Canberra Fishing Report | May 5, 2023
LOCAL LAKES & RIVERS
As the weather starts to cool, the local lakes have slowed down for Redfin & Golden Perch, however the larger Murray Cod still remain relatively active.
Some anglers have been catching some giant specimens at Googong Dam on surface lures.
This is some of the most exciting fishing for Cod you’ll experience!
The Murrumbidgee is running high and dirty after recent rainfall, however it should clear in coming days and will fish well leading into Winter.
The local trout streams have also fished extremely well with many fish still happily taking dry flies!
SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Lake Eucumbene is still producing some incredible catches of Brown & Rainbow Trout.
This year has been one of the best in recent years for large Rainbows.
We’ve had reports of Rainbows up to 5lbs, and multiple reports of fish around 2-3lbs.
It’s also been quite common for anglers being broken off fishing 8lb or greater tippet!
Small Beadhead nymphs like the Manic Quazimodo & CDC Stealth PT have been successful, as well as a selection of other small wet flies.
The Eucumbene River is the centre of attention as the local migration of Brown Trout is in full swing.
Some trophy fish up to the magical 10lb mark have been caught and many above 5lbs!
The standout lure without question is the Rapala Spotted Dog, and flies the standard Nymph & Glo Bug rig.
Rebecca Bailey with a beautifully conditioned Eucumbene Brown Trout
This is a great opportunity for many anglers to tangle with some exceptionally large fish, however catch & release is encouraged.
Please ensure proper fish handling practiced when landing these fish.
Barbless hooks are a good way to minimise damage to the fish and make for a quick and easy release.
Fish should only be removed from the water for a quick photo then sent back on their way.
Wetting your hands prior to handling the fish will also minimise the amount of protective slime removed.
Please also try to avoid placing fish on the bank where possible.
Please adhere to fisheries rules and regulations regarding size and bag limits which is 1 fish over 50cm per day.
Hugo Harrington with an absolute Trophy Brown Trout
SOUTH COAST
The Estuaries a firing up with some big schools of Salmon starting to enter from the ocean.
These are a fantastic sports fishing option on fly or lure during the cooler months
They pull seriously hard for their size and can be great fun on light tackle.
The Fulling Mill Surf Candies are one of the standout flies, and Keitech Easy Shiner plastics for a spinning option.
There were some cracking Snapper reported off Batemans Bay with fish landed up to 10kgs!
They were caught using a bait as well as jigging with the Palms Slow Blatt jigs.
Some good Jewfish have also reported pushing the magic meter mark in the Estuaries.
The Irukandji ‘Siccario’ Soft Plastics have been doing the damage
Mike Harrington with a 90cm+ South Coast Jewfish
