Drier spring more likely in northern Tasmania - (Celebrating 70 posts!)

Weather Stuff:

The information for spring from the BOM is quite grim. The Seasonal Rainfall Outlook: probabilities for Spring 2006, issued 23rd August 2006 reports “There is a moderate shift in the odds towards below normal spring (Sep-Nov) rainfall in parts of northern and central Tasmania, the Bureau of Meteorology announced today”. The BOM has also indicated “there is a moderate shift in the odds towards above normal temperatures, both daytime and overnight, for spring (September-November) over Tasmania”. So it’s looking like a dry and warm spring.

The low pressure area to the North of Tassie should move away today and a High move in for the next couple of days. Cool showery weather looks possible during this time.

Fishing Stuff:

I opened my account on the 16th August with a small Mersey brown trout. Some reports are indicating that Woods Lake is producing some nice fish and no doubt attracting heaps of fishers now the new road has been finished. I heard of a few people who fished Arthurs and the condition of the fish were not great. It’s probably just a bit early yet. I hope to get out one evening soon in search of the first sea-runners.

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The low rainfall situation continues...

Weather Stuff:

The low rainfall situation continues with the period from 1st May to 31st July being either below average or very much below average. The predictions from the BOM for August to October show a 50:50 chances for above average rainfall, so in other words, the odds do not strongly favour either wetter or drier than average conditions across Tasmania. Looks like the next lot a rain will be due around Sunday/ Monday. It will be interesting to see if the high pressure belt moves further North in the coming weeks/ months so we will get a windy, showery and cool summer… again!

Fishing Stuff:

Well, opening day passed for me with-out a fish, but it wasn’t all bad news. Dad and I did get to look at some different spots along the river, which will be handy as more ‘n’ more farmers are preventing fishers from crossing their land. These include threats of being “accidentally” shot with a high powered rifle! Dad managed to land 2 small trout, of which one was a rainbow. Simon caught 3 browns. The biggest weighed in at 3lb and was actually under conditioned. This fish is pictured on the left in the frame. The fellow on the right caught an 8lb brown from somewhere along Shale Rd. It appears that the dreadful conditions may have made bait fishing a waste of time with all fish being taken on a lure. I really hope the conditions in the near future will improve as the last 3 or so seasons have been rather disappointing conditions wise. I guess the lakes will be the next challenge in 3 or so weeks time, hopefully the story is a tad better there!

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August 5th 2006: "Opening of most brown trout waters"

Weather Stuff:

The rain event that occurred on Sunday is the first decent rainfall the Coast has experienced for many weeks. A high pressure system is moving across North of the State with some weak fronts behind it until a stronger front should cross sometime Thursday.

Fishing Stuff:

The season opener is this Saturday and I’m not expecting the rivers to be looking that great due to the lack of rain this winter. Unfortunately, this has been the pattern for the last few years. With out any floods prior to the opening, the rivers are less likely to produce fantastic fish in great condition. Thanks to the high res satellite photos on Google Earth of the Great Bend and beyond, some new possibilities as far as river access has added some interest to the beginning of the new season. From my discussions around the traps, the usual uncertainty on where to go on opening day is apparent among the avid looking to open their score cards. I will probably do the usual, at least to start with… good ol’ Hoggs Bridge!

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