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May/June 2010 fly Fishing Report
As I wright this there are only a few weeks left in season 09/10. By all accounts it was another excellent season. It's early days yet, but with some luck, the big dry in south eastern Australia may be over. I sure hope so. March and April were quite dry, but in only the last week or so excellent rain has again fallen across the region and there's definately more coming. Now a big snow year and we'll all be jumping about and dancing - it's been over a decade since this part of the world has had consistent rain.
Anyway, to matters at hand. Rain in the mountains at this time of season bring some good fish into the larger rivers - notably the Thredbo and Eucumbene. The high mountains at the Jindabyne end of the Snowys tend to get a little more water than the Adaminaby (northern end), but all waters now have a sufficient flow for the major fish runs to start. Again I'll remind fly fishers of the need for some constraint and the fact that the bag limit for both the Thredbo river and Eucumbene river is only 1 fish and it must be over 50 cms long. I think a nice photo is a better idea as the fish are far more valuable if they're left in the water.Glow gugs will come into thier own now that some fish will be spawning and wether to fish it weighted or in combination with a weighted nymph will depend on the flow. As always you need the fly to be at the fishes level with this sort of fishing.
These autumn run Browns can be qute a bit spookier than there springtime rainbow bretheren, so try not to be seen. It can be great fun latching on to a few of these hefty Browns - it's the last real opertunity for the season so enjoy it.
There will of-course be some polaroid fly fishing on sunny days in Jindabyne in winter and I'll be out ther a few times - even if it's just to enjoy the walk.
Have a good winter.
Paul Bourne.
April 2010 Fly Fishing Report
Late autumn is now with us and winter isn't to far away. Easter has come and gone and the fishing has been quite good on the right day. Earlier this month saw some warm and clear weather with some exceptional days. As is is always the case, too much of a good thing tends to see the fish's feeding activity slow a little.We're now seeing some variable weather and the fishing should be good through till the seasons end on the June long weekend.
Some good rain has fallen in the region and most rivers and streams have seen a rise in water levels. This will trigger some big browns to start running the major rivers that run into the big hydro lakes. The Eucumbene and Thredbo rivers will now attract anglers looking for "the big one". Don't forget that both these streams have a change in bag limit from the 1st of May through to the end of the season. Only 1 fish over 50 cms. can be kept from these two rivers at this time. Ofcourse these fish are running these rivers to spawn and it's far wiser to return them unharmed so they can guarantee fly fishing in the future. Each succesive rainfall event from here on in will see more and more fish entering these rivers. Also remember, it is illegal to fish for fish that are engaged in spawning and it is also illegal to walk/wade on spawning redds. These are the gravel areas at the back of pools and in some shallower runs and glides.
It can be fun catching these big trout and there are a number os successful methods. When the run first starts many fish will be resting over in larger pools as they travel up and at first few will be spawning. These early fish can be best chased with a nymph under a big dry if they're not too deep or on a warmer day. Once a number of fish have begun to spawn, eggs will start to roll down the river as more and more fish compete for the available spawning gravel. It's now time to give the Glo Bug and nymph combo a try. Some fly fishers will also fish the river mouth areas of the lakes on into the night in the hope of a monster! Big and black can be a good recipe for flies with this in mind. The big ones tend to run the rivers in the dead of night - I'm usually in bed then, but some fly fishers have the bug! Don't forget that when fishing any deeper or faster water it is always critical to be near the bottom - that's where the fish will be.
Theer will still be some dry fly fishing available under the right conditions and small mayflies and midges will continue to entice some fish into feeding. Rainbows will certainly continue to feed when given the chance and if in doubt try to target these. Small flies will work well but don't forget that bigger fish will still sometimes take a big fly given the chance. autumn days can be very pleasant, but the soft light helps fish see clumsy fly fishers - so be careful!
The big lakes are falling a bit but continue to povide some good fishing in the morning and evenings. As I said earlier, try the river mouth areas as fish will begin to congregate there waiting for the right time to run the rivers. Lumo flies and wooly buggers continue to work well and as is the case generally at this time of seson, the rainbows should continue to feed well.
There's less than two months left in the season - it's definately been a good one, so make the most of it.
Paul Bourne.
February/March 2010 Fly Fishing Report
Well what can I say. Water, water everywhere. As I'm sure most people realise the Snowy Monaro region, much like many other parts of the country is experiencing the best rainfall for many, many years. Even better, it's forecast to continue as many pundits, including the C.S.I.R.O. are predicting an end to Australia's long and protracted Big Dry. I sure hope they're right. Time will of course tell and I'm certainly hoping to be out fishing the Monaro in a season or two!
Anyway back to the fishing at hand - the Snowies. The Mountains have of course also been getting rain, with the southern ( Jindabyne ) end receiving most. It's been a long time since I've seen levels in the Thredbo River hold up so well through out a summer. The Northern ( Adaminaby ) end has received less water, but now that high summer is over the rivers and streams here are flowing and fishing well. At least a few inches of rain are forecast for the next four or five days as I'm wrighting this! Keep it coming Huey!
With a fair amount of variety in the weather, the fishing has also been variable. Grass hoppers are and should continue to work well in the northern parts of the mountains and lower regions. The end of the hottest part of the season will see some fair mayfly hatches over the coming weeks. Small Rusty or Black spinner mayflies are common at the moment. These should be tied on a #16 or #18 hook. A normal pattern that's been clipped underneath will work well if fish are fussy when they're taking spent spinners. These tend to be falling on the water mid to late afternoon and you might also find fish "cleaning them up" in the morning. The small Baetis mayflies also start to appear from now till late in the season. These are the Blue Winged Olives and there are plenty of commercial fly patterns around to imitate them. Again, keep them small - #16 to #20will do the trick. There are many other usefull flies for the coming weeks and all will depend on the conditions. Red tags, Royal Wullfs and Adams are dry flies I'm never without, as are Pheasant tail and Hares ear nymphs.
Cooler weather and rain will also see the large hydro lakes ( Eucumbene and Jindabyne ) continue to be productive. The usual Mudeye and Yabby flies will do well on or after dark and an Olive nymph or shrimp pattern is useful at this time of season. Both lakes have fallen a few percent but are at reasonable levels. If we have reasonable snow season we should see the "flats" at Providence on lake Eucumbene covered next season. As most keen lake anglers know, these have been dry for a number of years and when they do go under - look out!. Even a die hard stream fisher like myself will be out there.
The season continues to fly and I'll be enjoying the coming weeks and enjoying the weather!
Paul Bourne.
January 2010 Fly Fishing Report
The new-year started out with some excellent dry fly fishing in the various rivers and streams through out the region. Although mid month saw some very hot conditions affecting the fishing in some waters.
Thankfully those conditions have abated and cooler weather has seen the fishing improving. I'd expect that to remain for the latter part of the month. It's even forecast to snow a little as I'm writing this report!
As is to be expected in summer, it's terrestrial time. Beetles and grasshopper flies have been very successful and this will continue to be the case for another month or so. As will deep-fished nymphs for times when the fish are playing hard to get.
Most streams and rivers have reasonable water levels for summer, with the southern parts of the Snowy Mountains having the most flows. The Thredbo River has fished very well and with plenty of holiday makers about the fish are not easy. Fine and far has always been the rule for summer and when fishing pressure is at it's highest. Also remember that rain storms are common this time of year so bring a jacket.
The big hydro lakes have remained reasonably stable and have fished well when it hasn't been too hot. If the lake shallows become warm then the fish will simply avoid the edges and stay out deep, so it pays to keep an eye on what's been happening. Again, condition should be much milder over coming weeks and shore based lake fishing will improve.
Summer is also terrestrial time on the lakes and windy days fished on the right piece of shoreline can produce some excellent fish. Pick an area with the wind blowing off grass that's not too far from the edge and also with a little depth. These places can be favourite cruising areas for big browns on the look out for grasshoppers. Try to chase a few of the real thing out first and wait for some action!
Evening fishing on the lakes has been good on the right day - usually yesterday! Seriously, it's not always easy to pick the right evening for mudeye hatches, so you'll need to persist. Craig's Nightimes, Fur flies all work well during summer evenings.
The coming months are expected continue to provide some rainfall in the region. So when the crowds abate and guiding slows down, I know where I'll be.
Paul Bourne.
December Fly Fishing Report
This month started out a bit dry but good rain in the holiday lead up has seen all waters looking good for the Christmas break.
I've always enjoyed fly fishing in December as there usually aren't too many people about and the regions rivers and streams tend to fish very well on dry flies. That always depends on the weather of course and as every one who has ever visited the mountains will know, anything can happen - so come prepared.
Good mayfly hatches have continued this month, but as summer takes a grip these will slow in favour of terrestrial insects. I've noted some tea tree beetles about, but after the large hatches of these last season, I'm not expecting to see the same again. They tend to peak about every three or four years. Still any beetle pattern works well at this time of year.
There are a large number of small grasshoppers about and when these get on the wing some time in January the fishing should be great. Hopper time can be spectacular and if we have some good summer rain trout from the lakes can run the bigger rivers to feed on them. So fingers crossed!
The lakes have managed to keep their levels quite well and have only dropped a percent or two in the past month. This should also mean some good hopper fishing, as grassy are that harbour the grasshoppers will remain relatively close to the water an the trout in those areas should key in on them. So long as water temps don't get too high, the fish will patrol areas that hoppers will blow in to the water on warm windy days. It's not a bad idea to walk around in the grass in these spots and try to get a few grasshoppers on the wing and blown in the water. The kicking of their legs should definitely bring some fish on!
Grasshoppers won't be the only attraction for the lakes. Midge hatches have been productive and will continue to attract some trout activity. A small buzzer pattern about 50cm. behind a midge ball isn't a bad way to approach midging fish, but they can be tough at times.
Most higher altitude lakes and streams fish well over summer and generic dry flies such as Red Tags, Parachute Adams etc. will always catch their share of fish.
Do remember that summer sees an increase in visiting fly fishers in the mountains and try to look to the future when you have some success. A released trout can fight another day and also will have the opportunity to breed and ensure fishing for the future. I always advise anyone looking for a feed to fish the big lakes, as they are well stocked and managed for this.
Paul Bourne.
November Fly Fishing Report
November, as I'm sure most of you know has been fairly warm throughout the whole country. The Snowys certainly have also been experiencing weeks of warm sunny weather. The fishing has been pretty good in the streams as a result, but enough is enough. Fortunately it seems the hot stuff is over and we are having some changable weather again ,with a few storms and rain thrown in. As I said the fishing has generally been good in the rivers and streams, but I've always found that weeks on end of sunny days tends to see the fishing slow down a bit.
Anyway, there's still plenty of water about and some rivers could even still be called "a bit high" - the Thredbo River received a some rain a few days ago and it is still getting snow melt so has been higher than it has been at this time of year for a long time. The rivers in the northern end of the mountains are generally a bit lower than those that are getting snowmelt/run-off from the higher main range area.
It is and will continue to be a great time of season for dry fly fishing. If you strike things right you may enjoy some good hatches of some of our larger mayflies. These are of course the Kosciuszko mayfly commonly refered to as the Kossie Dun and the common Black Spinner mayfly. On large still pools in some streams you may also find some Red Spinner mayflies - these fly close to the water and when spent the trout love them! You'll need flies in #10 for the Kossies and #12-14 for the Red and Black Spinners. You might also come across some of the much smaller Caenis mayflies on overcast or foggy mornings. They're tiny but the fish can really get into them at times - #20 or 22 for these!
I'm still seeing plenty of Stoneflies and Caddis about in the flowing freestone rivers ansd streams, so always keep a few Elk Hair Caddis on hand and if you don't have anything specific an Adams will cover for both Stonies and Caddis in #14 -16. Between now and mid autumn there will always be a few beetles about, so keep carrying those trusty Redtags and some time in December should see some Tea Tree beetles begin to emerge.
As I said earlier there is still plenty of water about and you may need to fish a nymph with a little weight occasionally to get the fly to the fish. Unless flows are very high - in which case a heavier Bead Head nymph is needed, I've always fancied the Pheasant tail nymph. It cuts a thinner profile and tends to get down in the water quite well and of course the trout love them too!
The earlier warm weather saw the Snowy Hydro begin to draw water for electicity (air conditioners in the city). So naturally the big empoundments have begun to fall a bit. They're still fishing quite well and good midge hatches have been a feature at times especially at lake Eucumbene. The closer we get to Christmas the more regular mudeye (Dragon fly lava) hatches will become. I'd guess, with the increased water levels in the big lakes, we'll see an excellent mudeye year. Fur Flys, Craigs Nightimes and Cordiloid patterns are some of the best for imitating mudeyes and any weedy bay area can turn it on.
With some rain on the way the season continues to shape up well and the following weeks will be excellent. Guiding tends to slow a bit on the run into Chritmas, so I'll certainly be out and bending the bamboo on a few!
Paul Bourne.
October Fly Fishing Report
Well what a great way to start the season. Rain and snow with some more rain and snow just for good measure! I think approximately 1metre of snow fell from the last days of September through to the first couple of weeks of October. I even woke to heavy snow falling in Cooma one morning. This is of course why they're called the Snowy Mountains and should remind everyone that the weather in this region can do anything at any time of year - so when visiting, come prepared.
Naturally this has meant some very high and in some cases occasionally coloured water. As was to be expected, plenty of nice Rainbows have been caught during the first couple of weeks. The numbers seem to have fallen back a bit now, but I'd say we'll have some later run fish as the waters drop. These trout have'nt always been easy due to the high flows - that are only starting to drop a little now. Fly fishers have needed to fish very heavy. This has generally meant two well weighted flies - not much fun to throw around. The Muppet (dumbell eyed globug) and heavy tungsten bead head nymph rig will probably still be useful in the larger spawning rivers (Eucumbene and Thredbo) for a few weeks yet.
I'm sure we'll continue to get some rain, but it does all seem to be easing off and things should return to more normal conditions. By this I mean the rivers should see falling levels and with some warmer weather we will start to see some dry fly fishing. Late October and early November will see mayfly hatches increase. Caddis and some stone flies are also usually present. Some of the largest mayfly species in the region tend to hatch well over the next month or so, so come prepared with a few #10, 12 &14 dun patterns. Both the Adams and March Brown are good all round mayfly dun imitations and there are of course some species specific patterns.
Beetles also are starting to appear with the warmer conditions. As always, don't leave home without some trusty Red Tags in # 14. Of course flowing mountain rivers and spring go hand in hand with other useful generic flies. The Royal Wulff should be at the top of any ones list as should the Elk Hair Caddis. Spring can often mean thunder storms so keep and eye out for termites and other ant species. Trout seem to love them! There are also plenty of other productive patterns for the following month or so, that's why your fly vest has so many pockets and some fly fishers will try to carry them all!
Various bead head nymphs in different sizes and weights can be useful for fish lying deep. Chocolate brown and Hares Ear colours are favourites, as is the ever reliable Pheasant Tail nymph.
With all this water about the big hydro lakes are rising and at times are fishing very well. Lake Eucumbene is over 30% and Lake Jindabyne is above 60%. They should both continue to rise for some time yet. Shore based fly fishers have done well with Mrs Simpsons and other yabbie based patterns. Stick caddis also produce well at this time of season.
All in all it is shaping up to be an excellent season.
Paul Bourne.
Outlook for 09/10 fly fishing season
As I write this there's a little over a month to go until once again we get to wet a line and chase some trout with the fly - I did manage to try my hand with the polaroiding on lake Jindabyne a few times throughout winter. I even caught a couple of nice fish! Which I can assure you isn't always the case with this type of fly fishing. Personally I'm just itching to be out wandering the beautiful streams and rivers of the Snowy Monaro again.
So how is it shaping up? Well we won't be breaking any records for snowfall this winter, but I don't think that will pose a problem for the mountain rivers and streams. As the snowfalls have slowed the rainfall has increased - not so good for skiers, but fine for those who love to wave the long wand! Certainly at this stage it looks like we'll have plenty of water about the place - so I'm predicting a pretty normal season.
The Monaro region still remains in drought. Surely one day the dry conditions that have prevailed here will turn around. It's been more than a decade since the legendary Monaro rivers have been productive. "Oh well", fingers crossed, maybe next year.
The mountain rivers have fished pretty well the last few seasons and I have no doubt this will continue. I work up in the snow in winter and when the sun's out and I'm heading home I often have a tantalizing look at the fish running the Thredbo River. As is usually the case at this time of year there are plenty of fish in the river and there's a few nice ones amongst them. The story's the same at the northern end of the Snowys in the Eucumbene River.
Tungsten Bead Head nymphs and Glo Bugs are the usual fare for the early season spawn run Rainbow trout. The weight required depends on the flow. At the moment I'd say there will be a fair amount of water in the rivers - but keeping an eye on the rainfall in the area a week or two before the season opens will give fly fishers a better idea of what to expect. The season does appear to be a bit early this year so "who knows" there may even be a few caddis, stoneflies and mayflies about.
So if you've not yet dusted off year gear, I'd suggest you do so. Check your rod. Clean your fly line. How's your tippet material - remember, most tippet will begin to break down once it's a season or two old. Do you have spare leaders? How's the fly selection. Grimy, matted flies can be rejuvenated by holding them over steam - the forceps you may carry are good for this. It's also a good time to check the waders for any leaks. Remember the water is pretty cold early season! Fill them with water and mark the spots and then when they dry you can apply some Aqua Seal - it's definitely the best wader repair gear out there.
So we're all ready to go. Have a good season.
Paul Bourne.