Fishing season flourishes

We are now well into what has been yet another strong season for anglers in the Snowy Mountains, with strong flows and cooler conditions ideal for the flourishing trout population.

The region’s streams, rivers and lakes have all been experiencing high water levels and strong flows for the past few years now and the ideal conditions coupled with the efforts of the Monaro Acclimatisation Society (MAS) has resulted in some of the best opportunities for fishing troust as anywhere in the country.

In December 2022, supported by the Gaden Trout Hatchery, the MAS conducted a release of 10,000 yearling fish each for both Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene.

“Volunteers met on the shores of Lake Eucumbene to stock 10,000 yearling trout bred and raised by the staff at Gaden Trout hatchery,” MAS President Steve Samuels said.

“Coordinated by the Monaro Acclimatisation Society, MAS members, local anglers and members of Trout Trollers Australia and Alpine Trout Fishing Australia gathered at Buckenderra Holiday village to assist in the release by transporting the fish to various parts of the lake.

“Meanwhile a similar event occurred at Lake Jindabyne with 10,000 yearlings also released there. With such quality fish being released into our impoundments the future of trout fishing in the Snowies is assured.”

Another boon for both local and visiting anglers has been the Snowy trout Challenge, now in its third year of running. Organised by the local chambers of commerce, the Challenge encourages anglers to hit the water in an attempt to catch one of 500 tagged trout, that can put you in the running to win a $1000 cash prize drawn every two weeks. The ninth and latest cash prize winner, Kym from Queensland was thrilled to have won.

“I was so excited when I got the message that my name had been drawn. We were just sitting down to a barbecue dinner and I jumped up and screamed ‘I WON A THOUSAND DOLLARS!,’“ she said.

“My husband Matt and I are booked to come down again for the last week of the competition next month. He wants to catch his own tagged fish.”

With a few months of the challenge still to go, there’s still a chance to get in on one of the last cash prize draws, so get in quick and wet a line.