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NZ 2008 Trip Photos - Click here to view
It’s been nearly two months since we updated the fishing report page. This is not only due to the season being closed and the weather being nothing short of depressing, but also due to the fact that we have been off doing other things during this down time in our year.
I spent about six weeks fishing around my old teenage stomping grounds of the mid-north coast of NSW. This part of oz is a real hidden gem. Most days were between 19-21 degrees and the fishing was superb. Bream, bass, snapper, kingfish – every day another location to fish or another species to chase. For those of you yet to experience it, bass on surface is as exciting as fishing gets. But now it’s back to normal at home and preparations for the new fishing season that is rapidly approaching with only a month to go now……
New Zealand trips booked out some time ago now and the expressions of interest continue to come in. As a result we have been able to wangle free one more of our guides (i.e. me!) for the week of Feb 14-21. This is peak cicada time and the terrestrial fishing in general is peaking about this time. We can now offer two more spots for this week. Also we are offering customised trips for those wishing to visit before Christmas or do something different over there. Enquiries can be directed to me via email antony@gvffc.com or on FreeCall 1800 458 111. This trips will be costed on the requirements of the individual/group.
Those going to New Zealand either with us or on their own should now be aware of the decision to ban all felt sole wading boots from this season on. As such there is going to be a massive rush on Aquastealth varieties. Due to the lack of stock in Australia at the moment, these boots are going to become hard to get. Those needing a hand sourcing a pair should contact us ASAP as we have ordered a large number across most sizes to try and service as many of our customers as possible. These are now in stock and we have just been informed that Chota are bringing out a new Aquastealth boots with studs but its not due for release until about November.
While this decision to ban them is hardly a shock, the swiftness with which it has been implemented has taken everyone by surprise as we thought that a season’s notice would be given to stakeholders. We understand and support this decision despite the fact that to me personally it’s a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted - not to mention that wading boots is not necessarily the main way that it is transported from catchment to catchment. Either way it’s a step they have identified in reducing the threat of further spread and we must all now adhere to the regs.
Moving away from trip information and the latest news from New Zealand we should mention a few things a bit closer to home. River improvements are again going on in the Goulburn/Rubicon. While many have the view that these are destructive/negative changes the overall balance is mostly positive. The boulder fields now around Thornton are a brilliant addition to the local fishing. While I agree that in a perfect world the willow removal may be done with a little more consideration for the effects on the fish, the overall trend is positive and we should see the benefits in the not too distant future.
On the spawning front it has to be said that things were much the same as last year. Anecdotally speaking this is a poor spawning result and in keeping in lines with recent seasons. The river, like so many around the state is in desperate need of stocking, something almost impossible given the various hurdles and hoops one must overcome in order to meet with Fisheries requirements.
On a positive note there has been nobody fishing out of season from what we have seen this season. Of course we are not on the water all day every day, but we do have the river at our back gate and we are often driving over the local bridges, not to mention we are often the first point of contact for irate locals when someone is fishing during the closed season. We have not encountered a single person and have only heard of one person briefly fishing on the Rubicon until informed that the season was closed. This is a great thing and something that has taken many years to achieve. The word has finally got out to the masses.
On the weather front we have had a wetter than normal July and things are well and truly soaked. The ground is heavy and wet and we are now in the ideal position to capitalise on any late winter/spring rains to come. In recent years we have often had dry ground at this time of year and this has led to less than substantial runoff when the spring rains come. At least we are now well placed for anything that may drop in the coming months.
The lake is at 18% and should at least reach the same high point as last year. Hopefully we will be looking at 35-40% in the lake come October/November. It remains to be seen but I have all ten fingers and toes well and truly crossed.
For those interested, the lake is at 18% with an increase of 8cms in the past 24 hours. There are 3500 Megalitres going in and 130 Meg going out in any given 24 hour period. Water temperatures released from the lake into the Goulburn are currently at 9.2 degrees C and dissolved oxygen is at 9.2 parts per million. Rainfall for the past 24 hours is 10.2 mm.
The fishing has been typical of winter in the valley. Our lakes have fished very well at times for a mixture of fish. Browns and rainbows averaging about a kilo but up to 5kg have been caught and released. Most of the fishing has been with wet flies imitating baitfish and although a little early for them – damselfly. Dry fly fishing with small imitative midge patterns has also been a welcome distraction for those besotted with the surface.
Many of the fly fishing clubs have an annual one fly competition on our lakes. This year I believe Shepparton had the best overall result with around 100 fish being caught and released. For anyone interested in running a club event or private function along these lines it’s simply a phone call away.
The pondage has at times fished well. Notice I said well and not great! The reason it has fished well at times is because of stockings made by Fisheries. Unfortunately the numbers of fish going into it need to be severely overhauled in order for it to be a worthwhile visit. Although better than many other waters in the state due to the drought/neglect by management, it is still not a patch on what it was a decade ago. More fish, more often or make it catch and release and maybe then these smaller numbers could work. Even so, at least the pondage gets some stock, unlike the rivers. The rivers get none and haven’t for decades.
Attached are a few pics from our trip. Have a squiz if you are interested. Also have a look at  some of the photos of the river works by clicking on the following link Goulburn River Improvements.
Hope that this report finds you all well. Please drop us a line if you are interested in any of our services, particularly the NZ trips as these will fill almost immediately.
Join our mailing list or RSS feed for the latest info. More to come shortly.
Cheers
Antony
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