Looking at the areas around Yass it was all go. With the Yass river producing some quality fish, Burrinjuck showing some great success with Yellow Belly and Cod and even Wyangala producing a few stories as well.

For the Yass River it was all about the old river bed, casting or trolling across the snags. A good sounder can help with this. As the Weir wall was extended a few years back, this has flooded margins of the river. But the old river bed holds some spectacular structure, and all of which holds fish. Canberra angler Patrik Bergman got hold of a 95cm Cod from the Yass River casting deep divers in and around the mid river snags. Even I was able to get in on the action but the tale of the one that got away is the best way to describe my situation on the river over the break.

Burrinjuck was a hotspot for many boating and fishing enthusiasts over the break. And most recently reports have been coming through of good numbers of fish all around the Dam. If you are targeting Cod, trolling seems to be the best method. Covering lots of ground to find the active fish. Yellow Belly are stacked up mostly in the Tree’s (early morning and late afternoon edge bites are available though). Finding Tree’s in 5 metres or more is your best bet. 

Wyangala was also a hive of activity over the break. I got out after Boxing Day for a family holiday and found some great yellow belly in amongst the trees of the Lachlan river arm. And missed a few vital opportunities in the Abercrombie River while casting spinner baits at the large rock walls. Many of the anglers I spoke to found the low light periods most productive. With some great results even on the most barren of banks. 

With all this hot weather about, be safe while on the water. Plenty of water, watch for snakes and try and fish the cooler parts of the day. Much like humans fish slow down during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early mornings and late afternoons for best results.