The water level at Lake Eucumbene is currently around 20% and that equates to roughly 1.5 times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour, so you can see there is still plenty of water to fish in.

Boats are able to be launched without any difficulty at old Adaminaby and Anglers Reach, with smaller tinnies still being launched from banks around the lake but remember, a cautious approach is always a wise one.

With water temperatures around 19° to 21°, lead-core line and downriggers really come into their own. In the early mornings or late afternoons, flatlining the shallower areas around weed beds or timber should produce some fish.

Most of the locals use winged lures like Tassie Devils or Lofty’s Cobras because they are very effective and also quite economical if you happen to lose lures while working around the timber.

We also discard the wire and trebles that come in the packs with these lures and rig with two reversed No 1 Gamakatsu Single Lure hooks rigged on a 3kg to 4kg mono leader, as shown in the accompanying diagram.

The advantages of this rig are threefold: Better action for the lure, better hook-up rate and it’s easier to release fish

Useful morning colours are gold, green, yellow and pink, changing to shades of brown, red, green and gold during the day and luminous colours, purples and darker shades into the evening and night. Yellow-winged lures tend not to work as well as the clear wings during this hot part of the year.

While fishing deeper it may also pay to try some of the 25g Lofty’s and Tassies, both of which are stocked at the Adaminaby Angler. Don’t forget that while trolling it is not wise to run a mix of winged and bibbed lures because they track differently. Each requires a different trolling speed to work effectively.

Trolling Guru Bill Presslor will conduct a trolling clinic on February 10 and 11, for further information and bookings contact Col Sinclair on 02 6454 2260.

The most successful bait rigs at this time of year are mudeyes fished under a float or grubs and PowerBait on a running-sinker rig. As with trolling, the best periods to fish are very early in the morning and late afternoons through into the night.

Some quality browns and rainbows have been landed recently around Old Adaminaby, Cemetery Point and Buckenderra.

The Eucumbene River is still holding good fish in the deeper water and along the undercut banks but we need rain to increase the water flow. If this occurs during this month the fishing will improve dramatically.

In the Murrumbidgee River some good-size browns are being caught down stream from Bolaro, near Adaminaby. A stealthy approach is required at this time of year because the water is low and crystal-clear and fish are easily spooked.

Most successful flies in the streams at this time of year are grasshopper and beetle patterns, Red Tags, Humpies and Royal Wulffs. There are plenty of grasshoppers and beetles around so most of the fish being caught are well-fed and in excellent condition.

The best time to fly-fish the Lake is very early in the morning or just before sunset and into the evening. Early in the morning try olive green Woolly Worms, Hammill’s Killers and Spider Mudeye patterns. During the evenings start out with Woolly Worms, Red Setters and Mrs Simpsons and after dark mudeye patterns like Craig’s Nighttime and Muddler Minnows.

Good fly fun can also be had at Tantangara and Three Mile dams. Frequent hatchings of ants, termites, moths and midges can occur so be aware of these and use flies that match the hatch for some spectacular fishing.

A very good friend recently celebrated his silver anniversary of fishing trips to the Adaminaby area. Isn’t it ironic that many of us have difficulty remembering our wedding anniversaries but no such difficulty remembering our fishing trips?

John Trengrove and his wife, Win, have being fishing the lake for the past 25 years, always staying at the Alpine Tourist Park. John is one of fishing’s real characters and loves his flyfishing. He’s been president of the Australian Fly Casting Federation since 2004 and the secretary and a life member of the Red Tag Fishing Club. He has written books about the Monaro’s history, bushwalked with Win through the Snowy’s most rugged terrain and enjoyed the fabulous views and camping in historic huts.

“I love fishing the high country not only because of its great fishing but also because of its fantastic natural beauty and its history,” John says.

For regular updates about fishing information in this unique area visit www.alpinetouristpark.com.au/fishing.html and www.adaminabyangler.com.au/reports.html