FISHING right across inland NSW is flush with fresh optimism as summer approaches, as glorious flows of fresh water tumble down the Murray Darling River system.
High flows will make it harder to land that trophy fish, at least while run-off clouds the waterways with sediment and sends the fish stocks sprawling as water disperses in dams and wetlands.
But all keen anglers, who are invariably optimistic in their piscatorial pursuits, agree the fresh flush will revitalise the Basin, although results may take several years to eventuate in the environment.
For many months, The Land fishing columnists, Narrabri-based anglers Josh Smith and Jamie Condon, offered tips and techniques to catch cod and other inland species in low-flowing rivers which can especially help lure fisherman, with less water for fish to hide in and better visibility for the fish to spy their offerings.
But now the worm hook has turned and ironically, high rivers present a raft of new challenges for anglers along with benefits for river health.
“Lure fishing is a lot tougher now, but by no means impossible. You need to take a slower approach and use bigger lure that displaces a lot of water so the fish can hone in on it,” Mr Condon said.
“The timing of the high flows couldn’t be more perfect with spring on the way (when Murray Cod breed). But the full benefit of the high water won’t be felt for a couple of seasons,” Mr Smith said.
Shearer-turned Murray Cod fanatic Rod Mackenzie, based in the southern Basin, expected the base of the food chain to flourish, with smaller fish and crustacean numbers “set to explode”.
“There is always something to catch and if we get big rivers then that means the bait fishing is terrific. It’s great for the smaller rivers in the system, and for dams that have been drawn down too,” ,” Mr Mackenzie said.
Mr Condon said anglers shouldn’t change fishing tactics, despite the changed conditions.
“Fish chase optimum water temperatures to find a comfort zone, which generally follows the water level, and they’ll remain in typical snags and structures.”
Better practices boost stocks
THE degree of the change in attitude among anglers over the past 10 years “is amazing” says Narrabri-based Jamie Condon.
Bad practices like leaving set lines to tangle are frowned on now as river-health awareness grows.
His fishing-buddy Josh Smith said gone are the days when “knuckle-draggers would bring pictures into the pub with dozens of fish strung up on the clothes line”.
Mr Condon said the closed season on cod taking cod (from Spetember 1 to December 1) has helped spur a “resourgence in river stocks”.
Southern Basin fisher Rod Mackenzie awareness of environmental health had driven the prevelance of anglers who catch-and-release fish.
“‘I’d say the fishing is better now than it was 20 years ago when I began,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“All the big fish have to go back, which is a win-win for everyone.
”Catching a metre-long cod is become like getting a bream off the jetty.”