Fly Fishing the Goulburn River this September

An Ever-Changing Landscape

Victoria’s famed Goulburn River, along with its feeders – the Rubicon, Acheron, and Stevenson – have long been the crown jewels for fly fishing enthusiasts in Victoria. With their abundant aquatic life and picturesque surrounds, they beckon anglers from near and far to indulge in a match of wit against some of the wiliest trout in Oz. But to think this season is the same as the last, would be a long way off the mark.

If you were fortunate enough to fish the Goulburn last spring, the overwhelming memory would be that of water – and lots of it. The Goulburn experienced flooding so profound that most fishing spots were rendered inaccessible for more than a month. The engorged river, with its gouging  currents, made it difficult not only to fish but also raised concerns about safety. It was a time when nature asserted its dominance, reminding us of its unpredictability.

As we step into the 2023 – 2024 fishing season, the pendulum seems to have swung to the other extreme. Rather than facing the threat of being swept away by swollen streams, the narrative this year is one of drier, warmer conditions. As fishers, we’re adapting to a different challenge: the looming drought. To put the global context into perspective, the Northern Hemisphere has just undergone its warmest summer in a time span that exceeds 100,000 years. Such monumental climatic changes do not stay isolated to one hemisphere. Their ramifications resonate worldwide.

In our corner of the world, the effects are palpable. Already, signs of the changing climes are evident in the flora that dots the banks of our beloved rivers. Trees that traditionally bloomed in synchrony with the fishing season have been showcasing their blossoms several weeks in advance. The early blossoming of plants, while a feast for the eyes, signals a change in the ecological balance. It’s an alteration that has the potential to influence insect hatches, water temperature, and ultimately, the behaviour of the fish.

A Responsive Ecosystem: The Testimony of Nature

As we observe the changing patterns in vegetation, it’s worth noting that these are not mere coincidences or isolated incidents. They are the environment’s response to larger shifts in the global climate. This early blossoming is nature’s way of adapting to the new conditions. However, while trees and plants can adjust their cycles, what does it mean for the aquatic life that calls these rivers home?

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for us as fly fishers looking to have success on every outing. The earlier blossoms could lead to a shift in the lifecycle of some of the terrestrial insects that trout feed on. We are already seeing plenty of beetles and I dare say we will see flying ants next month too. With the potential for earlier hatches, fish might be feeding more actively at different times of the day or season than in the past.

Goulburn Murray Water’s September Release Strategy for Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon, an integral part of the Goulburn River catchment, is hovering near its full capacity, sitting at an impressive 96.86% as of 28 August 2023. This heightened level can be linked back to higher than average rainfalls we’ve seen, owing to three consecutive La Niña events coupled with a negative Indian Ocean Dipole. June 2023 alone recorded inflows into Lake Eildon over three times the monthly average.

Given Lake Eildon’s current status, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has been carefully overseeing its water levels, ensuring target filling points are adhered to as we transition from winter to spring. To maintain the needed airspace due to the lake’s high volume for this time of year, releases have been orchestrated. As of recent, these releases have been moderated to between 1,000 ML/d to 2,000 ML/d. It’s worth noting that the current release is in service of an environmental water order, aiming to provide base flows in the Goulburn River.

This September, a significant environmental order is set to come into play, specifically targeting flows in the Goulburn River downstream of Goulburn Weir, kickstarting on 7 September. This directive demands the release of 80,000ML to 120,000ML from Lake Eildon. However, if we see substantial rainfall in the coming weeks, there could be adjustments to this order. The wetter the conditions, the likelier the volume scheduled for release from Eildon will reduce, with GMW’s sights set on achieving the full supply level by early November.

Pristine Waters: A Sight to Behold

Lake Eildon is once again a sight to witness, nearing its full capacity, a possible outcome of yet another audacious decision by our water regulators to prioritise water capture over other concerns. Yet, despite the lake’s height, rains over the past month have been unexpectedly light. This confluence of factors has ensured that the Goulburn continues to run super clear, with the likelihood that it will remain this way for most, if not all of the coming month.

Such clarity brings about more than just aesthetic pleasure for us as fly fishers. With the clear waters, the insect hatches will be excellent and there will be plenty of opportunities to fish dry flies to sighted fish. Already, we’ve witnessed numerous mayflies and a precocious emergence of caddis, all of which signal that things are going to happen sooner rather than later this season. Current projections based on observation and anecdotal records, suggests that the peak of these hatches could make their appearance a good 2-3 weeks earlier than what veteran Goulburn anglers might be accustomed to.

So, for those who’ve been biding their time, restocking their precious supplies of midges in anticipation of a typical spring. The upcoming weeks may indeed present a welcome turn of events whereby we are fishing larger dry flies to rising fish in mid-September.

 

Season’s Dilemmas and Concerns

The aftermath of last year’s floods, which altered the Goulburn for decades to come, remains fresh in our minds. The staggering sight of vast numbers of trout escaping as local fish farms were inundated remains an unforgettable and thoroughly depressing spectacle. Our attempt to keep this information under wraps in hopes of saving the fish ended up in vain as news broke on social media about a month later, causing chaos and drawing large numbers of people to the scene.

This season, the Victorian Fisheries Authority has intensified the situation with their extensive stocking activities, well-promoted on social media. While their dedication to stocking the Goulburn with smaller yearling trout is commendable, and will have positive and long-lasting effects, the introduction of the larger fish, which they term “stonkers,” is cause for concern. These actions are drawing a deluge of casual anglers, leading to adverse effects: overfishing, littering, property damage, and even confrontations and violent acts, tarnishing the essence of the fishing experience.

Fisheries’ motives are apparent – they’ve been driving towards a high target of 1 million people fishing in Victoria for many years. However, their methods are imposing an unsustainable burden on the Goulburn, with minimal benefit to the local community. Most of these visiting anglers bring their essentials with them and leave little behind but chaos, showing little respect for both the environment and local norms.

While the Goulburn is always bustling during the opening weekend, last season’s crowd surge set an unsettling precedent, and we anticipate a similar scene this spring. Although our guides can find quieter spots, it’s disheartening to witness access points so overcrowded, that visiting fly fishers can’t experience the total immersion in nature they’ve become accustomed to when fishing on the Goulburn.

As the season unfolds, popular spots like Alexandra Bridge, Breakaway Bridge, Gilmores Bridge, and Thornton Bridge, are predicted to be jam-packed due to a combination of last years high catch rates (the escaped fish), and VFA’s stonker stocking. For those in search of a peaceful experience, it may be wise to venture away from these hotspots. Choosing off-peak hours, like late on a Sunday, may also offer a reprieve from the crowds, or even better, waiting until the opening weekend crowds disperse.

Exploring the Goulburn’s Tributaries

While the Goulburn has undeniably captured the attention and hearts of many anglers last season, its tributaries, such as the Rubicon, hold unique experiences in their meandering paths. As expected, these feeder streams are also developing at a pace that seems ahead of their natural rhythms. Although it might feel a tad early to entertain the thought of using dry flies, given the current trajectory, that opportune moment is rapidly approaching. I will definitely be running some rubber legged stimulators through some of my favourite runs next week. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.

Beyond the Rubicon, there are numerous smaller creeks and rivers, perhaps less celebrated or even known to most anglers, that are equally deserving of exploration. Their waters, clear and inviting, offer the allure of serenity and the promise of a small fish or two. For those feeling a pull towards these lesser-trodden paths, a visit to our store could be enlightening. We are always eager to offer guidance, discuss conditions, and share invaluable tips to make your outing memorable.

Fishing with Integrity: Upholding the Sport’s Traditions

As the fishing community vibrates with mounting enthusiasm for the new season, it’s crucial we pair our excitement with a sense of duty. The traditions and ethos of fishing are as much about respect for the environment as they are about the thrill of the catch.

Should you, during your fishing sojourns, come across activities that seem dubious or blatantly against the rules, equip yourself with the tools to report. The hotline 13 FISH (13 3474) should be a readily accessible number on your phone. While it’s essential to gather evidence, like photographs, to substantiate any claims, it’s equally vital to maintain personal safety and avoid direct confrontations.

Being an active, responsible member of the fishing community means ensuring that our cherished waters and their ecosystems continue to flourish, providing joy and challenges for future generations of anglers. And, as a gentle reminder, always ensure your fishing licence is current and valid before venturing onto the water.