Trout Fishing the Snowy Mountains
By Bob Ives
Trout fishing in the Snowy Mountains in the state of New South Wales
(NSW), Australia is an experience any angler must take the opportunity
to enjoy if given the chance. This is one of the finest fishing spots in
all of Australia. The Snowy Mountains consist of a chain of
hydro-electric lakes, reservoirs and irrigation systems that make it
quite the playground for trout fishermen. All types of trout fishing are
available in the Snowy Mountains; fly fishing, bait fishing, trolling,
etc.
Well above sea level, the swift, cool mountain streams offer rapids
with the bottom ranging from beds of coarse gravel and pebble to deep
pools. Conversely, the lower lava rock filled streams of the Monaro
slower moving waters with plenty of food for trout and other types of
fish.
Good trout fishing can be found in the upper tributaries of the Snowy,
Murrumbidgee and Eucumbene Rivers, and Snowy Mountain lakes Jindabyne,
Eucumbene and Tantangara, the Three Mile Dam at Kiandra, and the many
streams of the Monaro. Its a good idea to check the
trout fishing season for NSW
before you head off.
Trout Fishing Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne
Their are 16 man-made lakes in the Snowy Mountains, but Lakes
Eucumbene and Jindabyne are the main lakes - the two largest. In
contrast to the aforementioned fishing locations, Lake Eucumbene has a
more shallow and fertile bays. Lake Eucumbene has both rainbows (average
around 0.7 kilos)and brown trout (around 0.9 kilos). Brown trout are
often caught here around 1.8 kilos to 2.7 kilos.
Lake Jindabyne likewise has some shallow bays, it's the points and
rocky shorelines that make it such a good spot for trout fishing, sporty
some steel flanked rainbows and big browns. You may even land a brook
trout or a salmon once in awhile.
Trout Fishing Alpine Rivers And Streams
The Eucumbene River above Lake Eucumbene and the Thredbo (Crackenback)
River into Lake Jindabyne are the two main rivers in the Snowy Mountain
area. There is also some good fly fishing for trout in numerous other
rivers and streams: the upper Murrumbidgee River, the Snowy above Island
Bend Dam, the Moonbah (Mowambah) River and many alpine streams up in the
mountains.
Trout Fishing In The Lower Monaro Rivers and Streams
Many of those who go trout fishing in Australia think of the Monaro
rivers and streams as 'the' place to go for the best trout fishing. Good
fishing spots here include Bobundara Creek, the Maclaughlin River,
Delegate River, Bombala River, Kybeyan and Kydra Rivers. These area
great for fly fishing with dry flies. On a side note, you might also
want to check out Black Lake, outside of Bombala. It is reportedly
Australia’s only designated 'trophy trout water', and that alone should
get you running for your fishing rod.
So whether you are into trout fishing in streams, lakes or rivers, if
you preference is dry fly fishing, wet fly fishing, bait fishing, lure
fishing, wade fishing or trolling for trout, you will find it all in the
Snowy Mountains of Australia. If you don't know your way around, there a
trout fishing guides who will be very happy to share their hot spots
with you. |
