Tough few hours in a small tannin river....

[meppstas]

Tough few hours in a small tannin river.. 31-8-17

Another beautiful day gave me the chance to head off and try a section of a small river, one that I haven't fished for around five years. I thought seeing as we had a good flood back in June 2016 and some reasonable rainfall this Winter it may have a few nice trout back in it. The only problem is getting into it because it is well hidden with heavy foliage and requires a four to five hundred meter bush bash to reach it. Once there I could see the bush was a lot thicker now than it was back when I last fished here. I was in two minds whether or not to venture into the bush, but I did. Nothing better than a challenge that's for sure even it is going to be a tough one. Half way into it I was having second thoughts if I had made the right decision, I did think about turning back. I didn't though, I pushed on then finally heard the sound of the water rushing over the rocks in a shallow section of the stream. Then it was only a matter of finding an entry point and not slip down the steep bank that was covered with blackberry bushes..

Only way to reach the river is through this...

Half way there..

These damn blackberry bushes are certainly taking over some of the most beautiful scenic areas around the state and nothing is being done about it either. I have been to a lot of rivers over the years and they're all getting overgrown by them as is much of the countryside across the state. I drove past a hardwood plantation the other day near Paradise and couldn't believe how over run it was by the bushes, Beaulah (another hardwood plantation) wasn't any different, neither is the land along the Bridal Track Road near Kimberley. The same is happening at Liena too.

Blackberry bushes taking over...

I did finally find a way into the river and found the river level to be the perfect height for wading and fishing. It was a little tough going in a few places as I worked my way upstream while having to make my way around some solid log jams. The water itself was very cold and a beautiful tannin colour, but there wasn't a sign of a fish at all. I fished around four hundred meters of river without a single touch, not even a follow from a fish. I decided it was time to get out and head back to the car and try another stretch further downstream where I knew it was a little more open and a little easier to access.

Finally in the river..

Peace & quiet, just the sounds of birdrs & running water..

Very scenic stretch of river with an orange sun glow to it..

Moss covered rocks along the river bank..

That finished up being a good decision because I was lucky enough to catch and released two browns from four hook ups over an hour and a half of fishing. They were the only fish I saw here though, so the river hasn't really improved at all since I last fished it. I will give it another go later in the season when the air and water temperature rise a little more than it is at the moment. Still I wasn't expecting to much today and it was good to pick up a couple of browns, the best one went 570 grams and was taken on a gold F3 Ralala. The other brown was much smaller (310 gms) and was caught on a #00 Mepps gold bladed Aglia... The two that were lost took the Aglia too, both tossed it when they leapt from the river.

No margin of error for a poor cast here..

First of the session..

Best brown of the day..

cheers
Adrian

[Thomassssss]

Solid effort and a great report Adrian.

Cheers, Tom.

[Paulanderson]

Things can only improve as the season progresses Adrian. The important thing is you gave it a try and fishing is not only about catching fish.

[Mattblack]

you should be selling these photos....

[Lightningx]

Great read as always! :thumbsup:

[happyfriggincamper]

Some of the colours in those photos are literally unreal. The feeling of standing in the middle of it.... :super: :victory: :cheers: :notworthy: :banana:

[meppstas]

Thanks guys, there are certainly times when I look around in disbelief of where I am that's for sure.. :thumbsup:

and just how lucky I am to be there as well... :super:

cheers
Adrian

[Texas]

Great photos Adrian
Too bad the trout weren't having a go.
If I were a trout, I'd live there
Maybe they remember you and hide

Gra

[frankiepo]

Hello all,
I would be coming to Tasmania sometime in December and I'm seeking advice on fishing in the many Tasmania's streams. I am on a baitcast/rod combo setup with lures, do not mind wading in the streams if it's not too deep and cold. I understand that there'll also be trekking involve in the wilderness. I will also be bringing in my own ultra light tackle and want to know if there's any issue on bringing my own.
I would be most happy to tag along should there be anyone going into the wilderness for fresh water sport fishing.
All advise are most welcome and thanks in advance.

[meppstas]

Hello all,
I would be coming to Tasmania sometime in December and I'm seeking advice on fishing in the many Tasmania's streams. I am on a baitcast/rod combo setup with lures, do not mind wading in the streams if it's not too deep and cold. I understand that there'll also be trekking involve in the wilderness. I will also be bringing in my own ultra light tackle and want to know if there's any issue on bringing my own.
I would be most happy to tag along should there be anyone going into the wilderness for fresh water sport fishing.
All advise are most welcome and thanks in advance.

There's not a problem in bringing your own tackle etc into Tassie, except for bait & fruits etc.. Make sure your tackle is clean as well as your waders if you bring any with you.. There are a lot of rivers here across the state that have anglers access on them... Call into any tackle store or information centers that are in most towns and pick up some free brochures that are available.. Also go on line www.ifs.tas.gov.au which is the Inland Fisheries Service, there you will also be able to check out the angler access areas for rivers and lakes around the state..

cheers
Adrian