New England Rivers

New England New Year

NEW ENGLAND RIVERS Adam Townsend

As we say good-bye to 2022 and the crazy weather events we received throughout the year, we can only hope that January, as well as the rest of 2023, proves to be another awesome season to be out on the water, with the dams sitting at full capacity and rivers running steadily.

With many hotter and longer days still yet to come, not only is this time of year good for fishing opportunities, it is also a very good time for outdoor activities and boating in general. There have been many families taking advantage of the holidays and weekends, and spending their time outdoors during the break.

Many of the dams around the New England Tablelands are all filled to capacity and have been fishing really well of late with some quality fish being caught all around the area.

Copeton Dam always seems to be the most popular around this time of year, and with the number of big fish that get caught around January and with such a huge amount of water to venture around, it’s not hard to see why. At full capacity it can take a fair while to explore this waterway and see what it really has to offer. One thing you will notice in the summer months with the warmer weather, is the amount of wildlife around the dam, especially types that Murray cod will eat. Lizards, such

JAN DAM LEVELS Copeton Dam

2023 – 99% 2022 – 100% 2021 – 16%

Pindari Dam

2023 – 100% 2022 – 101% 2021 – 15%

From page 78 predominately crustacean eaters, it makes sense to use a lure that imitates one Paddling the rivers and casting for Murray cod from a kayak is definitely recommended as it can make for some really exciting fishing. Especially when the aggressive cod eat the lure right next to the kayak.

Well-conditioned rainbows are still active and plentiful in many creeks and streams around the New England area. This healthy fish ate a beaded nymph while using the 4wt fly rod in one of the smaller creeks.

I would also recommend having a release weight of some type to get the cod back to the cooler temperatures down below if you intend to target them while it’s hot. Big natives do suffer from barotrauma in the hotter

as bearded water dragons, are very abundant, and we all know how much Murray cod love eating surface lures. I find it best to target the bigger Murray cod early in the morning and late in the afternoon while the weather is a lot cooler, especially when fishing the major, more pressured waterways. That said, there have been many XL Murray cod caught fishing down deeper over the years during some of January’s hottest days too.

Swimbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits all work well for both the Murray cod and golden perch all year round. A few of these lure options, if not all of them, should be a staple in your tacklebox as they can be methodically worked at any water level, right down to the river bed. One definite sign that natives are on the bite! Warm weather and very active Murray cod can make for an awesome combination.

of their main food sources.

TROUT STREAMS

Like I said earlier, the trout stream fishing can be sensational at this time of the year. There are so many creeks around the area that are worth exploring with a trout rod in hand, including Nimbo Creek, Stinking Creek, Gilmore Creek, Adelong Creek, Yaven Creek, Tumbarumba Creek, Mannus Creek, Jounama Creek, Buddong Creek, Paddys River, Goobarragandra River, Goodradigbee River and the top end of the Eucumbene and Murrumbidgee rivers. At this time of the year, these waterways can also offer some sensation dry fly action.

All this gives you a heap of fishing options to choose from, so slap on a heap of sunscreen and insect repellent, and go get amongst them.

Until next article, good luck, and tight lines. periods easily, especially when surface temperatures are particularly high.

Pindari Dam remained open for targeting perch during the spawn period, however, with the Murray cod season only opening back up last month, I’d say there are a still a fair few fish who are yet to see a single lure or bait this year. There is a lot of rocky structure to cover, with bulk amounts of standing timber the edges during the early morning and late afternoon, slow-winding plastics through the trees or even trolling lipless crankbaits are all productive choices, and all catch their fair share of fish in the warmer months. The full moon will be above on the 7th of this month, with the new moon falling on the 22nd.

The fishing options are endless at this time of year, and it’s not only the natives

Topwater lures are a favourite for natives at this time of year. This chunky Murray cod couldn’t resist a wakebait-style lure.

in between for the fish to take cover and hide in. Like most places, Pindari can be pretty touch-and-go when it comes to actually getting fish to bite, and changing up your techniques can play huge dividends.

The best thing about this waterway is the number of different ways you can catch quality fish when they are willing to play the game. Casting lures up shallow on and the impoundments that have been fishing well. Many rivers and creeks around the New England area are holding solid numbers of fish also, such as yellowbelly, redfin perch, rainbow trout, carp and eel-tailed catfish, and bass are just a short drive over the range.

Good luck to everyone getting out on the water this month. Tight lines and Happy New Year!