Brogo Dam needs no introduction with the efforts of the Far South Coast Bass Stocking Association. It’s one of the best little fisheries on the South Coast and now is definitely time to start fishing it with a concentrated effort. All throughout, the dam will fish well. Better areas are around the weed beds up towards the back of the dam. Bass are feeding on other fish and responding well to lures.

On warmer evenings, flyfishing the surface is a lot of fun, especially if there is an insect hatch. Bait is also accounting for nice fish. From Brogo Dam, the river below and into the Bega system, bass and other species that inhabit the fresh are there to be discovered, for those who venture into the more remote areas of these systems. Let’s start with Brogo Dam and follow this river down to the sea.

In the river below the dam, there are some accessible holes by foot for the adventurous. Kayaking is more popular from the wall down to the main bridge on the highway. Anglers doing this have had exceptional fishing with bass exceeding the 50cm mark. Some of this fishing is pretty tight, so light short rods may be required. If you wish to continue and you have a few days to do so, you can even follow the river further down the Bega system. This depends on the level of the river at the time and you can find out how high it is, just ask those in charge at the office of Water NSW at Brogo Dam itself.

In the Bega River, things change. Most fish you will encounter are likely to be in the brackish water. Along with the bass, you’ll encounter saltwater species like bream, blackfish, mullet, estuary perch and even flathead. As most seasoned anglers in these parts know, these species are as at home in the fresh as they are in the salt. Lures are the way to go and a variety of different styles work. For a little visual fun, rip small wriggle-tails across the front of the big bully mullet schools and see what happens.

Fishing in the Tathra area includes the wharf, which I believe is back in action after the storms. Trevally are the main species at present with passing schools of salmon keeping most people on their toes. Mixed in are schools of yellowtail, luderick near the rocks and evening packs of barracouta that lurk in the shadows, waiting for a well-presented lure or bait.

Down around the bridge at the entrance to the Bega River, flathead are on the chew. Some very nice specimens in the 80cm range are being taken regularly. These fish and other species have been feeding on small prawns in the system, so on the dark of the moon this month, prawners should look for those tasty crustaceans.

As mentioned, salmon schools frequenting this part of the coast are providing plenty of entertainment for the beach anglers. Most of the beaches are holding good stocks. The best are Tathra and Bournda. There have been some nice gummy sharks around the full moon, plus the odd mulloway, and plenty of tailor at night.

Offshore, now is the time to concentrate on tiger flathead, as they move in on this part of the coast and will remain here for some months to come. Out from most beaches in 30m of water or deeper will see you encounter this species regularly. Bigger specimens come from deeper water. If you can find gravelly areas adjacent to the flathead grounds, other reef species like snapper or morwong will make a pleasant change from the lizards and provide some colour to the bag.

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Try a light spin rod and ‘match the hatch’ for happy days.

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After last year’s stock, they grow quick in Brogo.

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Here’s a two year old fish.