areas.
Mark Trudgett landed ten browns in three hours on Sunday 4th during as he described a "phenomenal period" of activity. On the day caddis, mayflies and midge adorned the water everywhere you looked and, the fish were really on the job.
August is supposed to be the windy month, well October and early November tried very hard to relieve the title from it, often making conditions very difficult to fish.
I spoke to two anglers in Oberon at the Jenolan Caravan Park and they caught 30, yes 30, trout at Lake Lyell on Power Bait in one day (28/10/01). I had a quick look at the photos they had and, they were fishing right in the guts of the recreation area. Before anyone jumps up and down they kept two and released the rest.
Kelly’s Lane and The Reef produced fish with reasonable consistency very late afternoons and early of an evening.
Larry Marks from Chicago and local angler Chris Murdoch had to put up with one of he nicest days in the last twelve months. Larry met some of the local trout and Chris introduced him to some more.
EARLY CHRISTMAS PROMOTION
For bookings made during December, I am extending reduced tour costs to all clients. As you all know there are many variation to what I offer, so instead of trying to list them all please contact me direct on 0418 435 410 or by return email.
A couple of quick examples; Day tours, 1 angler $360.00 down to $320.00, 2 anglers $500.00 down to $440.00.
Obviously local multi-day tours are also included in this offer, so dig in and enjoy for a little less.
BOOK REVIEWS
Due to the number of people who have contacted me to ask about Rob Flowers new book, I am reprinting my review below.
"Australian Trout Food, Trout Flies and how to fish them" is a very welcome addition to Australian fly anglers bookshelves.
Rob is a passionate fly tier, teacher and fly angler, and those who have met him will tell you he loves his trout fishing.
The book is AUSTRALIAN, not a publication in from overseas somewhere, so it is accurate to Aus.
For anyone just starting into fly-fishing, those who want to know a bit more or you are just plane curious what critters inhabit our waterways, the book is great.
Accurate sketches, entomology notes, fly patterns and fishing notes make this book one of the best additions to a fly fishers book collection available in a long time.
RRP $34.95 (Numbered limited edition, leather bound. $125.00)
"The Flyfishers Annual Volume 7" is on the shelves now. The high standards set in previous editions continues in production, photography and articles.
As saltwater fly fishing attracts a growing following, so increases the number of articles enlightening us all to some of the successful flies and techniques. Geoff Skinners article "Tuned to Perform" will be of considerable interest.
An international flavour is present with Alistair Purveys’ piece a "Scottish Sojourn.
Fly tiers have a veritable feast to look through and ponder with supporting articles to enlighten us.
The Flyfishers Annual Volume 7 is a good read and keepsake to add to the previous six volumes for future reference. (RRP $27.45)
Fly Tying
Mayfly Tails
Obtaining long stiff barbules for tying mayflies is not always easy. Recently I came across Mayfly Tails and am told they are available in four colours; Dunn, medium Dunn, pale Dune and tan.
Select the appropriate colour, cut to length to suit the fly size and tie in. How easy is that?
Tail fibres are long, straight, pre-treated and will take additional floatant if applied. A point worth noting, these tail fibres seem more durable than natural fibres, and I suppose time will tell.
Client FORUM
One of the most common questions I am asked regards the use and rigging of "dropper rigs" or tandem flies.
Tie your dry fly as per normal to your tippet. Taking a second and often lighter piece of tippet, tie a Uni Knot or similar to place over the bend of the dry fly. Secure and tie your nymph (or any chosen small wet fly) at the required depth under your dry.
The most common scenario is you have fish taking emerging nymphs and you observe that the fish are feeding just below the surface. Now you have the ability to adjust accurately the level your emerger imitation will travel under the water surface. The second benefit of this it gives trout two targets to choose from.
Note: The longer the dropper, the more likely hood of tangles. Please ensure you allow your back casts to fully extend, otherwise……………………..
Fishing tandem nymphs in fast water and even tandem dry flies are not uncommon and, often prove extremely effective.
If you have any questions or wish to raise an issue that others maybe interested in, please drop me an email and I will try and cover it in a forthcoming newsletter.
Christmas Greetings
Just in case I get slack and don’t get a newsletter out prior to Christmas, to everybody and the family and friends a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks again for all your support throughout the year and I look forward to being of assistance again in the coming months.
Tight lines.
Jeff Brown.
October
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
The opening weekend yielded mixed results to all I spoke to. Jason Azzardardi & Graham McGraw fished hard for no result over three different locations. The following day two anglers saw fish but unfortunately missed opportunities. Fish on the Monday were either very tight to the banks or very skittish.
October had a definite international feel to it with anglers from America and Japan. The events in America on September 11 effected many people around the world and visiting anglers included in this list.
Americans Jen & John Stephancik came for a honeymoon to enjoy our scuba diving and fly fishing. John certainly took his toll on the brownies and Jen found out the frustrations of learning.
Japan is a country well known for its love of fish. Tetsuya and Yumiko showed how lure and fly fishers can co-exist without sour words. Tetsuya demonstrated lure casting at its finest without a single tree in two days and some very tight accurate casting. His reward came in the form of feisty rainbows and browns from the streams.
Visiting South Australian angler showed "accurate first time fly casting" produces its’ own rewards. Eight fish in half a day with fish to 1.5 kg. Not bad by any standard!
Phil McCarthy from the Bathurst Fisheries Office has again asked me to pass on his mobile phone number to you. Phil is not only a Fisheries Officer; he is also an avid angler who wants to see everyone doing the right thing.
If you are out and around in the Lithgow, Bathurst and Oberon regions and see illegal fishing activity, please ring Phil direct and report it.
Phil McCarthy (NSW Fisheries, Bathurst) 0407 894 746
COMMON COURTESY AND ETIQUETTE
Once again the ugly face of ignorance raises its’ head. Angler’s wonder why landholders do not allow access to fish rivers, simple, the minority ruin it for the majority.
A property I have been guiding on and fishing now for many years is now off limits to you and me alike due to the IDIOT factor in this world. People barging through properties uninvited, leaving closed gates open, cutting or damaging fences plus, leaving rubbish everywhere. If some body just parked themselves in our back yards we probably ask them to hop it. What is the difference?
Well landholders have rights too. You MUST seek permission to enter properties before starting to fish!
PRODUCT REVIEWS
I don’t think that Steve Starling & Kaj Busch need introducing to many people. These guys have combined to write a new book entitled "How to Catch Bream on Lures & Flies".
This book is a fully comprehensive guide on how to target bream using both fly and lure casting techniques.
Various lure designs, how and where to fish them and, same with the flies combined with a comprehensive look at the environment of the bream, make this both a good general read and a quality learning tool.
Beautiful photographs abound throughout the book adding to the general atmosphere for you the reader.
Rob Flowers’ new book, "Australian Trout Food, Trout Flies and how to fish them" is a very welcome addition to Australian fly anglers bookshelves.
Rob is a passionate fly tier, teacher and fly angler, and those who have met him will tell you he loves his trout fishing.
The book is AUSTRALIAN, not a publication in from overseas somewhere, so it is accurate to Aus.
For anyone just starting into fly-fishing, those who want to know a bit more or you are just plane curious what critters inhabit our waterways, the book is great.
Accurate sketches, entomology notes, fly patterns and fishing notes make this book one of the best additions to a fly fishers book collection available in a long time.
Fly Tying
In the latest issue of Fly Life there is an article on page 83 entitled "Elks’ Nymph & Indicator". It is the indicators I would like to cover. This indicator is both simple to tie and use. After a couple of phone calls asking more about materials this is how I tie my version.
Body Material: Success Flies Kinky Fibre.
Thread: UTC Waxed thread sealed with water based head cement.
NB. At this point you can simply put on a floatant when fishing or
pre-treat with "Water Shed". The beauty of Kinky Fibre is it sheds 90+% of water at pickup, therefore making it an ideal indicator material. Pre-treated it is even better!
Size of the indicator is up to you, but the general rule of thumb is the rougher the water the bigger the indicator. Colour is also personal, if you can see it, that is all that matters!
A material very similar to Kinky Fibre is FLASHFIBRE. Flashfibre has the same fibre characteristics plus the addition of flash.
Copper and lead wires are familiar to all fly tiers. UTC has launched coloured wires and, a range is now available in Australia. Available in two gauges, "Brassie & medium", there are seven colours available: Copper, Wine, Red, Olive, Black, Hot Orange and Chartreuse. Retail is approximately $5-7.00 depending on the colour.
Next month I will look at a product called "Mayfly Tails".
FOR SALE
Hardy Fly Rod 8’6" 7 wt Boron
This rod is in good condition and comes in a cloth rod bag.
If you prefer your rods a little crisper than the tradition action of the Hardy (Medium), this rod handles a 5 wt nicely.
Price - $80.00 O.N.O.
If you have any questions or wish to raise an issue that others maybe interested in, please drop me an email and I will try and cover it in a forthcoming newsletter.
Tight lines.
Jeff Brown.
August Report
The last two weekends could not have been of greater contrast. The 11-12 of August provided clear sunny skies, virtually no wind and perfect polaroiding conditions at Thompsons Creek Dam west of Sydney. Rainbow trout cruised the shoreline primarily within 3 metres making casting easy to all anglers. Small suspended nymphs proved the undoing of several fish for father and son team Mathew & Philip Ngan. One bruiser won the day due to youthful over-enthusiam. This rainbow would have topped the scales at around 2.5-2.75 kg. One lucky angler caught a 4 kg Brown Trout fishing a sinking fly line on a very deep drop-off. Last weekend the weather dealt up heavy wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow. Despite all of this, quality fish came to hand at Thommos, all fish falling to green weighted nymphs and Tom Jones flies.
WHATS HAPPENING- JULY.
The lake fishing has been fairly ordinary over the last month or so but some fish are coming to hand for those putting in the long hours.Thompsons Creek Dam is not fishing as good as it did at this time last year but is still producing some fish.
During July I have run two tours into the Coxs system with some good results. The first trip on the first weekend of July only produced 34 fish between three anglers. The river was down a little and the fish somewhat hard to find. Crystal clear water meant long fluorocarbon leaders and good line management to come up trumps.
July 20-22 was a whole new ball game after the rain. Fish were still a little thin numbers wise but, with four intrepid anglers willing to put in the miles and fish hard, over 120 fish came to hand.
For anybody venturing down to the Coxs, many of the fish have a parasitic copepod Lerneaea cyprinacea or more commonly called anchor worm. According to a Fisheries Advisory Note #1/90 (Jan) the parasite cannot be passed to humans. Any fish effected should be released just to be on the safe side.
FLY TYING SCHOOL
I will be conducting a Basic Freshwater Fly Tying course of a Wednesday night (6.30-8.30 pm) over four weeks commencing soon. (dates TBA). The course is restricted to six people on a first come, first in basis. If there are sufficient numbers to set up a second course, I will do so. Materials, notes and equipment provided. Cost. $80.00 per person.
For further details and bookings please contact me by return email or on 0418 435 410 or fax 02 4735 2990.
FOR SALE
Hardy Fly Rod 8=926=94 7 wt Boron. This rod is in good condition and comes in a cloth rod bag. If you prefer your rods a little crisper than the tradition action of the Hardy (Medium), this rod handles a 5 wt nicely. Price - $120.00
I will put out another newsletter shortly, tight lines. Jeff Brown
Report June 12.
The June Long Weekend saw the closing of the stream fishing season for 2000-01. In retrospect, things have been pretty good with some very good catches by various clients throughout the season. Tony Ranieri's 2.85 kg and Graham McGraws 3.1 kg browns two great results for fairly new fly fishers. Jean Luc-Gude' od Monarco was literally blown away by the rainbow popullation in Thompsons Creek Dam. Eventaully he came to terms with hard fighting fish to 2.5 kg that in Europe are just not seen in public waters and bought five to hand. Ideal conditions at seasons end look like providing ideal spawning conditions again this winter. Speaking of winter fishing, Lake Lyell is turning it on again for those willing to put up with the cold of the late afternoon. Fly, spin and bait anglers are all hooking into quality rainbows as they prepare for their spawing run from the lake.
G’day All.
I know we are still in the middle of summer, but I am looking ahead towards winter.
Last winter I received requests to take anglers into the Cox’s System for winter fishing. Unfortunately, most did not like the idea of walking for five to six hours to reach the better locations.
This winter I intend running tours of three-day duration for three anglers or four anglers and we will ride in by horse. Pack Saddlers will provide horses, a pack horse and a riding guide to take us in and out.
Three tour dates are proposed; June 29 — July 1, July 20-22 and August 3-5. If
you wish to fish mid week and, have a group of like minded anglers, let me know.
The recent rains of the NSW east coast and Sydney have not ventured west over the Blue Mountains into the Lithgow and Oberon regions. As a result, the stream fishing started slowing down and fish started becoming fussy and very flighty. At long last the rains did turn up and, the transformation in the fishing instantaneous. Brown trout fed freely with the increased water levels and decreased temperatures in streams such as the Fish, Duckmaloi and Campbell's rivers. Thompsons Creek Dam - Until two weeks ago, the majority of fish taken throughout the day meant fishing deep on sinking fly lines and lures such as Tassie Devils. Over the past fortnight, fly anglers have enjoyed some late afternoon dry fly action. Lake Lyell - Fly fishers who made the effort to get out of bed early and fished through to about 8-9.00 am have enjoyed the the presence of cruising trout within 10-12 metres of the bank. Small nymphs suspended under dry flies have produced the best results. As the day wore on, intermediate and sinking lines fishing flies such as Tom Jones, larger nymphs, Mrs Simpson, Woolly Buggers and the like accounted for some quality trout. Action has not been red hot by any stretch of the imagination with anglers needing to put in some hard yards to produce results. Boat anglers are also doing it reasonably tough across all angling techniques. It will not be long before the annual assault on lures starts by thumping big rainbows. Lake Oberon - Over the past month, Lake Oberon has yielded a steady catch of 1-1.5 kg rainbow trout. Hawkesbury/Nepean River - Around Penrith (my home area) the wet resulted in a swollen and dirty river. Bass anglers did it tough for a while but since things have started to clear up, the bass are again on the chew. Mulloway and bream in the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury have really come on with the flush of fresh. One Mulloway I heard of from a reliable source, tipped the scales at 30 kg. Not bad! Bream around the 1 kg mark created havoc for some unsuspecting anglers.
A matter of perspective. I have had the pleasure over many years of fishing and guiding to a wide variety of anglers. This has presented not only a wide variety of angling ability but, a wide variety of perspectives and attitude towards a days fishing. During the last few years whilst guiding, one aspect has polarized for me as an observer. The comments of "the fishing was a bit ordinary today", "there are not many fish about" or, "what a great day" seems, on many occasions, to be a matter of personal interpretation. One way of looking at things is the simple number of fish sighted or landed. What has brought this focus to my thinking were comments made by a recent client. After a frustrating day of very flighty fish, with only two that came to hand, my client expressed what a wonderful day of fishing he had had. The following day there were fish everywhere and the anglers were very new to the sport. Despite numerous opportunities and at least 8 positive takes , no fish came to hand due to a variety of angler-orientated causes. At days' end the two chaps concerned commented that the fishing was "lousy". I asked the question at the time of why they thought things were "lousy" and the answer was, "they did not catch fish". My ponderence is now more one of personal philosophy. What is it that makes a good day of angling:- Number of fish at hand? Potential of what could have been? Did I improve my skills? I am now somewhat curious as to what constitutes a good day of angling to most people. I thought I had this fairly well wired in the majority of cases; but maybe not. Since starting to consider this scenario, I have run it past several of my fishing companions and a few clients. Their responses have been slightly varied, but with several common threads. If you are so inclined, please put finger to key board a drop me a line with your thoughts. This is a side of angling that now has me firmly intrigued. In advance I thank you for your inner perspective to your angling day.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING? The rain of the east coast is sadly missing from the western side of the Blue Mountains. It is only in the last fortnight that some decent rain has occurred giving the streams a welcome top up. Early February produced some frustrating angling conditions on the streams. Fish proved flighty and accurate first time casting the only way to produce results, mainly using small flies. Some of the larger deep pools produced by working weighted flies down deep. Last Saturday the Fish River ran a little higher due to rain on Thursday through and including Saturday. The browns seemed to appreciate the cool addition and were out on the job. The Winter Adventure tours onto the Coxs River for June 29, July 1 and July 20-22 have sold out. August 3-5 has places available. Tour prices are $650 for four anglers or $780 for three. Tour costs include horses, riding guide, fishing guiding and meals. If you have a group of anglers who want to do this trip outside of these remaining dates, please let me know. For further information please contact me on 0418 435 410 or by return email. For anyone not aware, the new General Fishing Licence comes into effect on March 23. Those holding current Freshwater Licences remain valid until its' expiry date. For what it is worth, the new licences look different so no confusion will occur. A Tassie Encounter February 2-4, Robbyn unfortunately had to attend a conference in Launceston Tasmania. Someone had to carry her bags to and from the airport and sacrifice meant I had to accompany her to the Apple Isle and then fill in some time. BUMMER! Little Pine proved a non event for all fishing on Friday 2. 16 anglers worked The Pine and, not a bent rod for the entire afternoon. Ken & Marea Orr played hosted my stay on the shores of Bradys Lake. Bradys Lake gave up two beautiful browns just on dark and sent the mossies to keep me company just for kicks. Saturday saw me fishing with one of Ken’s’ guides, Garry. A more laid back chap I don't think exists. Garry recommended an early start (8.00am) at Bronte Lagoon to try and beat the wind. Brontes’ browns proved most entertaining taking FR1 nymphs suspended under a Royal Wulff. We ventured then across country to The Great Lake, only to be met by 25 knot winds and very unpleasant conditions. Gary decided this was not a going concern so we headed for Penstock Lagoon. Penstock proved an exercise in frustration; no dun hatch, no fish taking flies down deep, just no fish period. Getting out of bed at 4.30 am Sunday morning to fish first light on Bronte proved worthwhile. Fish rising close to the shore line of drowned tussock grasses proved interesting. Working out which fish to cast at and, staying focussed on the job, was a great deal of fun. Three quality browns and, two bust offs is a good mornings fishing before breakfast. The game plan after breaky was to polaroid Brontes’ shoreline before driving back down to Launceston. Another four fish by 1pm, all sighted, finalized a very enjoyable quick Tassie trip. Anybody thinking of a sojourn to the Apple Isle, may I suggest the services of Ken Orr and his team of guides. Rex Hunt Fishing and 4WD Show Twelve months has been and gone since the last fishing & 4 WD show. June 21-24 sees the show back at Homebush. Come and say G'Day, I will be found on the G-Loomis stand 21st-23rd. In the next newsletter I will review some of Snowbee’s neoprene product and Scientific Anglers Quad Tip Mastery fly line (6wt). Tight lines.