The past week has seen the south east of the country battered by solid but much needed rains. The landscape was looking dry and sad in South Eastern NSW but this rain will bring life back to the land. As irrigation season has finished the rivers were beginning to fish incredibly well before the rains. With low and clear water it made for some great fishing.
This downpour of rain ruined this clear and scenic fishing but it doesn’t mean the fish have stopped feeding. In fact it is much the opposite. As it has been some time since our last rain event this overdue downpour will wash food into our river systems.
Any form of water running into a waterway is the perfect location to find feeding fish
Yes the water is filthy, but this doesn’t mean the fish aren’t there. In fact they are there and they are feeding, especially in areas of run off. Now that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Areas where water runs off the land and into the waterways is where the hungry fish will be feeding. All the drain pipes and small creeks and valleys in the land have now become natural gutters which funnel the rainfall into the river. To the fish these gutters mean food!
Any small run off where water is flowing into a bigger waterway is where you want to be fishing. Even better is when you get the white, foaming and aerated water. I have found cod, yellow belly, trout and carp pushed right up into these areas snaffling up any food that flows in.
Run off usually occurs after heavy rains. The water will be filthy but the fish will still be there!
Yes the water is filthy, but this doesn’t mean the fish aren’t there. In fact they are there and they are feeding, especially in areas of run off. Now that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Areas where water runs off the land and into the waterways is where the hungry fish will be feeding. All the drain pipes and small creeks and valleys in the land have now become natural gutters which funnel the rainfall into the river. To the fish these gutters mean food!
Any small run off where water is flowing into a bigger waterway is where you want to be fishing. Even better is when you get the white, foaming and aerated water. I have found cod, yellow belly, trout and carp pushed right up into these areas snaffling up any food that flows in.
This diagram explains where the fish will be hiding.
These are locations that not only hold fish but hold feeding fish. That’s the difference and that’s why they are the gold when it comes to structure. We know majority of structure holds fish but it’s all about getting them to feed. Well these spots will only be home to feeding fish, so if it’s there its hungry. That puts you that extra step ahead and closer to your goal!
Rhys Creed
0 comments