throughout April.Reports of 20+ fish per day flat line trolling spotted dog rapalas or Tassies in hot colours such as pink,chartreuse or fluros have been frequent and seems to be the most productive way to fill your bag.Bait fishing is still going well even though an ever receding shoreline is the norm at present, as fish are looking to put on that last minute condition prior to there journey up the river.Best baits..Scrubbies,Dyna grubs and powerbaits Chunky cheese,lime twist and orange.Spin fishing from bank or drifted boat in the shallows with hard bodies like the bullet in the low light periods or overcast sky picking up some big grazing browns lately and using a vibe or soft plastic hopped off the bottom in deeper areas on the clear bright days.

Its almost time to for us fly fishos to leave the dry fly box and mucilin at home,but for the die hards if you are at the right place at the right time you will find a bit of a red spinner mixed with baetis hatch of an evening,most likely around the mouth and the river itself.Last weeks rain saw the river come up and a few fish moved up,and a couple of lucky anglers caught some rippers ,but with out follow up rains the majority retreated back as the river dropped. Streamer and wet fly has taken over and its on! S.W vic fly club picked up 27 and dropped a few fish in an afternoon on tantangarra between 6 anglers.Stripping large Buggers,simpsons,zonkas and matukas on floating lines smacking lots of trout mornings and evenings on floating lines however a slow intermediate or a sink tip will be a better idea during those still sunny days when the fish are holding out a bit deeper.Standout areas have been Providence flats,Yens,and Braemar.For those who dont like to swing wet flies its not over just yet,dry fly fishing is still available on the smaller streams,but it pays not to hit the stream untill you can feel the warmth of the suns U.V ..Gentlemans hours (11am-3pm) being the best time to begin to allow the insects to generate some life from the sun and get active..Jindabyne has been a little quiet report wise,but always worthwhile.Local anglers have been getting some above average Rainbows with the odd brown around Hatchery bay to the river mouth and waste point on bullets whilst walking the shore.Trolling Jindy is a bit spasmodic with mixed results from 1 boat to the next.Best Jindy lures have been hot coloured Tassies and large spotted dog rapalas (9-13cm)...Good luck and Tight lines!!!

 

Trout Spawning Limit

Media Release 26 April 2018

Two of Australia’s most iconic trout fisheries are set to see an influx of anglers from 1 May, as the annual trout spawning season commences in the state’s Snowy Mountains.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is reminding those visiting the Eucumbene and Thredbo Rivers that while the season presents an opportunity to catch a prized trophy fish, there are specific rules in place to protect the iconic species.

DPI Senior Fisheries Manager Cameron Westaway said between 1 May and 11 June, recreational fishers are required to abide by reduced bag limits to allow the fish to breed.

“During trout spawning season, there’s a daily bag limit of one fish, at a minimum size of 50cm, and a total of two fish in possession,” he said.

“These rules apply to the Thredbo River and its tributaries, as well as the Eucumbene River and its tributaries (upstream of the Lake Eucumbene Dam wall and including Providence Portal).

“Although DPI stocks both dams with Rainbow Trout, as well as stocking Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout into Lake Jindabyne, it’s still important to provide increased protection for Brown Trout during their spawning.

“DPI Fisheries officers will be patrolling the areas to ensure that fishers are abiding by these rules throughout the season.”

Recreational fishers can use one attended rod and line, with up to two hooks with artificial flies or lures. Up to three treble hooks attached to any lure is permitted, while any fishing gear rigged for bait fishing is prohibited.

Mr Westaway said the annual spawning runs, paired with the right weather conditions, see above average populations of fish in the area, providing an opportunity to hook a trophy fish.

“As the fishing can be second-to-none, this tends to attract large numbers, which has led to vehicle access restrictions in place on the Eucumbene River in conjunction with Snowy Hydro, NPWS and local angling groups,” he said.

Those with limited mobility may arrange a vehicle permit via DPI, with those eligible able to obtain a key and permit with two weeks’ notice. Applications for a limited mobility vehicle permit can be made online on the DPI website.

The annual closure on fishing in trout streams for the rest of NSW will be in place from midnight, Monday 11 June, allowing the species to breed uninterrupted. The season will re-open on Saturday 29 September. Trout dams remain open to fishing throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au