This edition has commenced with a very thoughtful piece from our President (who later pointed me to a comprehensive article available here. In this vein, Leon spotted a significant fish kill in Pejar Dam. This has been reported to DPI through Steve Samuels. We await results from water testing that DPI are intending to carry out.
Only limited reporting on angling – has it been just too hot for people to get out and about? Meanwhile a couple of reports of fish stocking in the local area.
Minutes have been distributed by Steve.RFNSW meeting 11 outcomes – non-confidential version
Latest periodic report has been received. All the news on this year’s production outcomes and stocking timings.
Some really good reports here with a diversity of angling – not much on trout folks, what gives or are you having the same problem as Peter and I have had with finding our spotted friends. Many thanks to Ash, Evan, new member Jane, Luke and Lyall for material. This issue has seen an addition to our occasional column on ‘Tips from Members to Members’ – thanks Leon for initiating a discussion on “how to fight big fish on fly” – also known as “how to put the maximum strain on fish”.
The PFD (personal floatation device) Humpy is this month’s Fly Fishers International Fly of the Month so is being tied all around the world in November. Lyall will take us through some of the intricacies.
This is a high floatation stimulator/attractor which is great for choppy rapids as your dry fly on your dry and dropper rig.
Materials
Hook: size 10 dry fly hook (I used a 1x short Gamakatsu S12-1F but any dry fly hook will do)
Wing: white kiptail
Hackle: saddle hackle – any colour
Body: floss any colour and 1.5 mm foam sheet any colour (see attached photo and you will get the idea)
Tail: elk hair
Thread: 6/0 colour to match foam
keyword dryfly
I wonder if the departure of Malcolm Turnbull will also have an impact.
For those who need a broad description of the project, you might read this from the ABC.
For those new to this matter, trout anglers are concerned about the potential to impact on trout in Lake Tantangara (and possibly elsewhere). This includes to potential for redfin to be pumped up to Tantangara from Talbingo and predate on trout. Monaro Acclimatisation Society is negotiating remedial action with Snowy Hydro.
More here.
Got the following from Luke:
On my way back from the coast, I decided up pull up for break and have a quick flick on the river at a particularly ‘fishy’ looking pool. I was lucky enough to land 3 bass, all around the 30cm mark and dropped a couple more. I could only stay for half an hour so I’m definitely keen to get back there and spend some more time exploring the area.
We haven’t heard from Owen in a while – and it seems we won’t see much of him either till Christmas. Retirement has given him the opportunity to hit the road. It was much appreciated to get some images and words from his time north. Thanks also goes to Claude for a report from the end of the season – good advice on offer here, though I’m a little concerned about how successful this squirmy has been (Lyle Knowles success also). My fly box has some very poor examples and I’d better get practicing. Jaime has come through with some snippets also – always got some hints on offer. JM has a report here on the Kid’s Fishing Clinic plus he’s in print with CFA. Many thanks also to Lyall (can always be counted on to provide a topical item).
Update on Lake Wallace progress.
These have arrived via Steve. Two items piqued my interest:
Some interesting observations on how the brown trout run progressed – somewhat encouraging but less so for rainbows. The issue of cormorants and pelicans in the trout breeding areas has been raised with the environmental department – let’s see what transpires.