Centrepin Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 The huge volumes of rain has hampered all attempts at fly fishing. The floods have been unprecedented from Cooma to Thredbo. So after a week of dry weather we chanced a trip to the Thredbo for Saturday. I was crestfallen to hear they had 62 mm on Friday night at Thredbo. The river was not as high as I expected and with Evi having a rest ventured out below the Ski Tube. Yes it was very fast but fishable. One good fish came up to a stimulator and did not take it. Nothing was interested in the nymph below. I decided to put on my variation of a Royal Wulff, still nothing in the next 2 runs. I went downstream to a spot that had produced in the past. I was minding my own business when this large head appeared, took the Wulff and went downstream. The run led into a huge pool and there he sat. The sound of my reel alerted another fisherman walking past and I am lucky it did. The next part will sound unbelievable but it is true. This fish sat on the bottom and with all the side strain I could dare on 6 lb line and 4 weight rod could move him say 1 M out of the current then he would take off on a 20M run. Get him back and start again. During one run my line knotted into the spool. With the help of the other guy I removed the spool and luckily my friend was into his sulking routine. We cleared the knot just as he took off again. The fight must have been an hour. It was the longest battle by far I have had, including bigger NZ fish. Took a few quick pictures, length check against the rod and released him. The guy who stayed with me was great. He just wanted to help and see how big he was. I am so grateful. The fly was hooked on the outside of the mouth. The skin is very tough that is why it was able to sustain such a long time with the strain. By this time the sun had gone and the reason for the fish to look up. Fishing was slow and managed 1 small fish that was rising. The next day Evi and I walked into the Burrengabuggy. This is a delightful high country stream that normally has lots of small to medium sized rainbows. It lies between the Gungarlin and Island bend and the walk in from Island bend takes about 1 hour. There were no fish. I can only assume it is like Cave creek and the massive rains have washed them out. We will arrange restocking but that is another story. Fished that evening back on Thredbo for 3 fish to the Wulff up to 1 Kilo. The water looked so inviting today but had to go home. This is unfinished business I will be back soon. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irongustavius Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Oh my goodness. I was not aware we had river fish like that in Australia. What an epic fish and a deserving capture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foolforjesus Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) Hi Geoff, wow that is a cracker Brownie and what a great battle you had! Man river fishing for trout is the ticket. Unfortunately I just don't know where to go, which is why I tend to fish the Blue Mountains lakes. If you could suggest some river spots, I would most appreciate it. Again, awesome fish Geoff, well done mate! Edited March 19, 2012 by foolforjesus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRED-ATOR Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 wow what an epic fish! they look so nice in colour! well done on the fish mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregL Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Great fish Geoff. Pictures are inspiring, got to go try the river stuff next! Well done Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bombora Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 What a stunning looking fish! And great tale of its capture. Stream fishing is rather fun. Good stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooked-Up Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 beautiful looking brown mate, and sounds like the fight was one of the best, it looks beautiful around there, and well done mate i bet your stoked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc118 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Well done Geoff, Nice fish. The rivers here are running high and dirty. I'll get a report up shortly. Regards Caddis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan1977 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Beautiful brown mate, sounds like a great fight. Well done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisecraft Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Well done Geoff on landing him, what did he measure? My "guesstimate" is ~68-70cm. Regards Kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centrepin Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 About 66. Approximate off the first length of rod section on 4 piece 8 fooot 6 rod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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