Author Archives: bill

Meeting 9 Sep – special arrangements

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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.

Coming Events

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Next Meeting

9 Sep – Club Meeting – Danny Spelic will be speaking on fishing in our local lakes held at Boss Outdoors starting 7:00PM.  This will be open to the general public so Boss needs RSVPs to get numbers for seating and catering the free bbq. You need to phone 6239 1323.

Next Activities

21-23 Aug – Bondi Forest Lodge with BJ. Limited beds are available.

26 Aug – Fly tying – Tips and Tricks led by Claude. More details will be emailed.

Fly tying 22 Jul 2026 – Musky

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Nathan led us with a face to face fly tying session at Boss Outdoors.
Musky fly from the US.
Materials:

  • Bucktail ( colour of your choice. Think spinnerbait colours ).
  • Strung Rooster Saddle Feathers
  • Flashabou
  • Shanks: 35 or 45mm
  • Thread: 210 denier or heavier
  • Hook: Gamakatsu B10S 2/0 or 1/0

Here’s some of what are called musky

https://www.theflyfishers.com/C/433/BestMuskieFlies

here are some tied on the night

Keyword wetfly

Unusual Side Effect of a Fisheries Regulation

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You may have seen the regulation that, for fish with a minimum, or slot, length size rule:

You must not alter the length of a fish which is subject to a minimum or maximum size limit ….You cannot remove the head or tail … This means you cannot fillet your fish or possess filleted fish if you are in, on or adjacent to the water.

There’s a news report here that tells the sorry tale of two guys who had cut a Murray Cod into steaks but were then inspected by a Fisheries Compliance Officer. Since the length of the fish could not be verified, they were fined.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-man-fined-300-for-eating-his-campsite-catch-ridiculous-072658546.html