The fishing will be sure to improve this week especially down in the lower parts of the river, even though we haven’t had a great deal of rain it will still push a few fish down that don’t like any fresh in their water. Also, they always go where the bait is, so any little creeks that got some flow in them will have flushed some bait out into the main river.

It’s getting warmer and the warm water species are starting to show their appreciation – one of which is the mangrove jack. A few jacks are starting to poke their heads out and surface lures followed by plastics are the gun lures at the moment – work them fairly briskly to try to illicit a reaction bite, either eat it now or go without.

A few warm balmy afternoons have got some upstream bass fired up and some real cracker fish have been caught on all types of lures. The one thing I will say again is if you want to access the river, make sure you are not crossing private property to do so (staying in the river is fine as long as you have not crossed private property to get there for those who don’t know, this is trespassing and can carry hefty penalties).

Previously, asking permission from a land owner would almost never be a negative experience but I can tell you a few of these land owners are not pleased with gates being left open, farm equipment being stolen and general disregard for their property.

So if you do some bass fishing and are thinking of finding a new spot please be polite and responsible and ask permission because if you don’t it’s a long walk up the winding creek to your “secret spot”.

The fishing around the Valley has never been better, but is it time for some new infrastructure to cope with the demands of the influx of visitors wanting to chuck a line in?

Meanwhile, the 2017 round of recreational fishing trust grants have opened. 

Local Member Melinda Pavey is encouraging applications so more productive and unique projects can be delivered for rec fishers.

“Every year we see some terrific projects put in place to help improve the fishing experience,” Mrs Pavey said.

"Since 2001, hundreds of projects have been completed and some of the most popular projects include offshore artificial reefs, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), habitat repair works and boat ramp and cleaning-table upgrades."

Fishing licence fees are reinvested each year to continue to improve NSW recreational fishing opportunities and accessibility.

Fish education programs for young people are also a success, with over 300 Fishcare volunteers and the Get Hooked program, which is now running in over 100 primary schools across the State.  

The trusts also fund smaller projects each year including fishing platforms, fishing workshops, the DPI FishSmart app, fishing guides and research on recreational fishing.

Applications for funding close November 24.

Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

DPI Fisheries can be contacted on 4424-7403 or email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au to discuss potential new projects or to get assistance with completing a funding application.