THE CLARENCE RIVER SYSTEM

BASS FISHING IN THE CLARENCE RIVER

By Robert Lockwood

The Clarence River lies in the northeast corner of New South Wales, its headwaters in the McPherson Ranges in Queensland. From here it flows some four hundred kilometres to empty into the sea, dividing the coastal towns of Yamba and lluka. The Clarence is the N.S.W. north coast's largest river system with a total catchment of 22,660 square kilometres. The river is free flowing with no on stream dams or weirs to inhibit its natural flow - a rare and attractive feature today.

TOPOGRAPHY & VEGETATION - High rainfall and hot summer temperatures give rise to lush vegetation. In some areas on the eastern escarpment of the Great Dividing Range are the largest undisturbed areas of rainforest in the state and home to the superb Lyrebird and the Greater Gliders. From here the river flows through steep granite valleys flanked by bottlebrush fringed green pools; over long sandy sweeps and steep rapids then meanders across the coastal plain to the sea.

AUSTRALIAN BASS - Inhabiting this magnificent river are some of the most prized native freshwater fish, the Australian Bass, legendary amongst keen sport fishers. With fish to 500mm commonly caught and specimens up to 62 centimetres showing up periodically, these trophy fish are what Clarence River Bass are all about.

Two classes of Bass inhabit this river - solid, deep flanked fish which spend many years well upstream, well conditioned and solid, moving only every few years. Other fish swim downstream to spawn and will head back upstream during the first river rise of spring. These are long, lean, tenacious battlers that spend a lot of time on the move. Battle-scarred from the long swim, these females put on condition during the summer months when the food supply is optimum.

Shrimp, herring and mullet make up the early season diet of the river runners. When the days heat up, terrestrial insects hatch and become a prime food source. A hapless cicada floating on the water is likely to be met with a savage strike from a hungry bass. During high summer, Bass are actively feeding on floating food and this is the very best time for fly-fishing.

TIMES OF DAY OR NIGHT - Bass, by their nature, are low light feeders and so traditional times of early morning or late afternoon are the times to expect strikes. During high summer, night is the time to be on the water. During bright sunlight, fish deep and away from the penetrating rays of the sun. Extra deep diving lures make good sense at these times  bumped around submerged boulders and cover, they are sure to attract attention.

TIMES OF YEAR - The warmer months are when the fishing is at its best. In the height of summer, severe electrical storms accompanied by hail and torrential rain do occur and can result in flash flooding. It is wise to take care when selecting a campsite  too close to the water and a sudden rise of two metres can mean inconvenience and lost gear  not a recipe for happy angling.

LURES - There is now a wide range of quality lures on the market designed for Bass. They all work and catch fish, so selection is a matter of personal choice. Fishing conditions are a major factor in choosing lures on any given day. No lure is best, so the keen angler will carry a wide selection of styles, shapes and colours.

TECHNIQUES - Surface lures have always been a traditional choice for the late evening, night and early morning Bass anglers. They also work well when the sun is up, particularly if there is some cloud cover. To fish the surface during the day the angler has to make a few adjustments to lure size, retrieve speed and colour. A more subtle approach and presentation is needed than at night ,the lure that makes only a slight dimple and not much noise is the one that will entice a strike during daylight hours. Downsizing the lure is the key and fizzers in the smaller size range are perfect. Usually only one blade is needed to make a slight disturbance on the water. Conversely once the stars are shining in the night sky, switch to the large double bladed models that create more noise to alert the hunting Bass to the whereabouts of the "tucker'.

TACKLE - Rods - graphite bait casting models suitable for lures from 3-6kg are ideal.

Reels - quality bait casters capable of casting small and large lures loaded with gelspun or good mono 3-6kg depending on the terrain.

Fly reels - single action reels.

Fly lines - a full complement of lines from sink tip full floating weight forward lines are the most popular.

Fly rod - 5-8 wts.

CLOTHING - Bass fishing is generally a summer activity so dress should be casual and comfortable with lightweight shirts and shorts being the most practical. A wide brimmed hat is essential as are light comfortable footwear. Polaroid sunglasses are a must. Summertime temps on the Clarence can reach 40C.

ACCESSORIES - A light raincoat is advisable as summer storms are common along the river. Sunscreen and insect repellent complete the personal items.

Forceps or pliers for releasing fish unharmed are necessary. For preference, use forceps, as they are lighter and less likely to damage the fish as opposed to heavier pliers.

ACCESS - In the vicinity of Grafton City there are many boat ramps enabling anglers to launch their craft. Upstream is more suited to small boats and car toppers as there are no official ramps here. Sliding the craft down grassy banks work well. Canoes are a great way to fish this water as they are easily launched and can be paddled down the many rapids and rock gardens that are a feature of the upper river. Those with experience in handling craft in white water should only float the Upper Clarence.

DOWNSTREAM - The lower river just downstream from Grafton has a charm all its own, being fresh water with a slow tidal influence. The wide river with a myriad of islands and quiet back channels is habitat to exquisite bird life and flying foxes, which rest, in the large figs flanking the riverbanks. As the water becomes brackish, estuary perch and bream show up along with mangrove jacks.

HOUSEBOATS - these can be hired, offering the holidaying family some choice water and angling, A dinghy for sojourns up the creeks and channels makes a comfortable set up. The towns of Maclean, Lawrence and Ulmarra still retain wharves and supplies can be purchased here. Riverside pubs offer good food, company and accommodation.

Grafton is the largest town on the Clarence River. There are tackle outlets here where the travelling angler will find all the tackle required to fish for bass and for that something extra that is not already in the tackle box. There is a comprehensive guiding service specialising in canoe trips on the river, offering the sports fisher many and varied locations and diverse habitats in their pursuit of this pugnacious bronze beauty, the Bass.

Aluminium boats and Canadian canoes can be hired at Seelands, just west of Grafton phone 644 9381.

CONSERVATION - In the interest of maintaining a top class fishery, true sports fishers release all large bass which are the females, thus ensuring genetic diversity and stocks for the future. All bass from the Clarence occur through natural selection and breeding; there are no hatchery bred fish released here. If a fish is needed for the table, then fish around half a kilo are ideal. A bag limit of two fish per day per angler applies and only one of these fish may be over 35cm.

So if you are on the north coast with Bass on your mind, why not splash a lure in the Clarence?

NOTE:

A fishing licence is necessary in non-tidal waterways. The cost is $10 for 1 month; $25 for 1 year or $70 for 3 years. They can be obtained at Mc Lachlan's Sports Store, 87 Fitzroy St, Grafton; Grafton Great Outdoor Centre, 93 Bent St, South Grafton; or by telephoning 1300 369 365 if you have a credit card.

Reproduced with the kind permission of:

CLARENCE RIVER TOURIST ASSOCIATION.