Author Archives: bill

May 2019 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 143)

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The weather didn’t seem to have read the script over Easter.  Yep, a little cooler in the evening and the leaves were falling, but the temperatures were unseasonable.  Whereas Peter, Ian and I were in NZ with some drastic winds and floods but thankfully still got a few fish (especially that ‘almost a Kiwi’ Ian).  Anyway, we seem to be now getting some rain, but I’m unsure if it is having impact on the Monaro streams.

One big item of news is that our own prodigal son, Nathan, is back in town and the powerhouse behind an expansion of WetSpot in Fyshwick taking over the Compleat Angler franchise following the Pratt’s closure.  I’ll pop more info up on the news blog in due course but Nathan tells me it won’t be truly operational for a few week yet.

This issue seemed to be shaping up as a bit thin but clearly my mind is slipping – had totally forgotten Luke’s report on the April trip that he had sent to me while I was away.  It was an excellent report so I’ve popped it into our “Places” blog for visibility.  A copy is included in this issue also.  Claude has reported back on some time he had on Eucumbene plus a couple of mystery photos from Luke.  JQ has been competition fishing and he explains a little about how it works.  Maybe the rest of you have been too busy fishing to report in but, as always, I truly appreciate my reliable correspondents coming through.

Breaking news: This updated version has Luke’s full report PLUS Claude submitted some up-to-date intel on his trip on 5 May to the Tumut – essential reading for those going up with Stefan later this month.

Claude remarked to me the other day that our ‘photo of the month’ and cover shots are perhaps dominated by “fish grab” – yep, guilty as charged.  Accordingly this month has a more scenic cover image courtesy of Claude – thanks mate.

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Out Adaminaby Way

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The April 2019 High Country trip was originally planned by JQ for ‘the other side of the mountain’ but circumstances got in the way.  Fly Fish Australia competitions, Man From Snowy River celebrations, Easter … so much conspired against the original plan.  The locale was changed to camping out at 3 Mile Dam, but attendee numbers dwindled (Peter, Ian and I were in NZ so we had a legitimate excuse).  In the end a dynamic duo of JQ and (big) Luke stayed in a cottage at Adaminaby and ventured forth into the back country.  Their story is below – I remain envious of how well it all went.  JQ still refuses to give me the precise location, but it inspires me to look more closely.

Out_Adaminaby_way

Gear Review – Koldkutter Studs

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Mark has been raving to me for ages about how screws for ice-racing motorcycles can be used for studs in wading boots. Shaun has taken the plunge and bought some, his review is here – many thanks mate.

Especially if you go to another supplier, Mark tells me that the coarse or self tapping thread is the one you want. The fine thread has to be screwed into a nut or threaded hole.

“These are the ones I use (image from here). A couple of tips:

  • Shoe must have a VERY hard sole. Soft sole and they will fall out after a while.
  • When screwing them in put some glue (aqua seal or shoe goo) on the thread.

“

Coming Events

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Next Meeting:

Wed 8th May – 7:30PM at Raiders Weston Club. Speaker will be Associate Professor Chris Fulton from the Research School of Biology at the ANU will be telling us about the endangered high country Murray crayfish.

Next Events:

Thu 16th May – ACT Fly Fishers have kindly invited all CAA members to their monster fly fishing gear auction night from 7:30 pm at the Deakin Soccer Club at 3 Grose Street in Deakin. The idea is to bring along your pre-loved but good fly fishing gear on the evening and have them auctioned off to provide you with dollars in your pocket and provide beginning fly fishers (or you) with nice rods, reels, lines and all manner of gear. ACTFF will keep ten percent of the sale price which is next to nothing. Just like previous auctions it promises to be a fun night.

Fri 17th – Sun 19th May – Stefan is hosting our annual trip to Tumut. More information has been sent out via email.

Wed 22nd May – Fly tying – usual time of 7:30PM at Raiders Weston Club. Fly will be advised.

Disabled Access to Eucumbene River at Denison

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The road access to the Eucumbene River at Denison is gated off but people with mobility problems can seek permission, and if necessary, the special key.

Luke (our Facebook manager) has spotted the DPI announcement of this year’s request process. Well done mate.

For those who aren’t following the CAA Facebook page, here is a link to the relevant post.

Apr 2019 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 142)

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This issue has seen the return of some ‘tips from members for members’ – many thanks JQ for your contribution – even if the photo is a bit scary.  A little humour has come in from Luke (who has recently resurrected our Facebook page – much appreciated mate).  Ian is away and took time out to send a short report – Peter and I are looking forward to joining in the fun.  With winter coming, and many of us driving diesels, I’ve copied in here some notes I’ve extracted (with permission) from ACTFF.  A disappointing report is also here from MAS – this will impact on local stocking.  A highlight of this issue is the report from Claude and BJ on their recent trip to NZ – just check out the cover photo to tempt you into reading the full report.

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New Zealand – Claude and BJ – updated

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Maestro v Magician on the Mackenzie

Claude and BJ revealed to a number of us “NZ old hands” that they had engineered a week in Twizel. Much animated discussions on how and where followed.

BJ offered some hints to entice you to read the full report (or perhaps more likely to have a chat over a beer at a future meeting):

“Claude’s tricky F-Fly switcharoo calling a rainbow from the deep, the in-plain-sight 2 rod-lengths away staring competition with a 65cm brown (that he lost when he blinked) on the tarn, and the ‘no-strike’ strike technique that worked once and failed once. The Maestro was as much a magician as Declan and never (ever) failed to pull a rainbow (or 3) out of a lie.”

Meanwhile, here is the full report:

Mackenzie

Claude subsequently sent me this stunning photo. He tells me “the location was Lake Pukaki at the delta. If the weather is good it’s great fishing in the shallows with small nymphs polaroiding and where the Tasman river braids flow into the lake”

Gaden Trout Hatchery Open afternoon – Discussion on Trout Strategy

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Got this today from the DPI, it is unfortunate that it clashes with our monthly meeting:

Dear Stakeholders

We’re calling on anglers to join us for an informal get together from 4pm on Wednesday 10th April at Gaden Trout Hatchery to discuss the NSW trout strategy.
This is a great opportunity to meet DPI staff and for anglers to hear about new and ongoing research, enhancements to hatcheries, stocking and management arrangements and DPI/ angler communication. The event will begin with presentations from management and research staff after which anglers can tour the facilities and see demonstrations on research techniques such as tagging and electrofishing and participate in further discussions. The event will conclude by 6:30pm followed by light refreshments and you can join in at anytime throughout the afternoon. Please RSVP to Gaden Trout Hatchery on 6451 3400.