We had earlier posted much of this information but now here is the official report.

Gaden Trout Hatchery Report June-oct 2017
For those unaware, Gaden Hatchery is generally the single source for DPI and MAS stocking of trout in this region. The situation last year was pretty parlous with few fishing running up from Lake Jindabyne. Gaden used to provide monthly reports, but to reduce administrative workload, they are now less frequent. The latest report passed to us by Steve Samuels is very positive. Not only were the runs, especially the browns, larger (Gaden was able to remove the fish trap much earlier allowing fish to run up the river and spawn naturally), but the number of stocked fish detected was very low meaning the ‘naturally bred’ fish were very much in the preponderance. The inclusion of Eucumbene fish into the Gaden stock sounds like a good idea for genetic diversity. Keep your eye out for the tagged ex-brood stock fish in Jindabyne.

All unwanted 2+ 3+ rainbow trout broodstock (230 individuals) have been released into Lake Jindabyne with an elastomer implant (pink) inserted near the left eye.

Waterwatch and the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre are trying to enlist the public to locate carp breeding grounds now that spring has warmed up the water. You can then log your sightings at the Feral Fish Scan website

More info in the Canberra Times article here.

The AGM in August discussed the anomaly that fish caught on an official CAA event held outside the defined trophy regions (NSW CFA Regions 3 and 4) could not be considered for trophies under the extant rules. This was further discussed at the Bondi Forest executive ‘retreat’ and revised rules were developed. These were endorsed at the September CAA meeting. Also endorsed was an expansion of the number of trophies to include trophies for cod, golden perch (named the Charlie Diedo trophy), bass and English Perch (redfin).

The revised rules (including, in due course, a ‘worked example’ of the slightly complicated trout trophies) are now on the web.

The 2017 MEJ BIG Burley Bash is being held at Lake Burley Griffin over 10 weeks, every Thursday evening starting 5th October. This event will see anglers target the yellow belly species – the BIGGER the better.  Fishing will take place from 6:30pm to 9:30pm each Thursday, and points will be accumulated over the 8 weeks, with one week of finals.

Planning is underway getting flyers and registration forms organised.  Once completed they should be available from Burley Line or direct from fishing@my2hooks.net

Those who read the August newsletter will be aware, but there is some more information here.

Late in Jul an alarm was raised that the ACT Govt was looking to lock permanently the southern gate to the Googong foreshores (down near London Bridge and Burra).  There was a quick response from the angling community, especially ACTFF, and through them the Environment Department was called to explain the situation on the ABC Local Radio (666) Drive program on Wed 26 Jul. Go to:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/canberra/programs/drive/drive/8725826

The interview with Matt Kendall was at 4:07PM but the recording starts at 3:00PM. If you fast forward about a third of the way through you’ll hear it.  The key outcome is that the Department is looking to install an automatically locking gate in lieu of sending rangers down to lock the gate each evening

The key complaint is the opaque manner that this had been considered by the Environment Department. From here on our energies should be focussed on ensuring the Govt consults with the public as the performance of the gate is examined – probably through their Recreational User Group. Also to ensure irresponsible damage to the gate doesn’t give the Govt an excuse to take the option to permanently lock the gate in the future.

Readers might consider signing a petition started by Andrew Wall MLA.