A big weekend was had by all at Burrinjuck State Park at the weekend.
Catches are as follows:
Murray cod: are still quiet with the odd fish being picked up on the troll. A 68 centimetre cod was the biggest landed over the weekend. I spoke to two anglers that hooked very large fish over the weekend. Both lost the battle, the fish and a little bit of tackle.
Yellow belly: eskys full of fish, fishermen bagging out each day, big yellow belly 50 centimetres plus, this was a very common tale over the Easter weekend. The biggest yellow belly reported was 58 centimetres with a lot around 55 centimetres being caught. One angler trolled up three fish over 55 centimetres between Carrolls and the island. Worms, shrimp and yabbies were all working well in the Bidgee arm, from Maceys back to Scrubbys on the western side. The shallow areas up towards Barbers Flats were also productive. The fish are still holding above the five metre depth mark. Bobbing and cast and retrieve methods are both working well. Still not much joy with the crank baits for me.
Redfin: a lot of fish were landed around the shoreline of the park. One angler picked up 30 from the old volleyball court on worms. Another fisherman accounted for 17 redfin from the bank at Carrolls Creek using jackalls. I watched three boats tied together 30 metres from the bank pulling in fish at the side of the main boat ramp, with the skiers having to go around.
Carp: the catch rates are down on the norm. There are still carp being picked up from the shoreline but mainly on worms.
Park news: the Yass Acclimatisation Society took part in the release of 80,000 yellow belly fingerlings, last Thursday, with the releases spread from Hume Park to Carrolls creek. Recreational fishing looks like it has a good future.
For those interested in classic cars, the Wagga Classic Car Club will be staying at the park on April 20 and 21, and will be having day trips around the area.
The Yellow Belly Championships are fast approaching and there are still spots available. The event takes place on April 28 and 29 and for any teams wishing to enter visit www.yellowbellychampionships.com. Let’s hope the yellow belly keep biting for a few more weeks.