UNSEASONABLY warm weather has translated well for a good cotton harvest, but sadly most rivers and dams west of the great divide have seen better days.
There are parts of the Namoi that are completely devoid of any water for kilometres in either direction.
We have never seen this, although a lot of old timers remember this being common place in the early part of last century before much needed impoundment and weir systems that are so beneficial to agriculture and the region.
Not much water in rivers has meant highly concentrated populations of fish.
A lot of the bigger fish that we have seen are looking emaciated and in need of a good feed.
This certainly is not the case over the mountains in northern NSW.
A recent trip to that part of the world chasing some Australian Bass was a complete contrast to the dry conditions out west.
Knee high green grass is a foreign experience for us with a western base. Green grass means lots of water and fortunately lots of fish.
There are still a number of little streams in the hinterland of northern NSW that don't receive much fishing pressure and contain large numbers of Australian Bass.
These native fish are hard hitters for their size and live in some inhospitable country that is best accessed by a kayak.
That can also present a problem if you connect to one of these brutes.
They can quickly have you buried in their snaggy home before you know what has happened. That is after you have been towed around a bit.
Similar bait caster or spin gear that you would use for Golden Perch is required and a strong leader is wise as some insurance in case you get buried in the timber.
Often these streams are only a couple of metres wide, so everything happens very quickly.
Australian Bass also love surface lures early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Keep an eye out on the 7Mate digital television channel on Sunday, May 29 and Sunday, June 5 at noon for the premiere of our fishing shows.
These made for TV versions have been edited back to fit into the hour long slot and will also feature some modified for TV audio which is just a bit different to the feature length versions on our Blu-Rays and DVD's.
Value your time on the water and the outdoors with your family and friends and enjoy your fishing.
- If you have any questions, reports from your area or some fish pics (and a brief story) you would like to see here, drop Josh Smith and Jamie Condon a line at joshandjamiefishing@gmail.com or visit www.joshandjamiefishing.com.au
