The long wait was over. New South Wales trout streams opened on our October long weekend and I had a full three days planned with clients. I made my way over the Blue Mountains to see what the streams had on offer. I met Joe and Greg early Saturday morning at Lithgow and we travelled to a local stream. Unfortunately, things got off to a shaky start and before lunch, the scoresheet read: Joe/Greg – 1, Trout – 6. But as the day progressed, the early season jitters wore off and we began to land some fish.
Greg claims his first trout of the season.Greg and I approached a new piece of water and noticed a rising trout at the top of the run. We got ourselves in position and Greg made a cast. Assuming he’d fallen short, I said, “You'll need to cast another two metres for that one.” But to our surprise the eager fish turned around and came looking for the fly. The trout flashed through some sunlit water to show its size, and we realised it was massive! The fish took the offering and a very eager strike firmly placed the fly and broke the tippet at the same time. We stood in shock as the monster shot back into cover. Thankfully that run held another willing early-season trout of around two pounds. The catch helped ease the pain of the loss, but only slightly. We fished out the day and enjoyed several more little mountain trout.
Dry fly hook-up!The following day I met up with regular client Ross. The plan was to spend a couple of days on the streams out near Tarana and Rockley. We started on a section of the Fish River where I had scouted out some nice fish in the weeks leading up to the season opening. It was a chilly morning and frost covered the ground as we made our way to the river. On approaching the first pool we spotted a rising fish and in no more than five minutes Ross held his first trout for the season: a gorgeous rainbow of nearly three pounds. The catch began a day of great fishing. The initial hook-ups were on dries and nymphs, but as the weather changed, so did our tactics.
Ross opens the season in style.The next day saw a remarkable change in conditions from the first morning with the temperature eventually pushing 30C. The bright, clear skies kept most of the trout deep; we caught fish during the day on a slowly retrieved Woolly Bugger or two small nymphs worked through the bigger holes. The trout continued to feed into the night, providing extra chances. It was a long day, but well worth it.
Searching some deep water in the heat of the day.Overall, the long weekend proved promising for the new season and last week's rain and snow are only going to help the stream conditions. There were several stretches of water apparently devoid of fish - perhaps these were still recovering from last summer’s hot spell. In general, the best fishing was found in areas well shaded by overhanging trees, or close to deep holes - both of which would have provided refuge for the fish on hotter days last summer.
A little mountain brownie, taken during the evening rise.The Central-West has been my fishing playground for many years, and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the season will deliver. So far, so good!
