Make the most of the mixed species

TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com

I dread the cold months. Living on top of the hill near Toowoomba

CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWN: CROWS NEST

Cressy is still a tough lake to find a bass. The golden perch have chewed well over the past few months but they will start to slow down a bit. If you want to continue catching them you will need to it’s not as pleasant as the lower altitudes or further north.

The real cold won’t set in for a while yet so make the most of this month. There will be a large mix of species on offer, so get forget bass and change your focus making them your target species.

Live shrimp and saltwater yabbies are the best baits for golden perch. These can be fished directly below the boat in 5-8m of water. Lure fishers will need to slow it down and use presentations that stay in their face. Small blades out now while you can.

Even those species that are more affected by cold, like golden perch and barra, will still be catchable this month.

You’ll find it’s time to change things up to and tiny vibes are ideal. The ZX40 blade is a standout for this type of work. The points from the campground all the way up the dam to opposite Eagles Nest rock wall have held good numbers.

The bass are ridiculously hard to find. A few have been reported well up the dam in the Cressbrook Creek arm around structure. These fish can be caught on crankbaits suit the season, as the fish will react differently to a variety of presentations. and suspending jerkbaits. Back in the main basin, some bass have been caught on G2 Gang Banger spoons fished around the northern points opposite the boat ramp.

There are plenty of options out there.

Until next month, buckled rods from the Colonel.

Redclaw crayfish numbers have been great over the last few months. You can still take advantage of them over winter but expect the numbers to be lower. To counter this, move unproductive pots every 2-3 hours and be prepared to work harder.

• Fish’n’Bits in Toowoomba has all the gear and tips on how to chase the Cressy fish and the redclaw. They are an excellent store specialising in all freshwater lures and tackle. The access gates to the ramp and day use area will be open from 7am to 6pm.

SOMERSET