The group, from left, BT, Trev, Darce, Paddy-O & Phil. Early morning before the sun went, wind came in ‘gale force’ and temperatures dropped through the floor. Phil’s association with Red Tag is one of continuous development and appreciation of the art of fly fishing. Having first met Phil over 10 years ago at the inaugural Hurley’s FFW/Red Tag Trout Tours Tasmania presentation night at Gavin’s Bentleigh fly shop, where he won the first prize in our major competition, he has progressed from an absolute beginner to a regular ‘Tagger.
Phil, seen here with the only hook-up of the day, was part of a ‘boys weekend’ that included Hawthorn Football match, Barnbougle Dunes golf and while there why not have a go at fly fishing at Currawong Lakes.
A nice rainbow for evening entree — went down very well on the BBQ.
Workshop surprise
Sean’s partner surprised him with a two day/overnight workshop and he didn’t miss the chance.
With day 1 at Currawong Lakes a perfect autumn day, Sean made the most of it.
Some great action on unweighted damsel nymph.
… and excellent wild browns to hand.
With bright skies and clear water the 2nd day on the river was tougher, but a late afternoon Macquarie ‘Red Spinner’ hatch brought on the action.
Over the two days we were able to cover dry, nymph and wet fly action along with the participating trout. Tight lines from here on, Sean.
Returning Tagger has best river day
Anthony, from Western Australia, on first pool and first hook-up with #14 black emerger. Almost season end and this was the start of the best river day of the season!
Plump fit fish all day — no monsters to hand, but one big fish break-off and another of those heart-stopping ‘just missed’ it moments when you take eye off the fly to sight next rise and casting spot, to look down at lifted fly only to see largest mouth of day was about to take the fly.
Great fun on the #3wt, early it was emerging mayfly, then on to ‘hopper patterns, then afternoon late spinner hatch — 20+ fish to the fly and all but two on the dry!
Magic corners …
… and delightful runs, all produced results.
Media mate back again!
Shane, editor of the South Australian Angler loves Tasmania and its trout fishing, Recently toured the state with a number of TGALT Inc guides and spent two days with Red Tag again. This was him on one of our lowland rivers enjoying the setting.
Day 2 at Currawong Lakes – again one of his favourite waters.
It was quite windy with very little fish activity ‘on top’. So on with one of Red Tag’s woolly bugger patterns and this one turned out to be a 4lb beautiful brown on Lake Macquarie.
Next day, exploring the lakes on his own, he had an even bigger grin getting eight on the wets and top fish nudging 5lb.
Late afternoon ‘Red Spinner’ hatch saves day!
Eric (from Victoria) finally onto a wild river brown on the #4wt. It was one of those days when the hatch doth maketh the day!
Another one to hand … at 4.30pm the hatch started, the fish came up and Eric got four in six casts.
Yes! number four … sighted rising, adult red spinner presented and on again!
Father & son have great day on Currawong Lakes
Started off early with John onto a nice rainbow.
Then doubled the advantage with this …
… which turned out to be a beautiful brown.
However, Chris soon got into action,
… with another ‘lively’ brown. Well caught, held and released!
And so it continued … all sighted on the dries.
Regular Taggers have a ‘cracker’ of a day!
Elizabeth is first to hook-up on a very nice rainbow.
Soon brought to net along with a very happy grin!
Peter follows quickly with a good solid brown… by lunch time four to hand… all on the dries.
After lunch it was a classic sneaking down to the water, fish sighted way up the bank, and working only a few metres from the edge.
A spot-on presentation with the Blue Damsel and “we’re on!”
Another quality brown.
Then its Elizabeth’s turn again.
Rewarded this time with a prime wild brown trout.
Boats and flies
Warwick has been combining the bi-annual Australian Wooden Boat Festival with his love of fly fishing for many years now. This was the start of a cold summer day on the nymph.
And another one comes to the net.
Next day was a blustery one on the lowland broadwaters, with some ‘hoppers about.
Stalking a ‘hopper feeder pays off.
A beautifully-coloured wild brown heads home.