dragemout

Hey Chris Wow that's a great restocking rate for TCD, no wonder it' s such a popular spot. Do you know if the fish came from Gaden Hatchery?? You can get most of the way down the track on the Rydal side in a 2 wd but make sure it is dry or you won't be coming home soon, better off with a 4wd if you have access to one. It is also a bit of a hike. The best tool I use as I'm sure most of us do is the google sat and terrain maps, how easy has this made exploring different locations. Regards Patrick

G'day Just a quick suggestion, when the rivers open Barrington Tops region is up your way and has some cracking streams running through it, also some good camp spots and you can get as remote as you like. TCD is a good old spot if you want to catch a fish from a dams edge. The location does however have very little appeal as far as scenery but is convenient. Up this way if you do a little research and want get away from the crowds from the big smoke have a look at Lake Lyell at the top end - come in from Rydel, some big browns and rainbows to be had here. Be careful here it's can be quite slippery drive in during the wet colder months, same as the back way into TCD. I like this spot because you have a good chance in the off season to catch a trophy spawner near where the feeding river runs into the dam. Also the Duckmaloi River out at Oberon is worth a look! Question to the Raiders - How often is TCD stocked because as far as I know trout are unable to spawn in this dam even though they spunk and egg up in winter? Good luck, hope you catch a monster. Patrick

Hey Raiders - A story for you Not just the dam wall is dangerous! 2009 in July I drove in to TCD the back way through the pines. I jumped the gate walked over the top of the quarry to the water's edge on the wall side.(best way to get in) It was sago snowing and very wet, I slipped and spun dislocating my ankle and snapping my fibula, foot facing 90 degrees pointing outwards. Using my good leg for a splint I dragged myself up the muddy bank and found a grass tussock to lay my head on and assess the situation. No one knew that I had gone fishing so I was pretty desperate to get back to my 4WD, I grabbed my foot and relocated it straight hoping it was just dislocated but in doing so could feel the crunching of the broken bones inside. I lay back unrigged my fly rod and packed it up for a long crawl to the car. You won't believe it about an hour goes by until I realise I had my mobile with me. It was cold and the rain was steady. Fortunately my jacket was a good one. My phone was fortunately in range - one bar low on battery. I contacted a mate who was familiar with the fishing spot and asked him to get an ambulance to me. It was a huge relief to have made contact and that my whereabouts were known to someone. No ambulance arrived, though I knew my mate had called them and given them his directions. A couple of hours go by so I rang Telstra directory and asked for the number of Delta Power Station. When I was put through to the safety officer I knew that there would be some action. Without delay I was speaking to a field officer who was familiar with the area. “Describe the place where you are stranded.” “I’m on the edge of the dam, about 200metres from the damn wall and west of the quarry”. “I know precisely where you are. We’ll be there soon”. “Could you please contact the ambulance and direct them?” “Yes, we’ll do that now. Hang on” “I can’t hang on: my phone battery will run out. I’ll have to hang up and hope you can ring back” And they did and posted security people at vantage points to guide them in because the ambulance was somewhat lost. The Delta crew arrived well before the ambulance, about eight officers in number of 4WDs. There were field workers, first aid people and management personnel. They were magnificent. As I apologized to each in turn for the inconvenience, they re-assured me that their only concern was to help me. (and by the way, they confessed, it was an interesting diversion from their usual daily routine) They kept me as warm and comfortable as possible, assisted the ambos when they arrived and eight pairs of eyes watched with interest as the ambo sought a vein in which to insert a catheter. Then with me aboard, the 4WD ambulance bogged and Delta personnel with straps and towing gear had to get us on track. All the way to Bathurst the paramedic in the back with me kept up a steady dose of morphine to ease the pain. Great stuff! It took over 5 hours from the time of break to getting to hospital. Friends Robert McGill and Joe Hardy spent all Thursday searching for and retrieving my vehicle..For this I am very appreciative. Moral of the story, always tell someone where your going and a time frame. Watch your step! I certainly learnt my lesson that day. Cheers Patrick

Hi Guys I'd like to think it was a monster Brown but it's head just looks too similar to other salmon I've seen caught before. I thought salmon were mean't to have more of a fork in the tail. Steve Williamson has a great big stuffed Salmon on the wall in his shop about 17lbs - I know it was not caught by anyone because whilst I was having a BBQ at the Gaden trout hatchery Sam Crocker the hatchery manager at the time was draining one of his brood stock ponds. He gave the fish to a bloke called Dougy, Sam said it was so old and going to die. Dougy took it to Williamsons shop weighed it in! and they mounted it???. Catching a 6kg fish on a 6wt fly rod is an awsome experience, I have to say like all fishing, you have to have to have a fair amount of luck and a few tactics up your sleeve. Warning - if you plan on going down to the Threadbo for a serious fish do not go anywhere near the Wild Brumby Schnappes Distillery. Many an afternoon fish was missed tasting all 17 flavours, also their Beer in the 500ml pot is a must. Usually about 3 before moving onto the schnappes. They have a top German lunch menue aswell. Patrick

Good on ya Matty I first discovered that little piece of trout paradise, if I remember August 1990 when I was a 20yo pup. nearly froze to death at night as I did not take a tent)I'm interested how you dicovered the spot and got in, I always did the walk downstream from Kanangra Walls(not sure could be a bit quicker or longer???)bloody steep though. Mate at times down there I've crafted a spear and landed some huge rainbows in the pools when the water is low. Your mate would have slept for a week when you walked out. I'd be keen for another trip in, some times of year the leaches near the river can be a real hassle. Well done champion Patrick

Guys Have just joined the site and am impressed how helpfull it is for fisho's wanting to skill up. You were mentioning Thommos or lake Lyall for a fish. I live in the area and fish both. Thommos lately has been producing some big browns up to 60cm, most caught using large bead head woolly or Jindy buggers. Olive or black. Lots of small rainbow rising late afternoon, surface flies/mrs simpsons etc.............. wanta tip... the headwaters of Lyall could possibly find you a trophy fish this time of year. Google search a map and you will see the two main feeder tributaries and how the get there. 'Ofcourse'you can only fish on the lake side until the rivers open.