Author Archives: bill

Lifecycle – caddis and stoneflies

Ben has produced two other videos covering the next two trout food insects – stoneflies and caddis.

I can’t say I’ve seen many stoneflies, but his references to squallids and salmonflies put some context to other American videos I’ve watched.

The caddis one is very relevant.

I wonder if we could get him to do one on mudeyes/dragonflies.

28 Feb 2024 Fly Tying Materials

The club holds some of the specialty required materials in the Gambrill bequest. ie.

  • Tan Antron
  • Orange striped rubber legs
  • 3mm yellow (not tan) foam rolls
  • Elk or Deer Hair

BJ has offered to buy some tan foam if Boss has any. He would then take to the 14 Feb club meeting and dispense samples to those who say they will tie.

Anyone who wants to tie the Commonwealth Hopper, can come to the next meeting and BJ will provide a sample.

Registration of interest in receiving the material would be appreciated.

January 2024 Burley Line (Issue 198)

Apologies for the mixup. It was pointed out that I had omitted some important material. Updated newsletter now uploaded.

Since our Christmas barbq the club has been understandably quiet.  We hope your Christmas and New Year went well.

Our cover shot this month is our little friend from the North – we’ll make a dry fly fisherman out of him in due course.  More of this inside.

Many thanks to Greg S for his contribution – the videos he finds are always entertaining.  I’ve got a report here on the somewhat controversial stocking of Trout Cod in one of our favourite rivers. Ryan has had some success – if you don’t already do so, consider following him on Instagram.  A report on the club carp event is here – was fun for those who participated.  Two reports from Tumut, though a little bird tells me that Lake Eucumbene is going off at dusk too – mudeyes seem to be the fly of choice after dark replacing caddis during the day.  Finally, an excellent report from Claude, BJ and Travis on Yaouk fishing.  Great to see they had success on dry, especially the black spinner that was the subject of a recent fly tying night.  So good when these self-tied flies bring home the goods.  Roll on the hopper next fly tying.

With my Membership Officer hat on … there’s still a few, what I would call ‘regulars’, who haven’t paid their 2023-24 subs.  Note that public liability coverage when on CAA events is contingent on being a financial member.

RFA of NSW January 2024 Newsletter

Has arrived and available here. Key points:

  • Latest NSW Recreational Fishing Trust annual report is online – our fishing fees at work
  • Coopers Island (near Bodalla) access issues…again!
  • Dodgy offering on eBay
  • EHN fish disease in Lake Wallace, Blue Mountains
  • Rig Recycle – keeping unwanted kit out of land fill

A New, Different, Fly Fishing Journal and Website

CAA was approached by a local Canberran Henry Delves, who is the developer of a new fly fishing journal/website.

https://www.taleout.com.au/

Henry explained:

I would like to share our free online fly fishing journal, Tale Out with the members of the Canberra Anglers. As a free online fishing resource Tale Out is likely something that your members would be interested in.

The most efficient thing for the club’s members to do is to sign up to the free monthly newsletter. This will keep people in the loop when our articles are published.

Tale Out is taking a different approach to our fly fishing stories, speaking more to the experience rather than the traditional ‘grip and grins’. We hope it resonates.

We’ll be inviting Henry to be a speaker next year.

The following gives you a snapshot of the content.

December 2023 Burley Line (Issue 197)

What can I say about Rod’s mulloway – hmm, I did man the net .

Well done to Ryan for organising an excellent event at Tuross – he even put on some perfect weather and lots of fish.  Little did he know that organiser responsibilities extend to assembling the trip report for Burley Line.

The shirt and cap sale was a great success, except for my poor arithmetic.  For those who missed out, the club does hold a few for sale – speak to BJ.  Claude and I are considering whether to follow it up next year with some fancy dye-sublimate shirts.  They are all the rage up North and maybe we could follow suit.

Just a reminder here for the few members who have not paid up their 2023/24 subscriptions.  Recall that to be covered by our public liability insurance you have to be financial.  All the information on rates and how to pay are here.

We’re coming towards the end of the year and gives me pause to think – 2024 will be my 20th year producing this newsletter.  It has been a pleasure, but I will likely need some assistance next year due to family travels.  Anyone want to help out?

I probably won’t produce a January edition, but if you have some stories to tell, feel free to email them into me.  If there is enough copy I’ll put out a ‘holiday edition’, otherwise, my plan would be to put something out early February.

The December meeting by the lake will be the last until 14 February, but Claude will gather the keener anglers to chase the feisty carp on 14 January.  If I don’t see you at the barbeque, all the best for the festive season, take care on the road and don’t forget to slip/slop/slap.