Author Archives: bill

April 2020 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 154)

Well, what a situation we find ourselves in now.  Restrictions on gatherings have impacted on our program, while many of our members have either found themselves in: self-isolation due to international travel (our thoughts go out to Ian and Stuart … anyone else?) and now being asked to keep travel away from home to essential.  Not clear if going fishing would fit within the rules.  As a consequence, this issue is quite light on with club news with wrapping up from events from ‘before the virus really hit’ and a report on our first toe in the water of virtual connection.  My aim with Burley Line will be continue each month as a means of staying connected in this new, socially isolated world.  Any contributions or suggestions for topics will be appreciated.

Our next big innovation is shaping up to be our first effort at conducting a CAA meeting, complete with slide show, over Internet video conferencing.  This proved quite successful at our test run with fly tying last month.  The technology is relatively simple so please give it a try – one hint, keep your microphone muted unless you are actually talking to the meeting; background noise can be quite disruptive to the audience

CAA is Moving Towards Virtual

After a successful Internet video meeting for the last fly tying – thanks Claude, Evan, Lyall and others in the background – CAA is considering using this technology for meetings given the pressure to reduce social contact (plus Raiders are shut). The next Burley Line (imminent) will have a short article.

The package we used is called Zoom (becoming very popular now), though we have a continuing interest in one called jitsi (Google the term ‘jitsi meet’).

To help novices, I’ve prepared a small how-to Beginner’s Guide to Zoom. This will show you how to prepare your computer and some basic instructions on how to participate. Limited personalised assistance can also be provided. All you need is a camera and microphone on your computer. Never fear, no need to sign up and give away personal information.

KNP Roads Update

I got a report from a friend who travelled the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban on Mon 16 Mar. It is open with only a small number of areas under maintenance including a short stretch near Khancoban of one way. (Drivers are cautioned to check Live Traffic NSW.) Good news was that rest areas and camping sites are all open and in the middle of unburnt areas.

There appears to be little change to ongoing closures but I haven’t had any observations from travellers:

  • All areas north of the Snowy Valley Highway including Tantangara Road. ie Tantangara Dam and the Murrumbidgee headwaters.
  • Cabramurra township and the Khancoban-Cabramurra Road.

The authoritative source is the NPWS website or else contact the NPWS offices.

NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers InterClub Meet 1-3 May 2020

The NSWCFA Interclub Fly Fishing Meet is again on at Wallerawang (based at Black Gold Motel) from Fri 01 May to Sun 03 May 2020. Our affiliated clubs/associations are urged to get a team together to compete for the Best (fly fishing) Club Trophy.

Stefan is hoping CAA might enter a team.

There are a total of 13 categories spread over five competitions:

· Fly Fishing – six categories for longest fish species: Impoundment Trout, Stream Trout, Bass, Other Native, Redfin and Carp;

· Fly Tying – three categories: Open, Intermediate and Novice;

· Fly Casting – Long distance accuracy;

· Fly Casting – Short distance accuracy and

· Photography – two categories: Open and Novice.

There is no limit to team size but obviously the larger the team the more chance of one member getting a place (1st to 4th) and scoring points (7,6,5,4 pts respectively) which go towards the team total.

Program.

March 2020 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 153)

Stop Press – Newsletter has been updated due to Khancoban trip cancellation

It seems a number of us headed across the ditch this past month.  Two reports here.  Many thanks Jaime for his submission and to Peter and Claude for accompanying me and helping with the report.  The final major item is one from Jason M completing his postcards from his earlier trip to Tasmania – much appreciated mate.  Still looking for others to come forward with their stories – too many modest folk in our club?

Many of us have been closely watching the situation in Kosciuszko National Park.  Our News blog has provided some updates (thanks Lyall) and the latest one is quite positive – the authoritative link has been provided.  The fires have also raised the profile of our problem with brumbies and there has been some movement by the NSW Govt.