Julian Tapping

Julian Tapping

Australian Native Gudgeon

western carp gudgeon

There are a large number of gudgeon species native to Australia however by eliminating those found only in the tropics and those limited to altitudes below 700 metres (Dunmore is above 1300 metres) left us with only six species. The…

Gambusia

Gambusia

Female (large) and male (small) gambusia. Gambusia were introduced into Australia from North America in 1929, in a misguided and unsuccessful attempt to control mosquitoes. In appearance they are very similar to a guppy, except the Gambusia males lack the…

Dusky Flathead Release

Several months ago I came across a DPI grant advertisement where funds were available for various fishing related projects, including “fish releases”. So, on behalf of Hastings Fly Fishers I put together an application requesting $30,000 to purchase some 23,000…

Vale Phil Bush

Gone fishing...

In March 2022, the Club was saddened by the sudden passing of long-time member Phil Bush, whose energy and enthusiasm had enriched our gatherings for many years.

Phil was more than a familiar face on the water; he was a source of laughter, camaraderie, and quiet wisdom.[...]

Mop Fly

Mop fly

The Mop Fly has been described as one of the most sinful flies of all time – in terms of one of the easiest flies to tie as well as to fish. It is a very simple fly to tie…

2022 Bass Fingerling Release

The release team got underway at 12 noon as planned but not ten minutes into the journey we got a phone call indicating the supplier was going to be an hour and a half late due to car problems –…

Claret Dabbler

The Claret Dabbler is the most versatile of the traditional loch-style flies. It was first developed in Ireland to imitate the very large mayflies that inhabit those world-famous fisheries, Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.  It is an effective dropper pattern…