It's that time of year again, the season is coming to a close but just before it does, there's a good chance in landing a nice fish. We embarked on an a journey to the Snowy Mountains in NSW, Australia for 4 days of Fly Fishing. Our destination? The Eucumbene River, famed for its annual Spawn run. Let me take you through the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences we encountered on another freezing trip to the Aussie high country.
Leaving on a chilly Thursday night, we endured the long drive from Sydney, eager to set up camp on the riverbank. The cold bit into our bones as we prepared our gear under the clear moonlit sky. Despite the freezing temperatures, excitement fueled our spirits, knowing that the Eucumbene River held some monsters. We rigged up late in to the night because we knew the morning would be too cold to thread a line. Our rigs were made up of combo of weighted, unweighted, orange, yellow, flashbacks, nymphs and a lot of shot to ensure we were fishing deep. We know this time of year the fish are holding in the pools conserving energy.
Friday morning came, we wasted no time brewing a coffee, using Dog and Gun pre-loaded drip filters, these things are amazing! Our crew of 6 hit the trail to the river and fished hard, casting our lines with anticipation. However, the resident fish we caught were only of medium size, leaving us yearning for more. Hope soared as we observed numerous spawning fish, but they seemed disinterested in our carefully crafted rigs. The dance of fish fighting for position is always a spectacle to watch, yet extremely frustrating when your fly drapes past their face uninterested.
Returning to camp after an arduous hike, we sought warmth around the crackling fire. Burgers sizzled on the grill plate as we shared laughter and yarns of getting somewhat skunked, accompanied by the comforting warmth of rum and beers. The cold embraced us, reminding us of the untamed beauty surrounding us, there's nothing like the Snow Mountains of Australia, it's truly unique.
Saturday morning brought new hope as we made a collective decision to explore further up the mountain. Seeking secluded spots away from the crowds, we cast our lines with renewed determination. Excitement surged through our veins as we hooked onto some impressive fish. However, our triumph was short-lived as we all kept getting busted off or slipped hooks, our prize slipping away in an instant.
The one trick we all decided was working was to fish deeper for longer. Casting further up river to ensure your fly get's a longer run and is hitting the bottom for longer period of time each cast is something that we always try to ensure. We would prefer to be getting snagged on the bottom rather than fishing midstream.
Though we managed to land smaller fish, the true spawners remained elusive. Suddenly, an unexpected front rolled in, even though we checked the weather you can never predict what the snowy's has in store, enveloping us in a wet, snowy deluge. We made some lunch under the awning by the river and tried to warm up. Shivering and soaked to the core, some of the team decided to call it a day, heading back home. Yet, Andy and I refused to admit defeat. Instead, we sought refuge in one of the snowy mountain cabins, hoping to dry our gear and find warmth for the night. We know you're only supposed to use these cabins for emergencies, but when everything you're wearing is soaking wet and it's -3.. we deemed it emergency enough.
To our dismay, all the food was with the departing group. Our stomachs grumbled, and desperation set in until we remembered the Offgrid Provisions 3-day food packwe'd chucked in at the last minute. With relief, we feasted by the fire, devouring the delicious ready-made meals of venison, goat curry, saltbush, and potatoes. The warmth, nourishment, and full bellies of that moment had has laughing, we were fired up and ready for the next day.
The next morning, determined to salvage our trip, we ventured downstream to slightly more uncharted fishing grounds. After hours of hiking, we found a promising spot and set our rigs deep, utilising two egg patterns and plenty of weight to reach the river's bottom. Success followed as we hooked into some impressive fish, each one bigger than the last. And then it happened—Andy hooked the prize we had traveled for, a true Eucumbene River spawner.
With hearts pounding, we hiked back to the car, our spirits lifted by the monumental catch. As we drove back to Sydney, gratitude washed over us for staying the course and witnessing the incredible fish caught on that final day. Our trip had been a testament to perseverance and the unwavering belief that sometimes, the greatest rewards come to those who endure a little more.
Every year, these snow filled trips seem to forge the best memories amidst the snow-capped mountains and icy rivers that will forever hold a special place. With the snow gums, glacial rock formations and pumping rivers, you really could be transported to another world down in the Aussie high country.
We bloody love it!
