I can only report on one quick trip to Burrinjuck recently, where I got a small yellow belly rolling plastics in sixty feet of water. There were other notable signs within the dam, large schools of redfin in forty feet mostly located off points, these schools looked to be reasonably active. And the Yass River arm of the dam (about 3 – 4 bends) we found football fields worth of schooled carp. Some sipping off the surface which would excite many a fly fisherman. And schools under the surface that looked exactly like an Australian Bass school would.

The Yass River itself is reasonably murky and I personally haven’t heard of many captures from there. But with some nicer weather hopefully on the way, I’m sure a carp or redfin could be on the cards for anyone wishing to give it a go.

Down the coast some windy conditions have held off many fishermen with the artic vortex bringing cold, strong offshore winds to the south coast. Those that battled the winds or found a calm day in between have been rewarded with great catches of bonito and tuna on the shelf, some deep dwelling bream and flathead and the occasional jewfish in many of the deeper sections of rivers and lakes open to the ocean.

Up in the mountains snow, icy winds and downright tough conditions for a human were seen. This for the brave ones among us showed that trout just love rough conditions, with some great captures from Jindabyne and Eucumbene along the banks. 

With the shortest day of the year behind us. The days will begin to get longer, warmer and the fish will react accordingly. So fear not the spring weather is not far away and our natives will start to prepare for their annual spawning traditions. 

An early reminder to all anglers that the targeting of Murray cod from September 1 through to December 1 is prohibited as they are protected during this time for spawning. 

If you have a story to share, or a picture that you would like to have shared in the paper. Feel free to email me michaelwatsonfishing@gmail.com.