14 Oct – Club Meeting – back to normal at 7:30 PM at Raiders Weston Club near Cooleman Court. Or come early say 6 or 6:30 and join some of us for dinner. Speaker to be advised.
Next Activities
11Oct – Streamcraft. You need to register with Claude. More details via email and Whatsapp.
25 Oct – Lyle Knowles competition on Cotter River run by John. More details via email and Whatsapp.
28 Oct – Fly tying – to be confirmed but programmed as Early Season Trout Fly. Info in due course and on Whatsapp
I may have confused people, the photo is from our Casting Days here in Canberra.
Gaden Hatchery conducted their Open Day on Sat 3 Oct to launch the new Snowy Hydro 2.0 trout grow-out facility. MAS put on some fly casting lessons using our rods and much appreciated the loan of fly rods. The heavens opened on Friday but on Saturday there were only the occasional hard showers. It didn’t deter a reasonable crowd. Lots of kids landing big rainbows, brooks and tigers from one of the pools – unfortunately the fish didn’t respond to a fluff fly from my casting.
The 2026-2027 Event Program has been published on our website. The fly tying schedule is included. Note that a ‘TBC’ event appears on 17-18 Oct that isn’t on our membership card – decision on this will be made soon.
We hit a milestone during the month, and then some. Early in the month we hit 750 followers of our Facebook page but as I write this, we’ve grown to 780! Tell all your friends to follow us.
Marabou and Rabbit fur are a perfect match for a nativefly. Weighted eyes are added to get it down and a wire weed guard to save the frustration of snagging up, Let it sink and fish it slow.
Hook Gamakatsu Siwash 2/0
Thread blackflat waxed
Body black crosscut rabbit
Collar purple cross cut rabbit
Tail 3 strung Marabou feathers
Flash black Crystal flash
Eyes 3/16, I-Balz
Weed guard 45lb plastic coated steel trace/ can be substituted with heavy mono or not included (for the brave)
Epoxy Devconor 5 min Z-poxy / any quick cure epoxy
The CAA will be holding its annual Fly Casting to the Public on successive Sundays 13, 20 and 27 September. Starts 10AM and finishes around midday.
This year we are moving location to Yarramundi Close at Weston Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7rnHQb3tf2YiCXx9) for the first two weekends and then close by for the on-water session.
You only need to bring sunglasses (essential for eye protection – we don’t practice with real hooked flies, but we don’t want a fly line smacking you on the eye) and preferably a broad brimmed hat.
27 Sep we will casting into water https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCD2XyfQcd1cZhuQ7
Email recording of fish for trophy consideration (or just for historic interest) should include a photo with the following details:
Angler name Species Length (as claimed) General area of catch Month of catch or CAA Event Method of catch: fly, lure, bait Trophy consideration – Yes / No
Trophy awards and committee changes coming from our recent AGM are a big part of this issue. Images from Bondi Forest Lodge and other bits included.
Gaden Hatchery is conducting an Open Day on Sat 3 Oct to launch the new Snowy Hydro 2.0 trout grow-out facility. The management have asked whether any of our members might provide assistance with their conduct of a casting competition.
Membership fees are now due for 2026-27.
The 2026-2027 Event Program has been published on our website. The fly tying schedule is included. Note that a ‘TBC’ event appears on 17-18 Oct that isn’t on our membership card. Decisions on this will be made soon.
Through special arrangements with Boss Outdoors the Sep meeting will be there – and open to the public. Danny will share expert insights on where fish are most likely to be found in our local waters, along with practical tips and techniques for fishing the ACT region — especially during spring, when conditions shift and fish behaviour changes. Danny will also provide an update on ACT fishing rules and regulations, offer insights into recent stocking and research data, and discuss ongoing issues such as illegal fishing and its impact on local ecosystems.
The meeting starts 7:00 PM and you need to phone Boss to advise attendance.
Danny Spelic has been fishing the Canberra and surrounding region for more than 30 years, developing a deep understanding of local waters, seasonal patterns, and the unique challenges of the ACT’s fisheries. A highly respected figure in Australian angling, Danny is a former member of the Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association and is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. His skill and dedication have taken him far beyond local rivers — Danny has proudly represented Australia in both casting and fly fishing at the World and Commonwealth Championships, earning recognition on the international stage.
Outside competition, Danny is a committed educator and communicator. He contributes regularly to national and international fishing publications, including FlyLife Magazine, Freshwater Fishing Magazine, and Sportski Ribolov, one of Europe’s premier fishing journals. His writing and teaching blends technical expertise with practical insight, helping anglers of all levels improve their craft.
In 2023, Danny was appointed as the ACT’s Fisheries Compliance and Conservation Officer, bringing his decades of experience directly into the stewardship and governance of local waterways. His role includes compliance, education, habitat protection, and supporting research and stocking programs across the Territory.
