Bunker Islands Fishing
This morning I'm fishing the small streams in the hills around Goulburn. Incredible country - with Mark Bowles from Southern Highlands fishing safaris.
Even though these are tiny pools Mark reckons we can expect fish up to 6 and 7 pds. Incredible !
This type of fishing is all about tactics. We need to spot the trout before the trout spot us… so even our approach is planned with military precision.
It's not about blind casting, you have to sight fish quite often, find where they're rising, and use a strategy about how to approach them.
These are natural springfed pools that run right down into the Lachlan river.
The trout sit in the shallows near the weed beds…so you have to tempt them to rise with a dry fly.
The next challenge is to find a spot where you can hide from the trout, but still cast your line without tangling up in a tree…
I tell ya - this is a real game of cat and mouse… or should that be man and trout.
Finally Mark spots a likely suspect…
What a beauty… a big brownie !
Unfortunately, he won't move a muscle even for my dry fly…
Ah well - the weather's turning cold, so Mark reckons its time to change tactics.
I've spotted a rainbow trout feeding in this run - we can see his tail in corner.
Because we can see the fish tailing, his nose is not coming up to take dry flies, so we stick with a nymph now.
This nymph mimics the mayfly nymphs that live around these streams.
And our insect impostor soon lures the rainbow out of hiding…With nymphs, as soon as you feel any pressure on your line - you strike.
After the thrill of the chase - there's no point rushing once you've finally hooked up.
A magnificent rainbow - a good kilo or more.
Mark Bowles is an old hand at hunting trout in the Southern Highlands. These streams get stocked with fish every year and at the moment, many of the pools are landlocked because of the drought.
So you might spot a trout straight away, but getting him onto your line is another matter! Mark tries a dry fly, then a nymph… and finally…….
He's a ripper of a brown, and the game's not over yet….
I'm following Mark's lead and using a nymph to get down deeper where the trout is sitting.
Oh yeah - I'm hooked up… and he's got plenty of power.
Water doesn't come any skinnier than this, 12 ft across, lots of cover and this guy waiting to be caught.
Hang on - that's no guy ! A sensational female brownie, and in great condition considering the drought. I just can't believe she was in this tiny pool. Notch up another unique fishing adventure.
Mark Bowles from Southern Highlands Fishing Safaris can show you all the best spots for trout in the Goulburn region. He has exclusive access to many private properties to ensure you have a great day's fishing. Give Mark a call or email.
While in the Southern Highlands, we stayed at Trappers Motel. Double rooms start at $102. For more info - take a look at their website or give them a call.
Goulburn is a couple of hours drive from Canberra. Virgin Blue have just started daily flights to Canberra.
Check out all their sensational airfares at virginblue.com.au Or call 13 67 89.
