VOLUME 33, ISSUE 5. November 2026 |
|
|
| Club member Patricio catches his first Australian trout on the opening weekend |
|
|
Casting Practice
8 November 2026 l 9:00 AM l Timbrell Park, Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock
Monthly Meeting
9 November 2026 l 7:00 PM l Freeway Hotel, 115 Reserve Road, Artarmon
Fly Tying
16 November 2026 l 7:00 PM l Freeway Hotel, 115 Reserve Road, Artarmon
|
|
|
| |
"To fish is to hold a mirror to nature." Paul Schullery
| |
|
|
| Dear {Contact_First_Name}, | We have had a busy month, since I last penned my President’s Report.
Gone Fishing Day at Wallerawang was a great success. Ray Tang and his crew put on a really great event and those club members who went out to assist with the casting clinic will attest to that.
We were able to put the club’s rods to good use teaching some up and coming fly anglers a few basic casting skills.
From all accounts the members that went on the Alexandra Trip had a great time and I look forward to hearing some more details.
The Club’s Christmas Party event is now up on the website and I encourage all members to attend what I believe will be a most enjoyable evening. We will also be conducting the AGM on the night and I hope that I will see some new members on the committee for next year.
Our membership hit 300 the last month and I think I am fairly safe in saying that we are one of the largest (if not the largest) fly fishing club in the country.
I sent out an email last week asking the membership to nominate fellow members for the ‘Mark Bransgrove Award’. The criteria is fairly loose – the award is for a member (not including committee members) who has made a significant contribution to the club. Last year’s inaugural winner was David Caddies.
I would really appreciate some more nominations (email to davidrmajor@outlook.com including a brief ‘word picture’ of why you believe your nominee is a worthwhile recipient).
I won’t be at this month’s meeting, so Denis Hill will run the meeting. The speaker will be John Baricevic talking about Christmas Island.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Party!
David
President | | |
|
|
Opening Day 2026: My first Australian trout | | By Patricio Churruarin,
After three years in Sydney, Australia still catches me off guard sometimes. You can spend the week surrounded by traffic and buildings, with the beaches just around the corner, then drive a few hours inland and suddenly find yourself beside a trout stream, surrounded by bush, farmland and wildlife.
And somehow, in all that time, I still hadn’t caught a trout in Australia.
One of the reasons I joined Sydney Fly Rodders was simply to meet local anglers and learn from people who have been fishing these waters for years. That’s how I met Francesco, and when he offered to take me out for opening day and show me a few of his spots west of Sydney, I was obviously keen. We left Sydney at 6 am and by about 9 we were in the Central
Tablelands, west of the Blue Mountains, somewhere between Lithgow, Oberon and
Bathurst. | | We spent the morning exploring an upper section of the river. The water wasn’t in perfect shape. Rain over the weekend had left it slightly coloured and, in a few places, ash from previous bushfires had washed in as well.
For the kind of fishing we hoped to do, that made things difficult.
I grew up fishing small trout streams in the Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina, where much of the fishing is visual: moving slowly, reading the water, finding a fish and then working out how to present a fly without giving yourself away.
That gets a lot harder when you can’t see much below the surface.
We walked and covered plenty of water, but for most of the morning the trout were hard to find. It didn’t really feel quiet though. During the day we came across platypus, wombats, kangaroos, snakes, rabbits, foxes and all sorts of birds. For me, that was a big part of the experience. The trout were familiar, but almost everything around them felt completely different from the places where I grew up fishing. | | | | | | | By the afternoon we had moved to a lower section of the same river, and things slowly began to change.
A few pale mayflies started coming off. Nothing major, but enough to get a few fish looking up. In some of the slower, shallower pools we began to see trout rising, although they were extremely wary.
The water was almost glassy in places, with very little current to hide a poor presentation. We lengthened the leaders to around five metres, finishing in 6X, trying to create as little disturbance as possible.
Francesco eventually found one feeding consistently in shallow, quiet water. There was very little margin for error. He placed the dry barely half a metre ahead of the fish and let the fly drift naturally towards it.
The presentation was spot on, the drift was clean, and the trout rose and took it.
It was a good reminder that on water like that, the difference between getting a take and putting a fish down can be only a few centimetres.
That same stretch could change completely within a few hundred metres. Fallen logs narrowed the river in places and pushed the current through faster channels, so we kept switching between dries, nymphs and the occasional small streamer depending on the water in front of us.
That was one of the things I enjoyed most about the day. There wasn’t one setup or one way of fishing that worked everywhere. We just had to keep adapting to whatever was in front of us.
Late in the afternoon we decided to try one last small creek before heading back to Sydney.
The vegetation there was much tighter, with branches hanging over the water and very little room for a conventional cast. We shortened the leaders to around eight feet and went up to 4X to help turn the fly over in the confined spaces.
In some pockets, a bow-and-arrow cast was the only realistic way of getting a fly onto the water. Other spots we simply had to leave alone because there was no sensible way of getting a fly through the branches and vegetation.
We kept moving and fishing the water we could reach until we came to the final pool. By then it was getting late, and we both knew this was probably the last pool of the day.
Then we noticed a rise. Barely a rise, really — just a small ring in the slow water beneath some overhanging vegetation. A few branches were touching the surface and slowing the current behind them. It was exactly the kind of spot where you’d expect insects to collect and, hopefully, a trout to hold.
With mayflies still around, I started with a dry fly.
I put two casts where I wanted them and both drifts looked right, but the fish ignored them.
After the second one, I was fairly sure the problem wasn’t the presentation, and probably wasn’t the mayfly imitation either. The rise suggested the trout was feeding slightly lower in the film rather than taking the adult insects cleanly from the surface.
I changed to a CDC Loop Wing Emerger.
The next cast did the job. The take was almost as subtle as the rises we had been watching, but the fight certainly wasn’t.
For its size, the rainbow put up a great fight. It jumped four times and then tried to bury itself amongst some submerged logs. I managed to keep it clear of the snags while Francesco made his way down the bank with the net.
A few seconds later, the trout was in the net.
After three years in Australia, I finally had my first Australian trout.
It wasn’t a big fish, but I didn’t care.
Francesco looked almost as happy as I was. He knew it was my first trout in Australia, and I think he was genuinely stoked to see it finally happen. | | Francesco casts to a rise | | | | | | | | | After a full day of walking, changing spots and changing tactics, my first Australian trout came from the very last pool of the day.
Looking back, what stayed with me wasn’t really the number or size of the fish. It was the whole day around them: exploring new water, being out in the bush, seeing wildlife, and getting to know these waters a little better.
Not a bad start to my trout fishing in Australia. | | Quick selfie with the river in the background |
|
|
Trip Report: Alexandra 19 - 24 October | | The Crew at the farewell drinks: Anglers missing from the photo are Bill Wangman, Kym Goldsworthy, Anthony Bickersteth and Roy Burton | By Rick Jones, The weeklong club trip to Alexandra has been run and won by the 18 lucky club anglers. Everyone enjoyed the great weather, the great company and caught fish (some in double figures). The author (Rick Jones) won the new Twig & Stream rod.
The week commenced on Monday night with a welcome barbeque where our professional guide, Ian Mitchell from Twig and Stream and John Brassil (Team Leader Extraordinaire) gave some insight into the best fishing locations on the nearby streams and rivers. | | John’s favourite spot on the Steavenson
| Other than the Goulburn, rivers in the area include, the Rubicon, Acheron, Steavenson, Little Steavenson, Taggerty, Little, Snobs, and if you count the rivers upstream of Eildon Reservoir, the Howqua, Delatite and Jamieson. Robin and Glenn even discovered a creek never heard of before, Heath Creek – and caught fish. Roy ventured further afield and found Murrindindi River not far from Yea – and caught a very nice fish. Rick AJ, Kym and John went early and caught fish on the Howqua at Sheepyard flat.
| | Pete trying to out-stealth a big Goulburn rainbow
| The Breakaway Twin Rivers Caravan Park at Acheron was a fantastic venue. The cabins were quiet, well equipped and in a picturesque setting adjacent to the Goulburn River.
Unfortunately, the Goulburn which is a tailrace water flowing from Lake Eildon, was flowing too fast to be fished effectively, but some patient anglers did get some. | | David with a rare Goulburn rainbow, with the river flowing at 6000ML/day
| David Webster of course had one in the net an hour after arriving, others just observed big fish holding in places impossible to get at. All the small rivers were in great condition and while very technical in places, but did produce lots of trout, mostly brownies.
The Corner Pub in Alexandra had one of its most profitable weeks of the year thanks to the patronage of Sydney Fly Rodders. The group interaction led to increased fishing knowledge, even for some old dogs who many would think too old to learn new tricks.
Anthony Mercer learned that 4000 flies spread across the dining table (all tied by his cabin buddy Peter Mauder) is not extraordinary. He also learned the joy of wearing waders for the first time. | | Just a few Pete Mauder tied during the week
| Anthony Bickersteth learned that waders stored in a cupboard for 10 years will probably not keep the water out. The local fishing shop at Alexandra came to the rescue.
I learned about Tenkara Rods, thanks Charles and that some people prefer split Cane rods, thanks to Nick. | | Rick AJ showing how well he casts
| | Charles with one of his bounty
| | James with a precious guided brownie
| Thanks to John Brassil whose brilliant organisation resulted in a seamless, thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thanks also to the shepherds John, Rick AJ, Kym and Charles who helped by assisting newer members and those new to the area. |
|
|
| The next Monthly Meeting will be held on Monday 9 November at our regular venue, The Freeway Hotel, 115 Reserve Road, Artarmon, commencing at 7:00pm. People will arrive from around 6pm so feel free to come early and enjoy a drink and some dinner with fellow members.
Our monthly topic and guest speaker will be one of our own club members - John Baricevic. John will be talking about his most recent trip to Christmas Island. He will be sharing information on the variety of fish species available with some tips on catching them. So come along and enjoy another great night out with fellow members.
For those that cannot attend we will upload a video recording of the meeting to our YouTube channel, which members can access via the menu option below: | |
|
|
| | By David Caddies
Twenty eight members used the balmy spring weather to find the excuse to get up and get at it on the casting field. A tiny breeze teased our most delicate presentations adding a chance factor to finding perfection. Well, something like that.
Fishing in the wind is part competence and part attitude. Few days are so windy you don’t continue to fish on, no matter how tough it is for you. However, it’s not just be good or be determined: it’s both. One quality leads to another, but having said that, a few hours’ practising good loop formation can produce the determination to fish on, fishing well. So, if you can’t be fishing, Timbrell Park on every second Sunday of the month is not a bad place to be.
More and more members have now firmly got the Skills Development levels in view and are on a roll; enjoying getting the boxes ticked as they progress through each specific cast. This is now the main activity at casting practice as it is the most effective way to conduct the session and it has the effect of giving members very specific things to practice on the day and in between sessions. So, we are now bringing beginning casters into the Bronze level casts as soon as they do some familiarization exercises.
However, the Bronze level is no pushover; most casters I have come across can’t do all the casts without fairly significant preparation. The general idea is that if you are casting well enough to be enjoying your flyfishing, a tour through the Bronze levels will lift your consistency quite a bit, if not teach you things you should probably be aware of. It’s not terribly serious though and we do try to keep up the fun elements.
In fact, one of our new members who joined up in October was a mere passer-by who saw us casting on 11 October and wandered in to see more. He said he had no idea that flycasting was obviously so much fun. Yes, a rank beginner. We gave him a rod,10 minutes of tuition and he was then casting nice (yes, nice) 25’ loops for the first time. He joined the club that day, came to the club meeting the next evening and tied a couple of woolly buggers at Dave’s tying night a week later. I think he can say goodbye to his ‘old’ life and I look forward to seeing him and all those freshly bitten by the bug to get out there with the like-minded and become flyfishers.
See you in the park
David | |
|
|
Club Monthly Casting Practice - Details and Event Schedule. | |
SFRC MONTHLY CASTING PRACTICE 9am Sunday 8 November 2026
Reminder: Leave your 9 – 10’ trout leader with the 5X tippet at home. Bring one which is 8’ – 8’6” and terminating in 8 or 10 lb tippet. This session will suit DT or WF floating lines, for the single-handers. Two-handers, bring what you got.
Start time is 9am:
HOWEVER: If you wish to have a go at being evaluated for any one or more of the casts in the Bronze Skills Development Program and you would like to come earlier than 9, send me a text message to that effect on 0434 671 085 and I’ll be there to set it up, from 8am. Coaching and demonstrations will be going on after 9, but with not much opportunity for individual evaluations. Early notice would be appreciated, but don’t let that stop you from a late practice on Saturday to see if you’re ready!
All members are welcome to join in the club’s usual monthly practice session. If you want to know everything about the club’s casting practice sessions, read the whole blurb in the Flyrodder magazine.
WHERE: Timbrell Park, Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock. Go to the western end of Henley Marine Drive, past the cricket pitches, baseball nets and just past LIvvi’s coffee kiosk and kids’ playground area. There is an open area opposite where Ingham Avenue intersects with Henley Marine Drive which we usually use. It is not part of the sports fields. If conditions there are not suitable on the day, we will be just opposite, across the canal, or anywhere within sight that I can find.
So come and give it a try, as there is so much to be gained by attending these sessions. And they are Free!!!
If you can’t make it this time and want some good practical instruction to guide you, check out this site: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Learn/Learning-Center-Resources/Fly-Casting/Casting-Instruction
I don’t know if that link works for you. Google FFI flyfishing and delve around. Most stuff is open to non-members.
2026 dates for fly casting practice
8 November I 13 December |
|
|
| | By Dave Wilson
The weather is warming up and terrestrials will soon be on the trout menu. At our November Fly Tying Night (the last for 2026), we will be tying beetles. Beetles are among the most diverse and abundant animals, representing about 25% of all known animal species and 40% of all insect species. The stomach contents of summer trout tell the story!
Apart from generic black / brown beetles representing a whole range of beetles, there are two Australian species in particular that can appear in plague proportions and fly boxes must be at the ready! They are the Plague Soldier Beetle (particularly in NSW & VIC) and Gum Beetles (particularly in Tasmania).
Gum Beetles are found wherever Gum Trees (eucalypts) are found, both in Tasmania and the mainland. Interesting to note that introduced gum trees in southern California are being defoliated by introduced Gum Beetles. (Americans call them Eucalyptus or Tortoise Beetles). Tasmanian forests can obviously support the load and millions of dead gum beetles are occasionally found heaped up on the prevailing shores of Tasmanian lakes.
Soldier Beetles, (named by settlers after the English Redcoats), appear in summer months both in Tasmania and NSW / VIC. I recall a hot Northerly wind on Lake Eucumbene blowing them onto the water in their thousands and heaping around our feet with no flies sporting orange/yellow in our fly boxes!
Due to their appearance in numbers it’s always wise to include a “look at me” factor like a flashy tag to get your beetle to stand out from the rest.
Red Tags, Great Lake Beetles and Geehi Beetles all with hackles are traditional beetle patterns. However, foam beetles are more realistic, float better and are easy to tie requiring only a handful of core skills. So come along and join us on 16 November at the Freeway Hotel, 115 Reserve Road, Artarmon. The doors will open at 6:30 pm to give you time to set up for a 7:00 pm start. Beginners are very welcome with experienced tiers giving help.
We particularly welcome first timers and all levels of fly tiers as you will all learn something from these wonderful sessions. These sessions are for all levels of fly tying abilities.
We have all the necessary fly-tying materials for the flies being tied in the session. For those who don't have a vice, don't worry, we have many spare vices you can use.If you would like to just come and observe, then please do so to see if this is for you. You'll be surprised at how "easily" you can get into tying your own flies. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
New Members
We extend a warm welcome to new members Cameron Butler, Glenn Eggleton, Jane Forster and Henry Johnston.
We encourage new members to join in on the many activities that we run as this is a good way to meet other club members and also to improve your fly fishing skills and most importantly to have a great time.
Looking forward to meeting you at our Monthly Members Meetings and at events throughout the coming year. |
|
|
| Sydney Fly Rodders Facebook Pages | We run two SFRC pages, one is our public page and it posts events and activities of the club. It also shares posts from other pages like CAS, DPI on things relevant to the places and areas that we fish.
I post some fly tying every now and then and share links to events I find that might be of interest to followers. This page is a little like our Web page, it showcases the club to attract members and provides details of club events. At last count it has more than one thousand followers.
We added another page. This is reserved for members only and cannot be seen by anyone outside of the group. You will need to send a request to join. Any member can post on this page and it is a great opportunity for members to put up a post or two about anything fly fishing. I would like to encourage members to use this page to post fishing reports or photos of flies that you tied. Being connected to other members you can ask for some casting or gear advice, or organise a short trip when you suddenly have some spare time.
There are also hundreds of other groups; bream on fly, carp on fly, bass, trout....areas like alpine trout, Sydney Kayak Fishing....fly tying groups, buy sell swap fly gear pages and individuals like Aussie Flyfisher, Sydney Flyfishing to check out.
Phil Burton
philipburton@bigpond.com |
|
|
Sydney Flyrodders Instagram Page | |
The Sydney Fly Rodders are now on Instagram. Many thanks to our Member Maddie Chew Lee, who offered to set us up and apply her significant experience with marketing and communications in particular within the social media space.
Please follow the site and add your comments, and lets grow this platform for the club. It will also attract new members to the club.
Below is a snapshot of the site. We aim to sync (in particular look and feel) the Instagram account with our Facebook account and also our new Website, which I talk more about in the preceding section. |
|
|
Sydney Fly Rodders WhatsApp Group | We have an Exclusive Group on WhatsApp for our Members, which is a great way to communicate informally and to share ideas, seek advice and also to plan and seek interest for impromptu/planned fishing trips.
I can highly recommend this to members. We have arranged a number of trips now from a weekends bass fishing through to a casual and social Sunday morning or afternoons fishing at Narrabeen Lake or Hen & Chickens Bay etc. And there could even be a BBQ thrown in for a social get together afterwards. This will happen on most if not all occasions.
Should you wish to be included in this group, then please email me to request your inclusion, quoting your mobile number which is required to link you into the Group. You will need to download the WhatsApp first if you haven't already done so.
Please contact me for inclusion.
Jason Hemens Editor, Flyrodder jasondh1972@gmail.com |
|
|
Piste Haus Ski Lodge - Jindabyne | | The Fly Rodders have access to the Piste Haus Ski lodge in Jindabyne during the off season at an affordable rate:
- Positioned in Jindabyne village walking distance to Banjo Patterson Pub and short drive to shops/restaurants/etc.
- 8 bedrooms, mix of doubles, twins, triples and bunks
- Sleeps 14 all up and 10 comfortably
- $75/room/night
- SFRC get access from October to end May (off-season for skiing)
- Large open plan and well-appointed shared kitchen, dining and relaxation area with log stove
- Bring your own linen, towels, pillow, sleeping bag, blanket
- Parking for up to 4 or 5 cars on site and others on the street
The syndicate that owns Piste Haus has been very generous in allowing the Sydney Flyrodders access to this excellent facility at such a low price. Therefore, we encourage members to feel free to make use of this offer (either in groups or as individuals – it does not have to be an official club trip), as long as we always remember to follow the house rules and leave the place clean and tidy.
If you are interested in booking please reach out to James Webber (treasurer@sydneyflyrodders.com.au
https://pistehaus.com.au
|
|
|
|
