Mulgrave - the Top End!

Now, without complaining, man its been a big "WET". Our region has received over 2,200mm (yes that's 2.2 metres) of rainfall since December and there's more to come.

Having survived the ravages of cyclone Yasi, the Cairns region sure dodged a bullet there, and then the more recent flooding suffered by the region immediately south of us (Innisfail / Tully and Cardwell received almost 800mm last week).....we are still finding life is almost normal up here.

Sure it can be a little inconvenient, but this is part of living in the tropics, so we must be grateful and get on with our lives wherever possible.

As I write this Japan has been devastated by the horrific 8.9 earthquake and the subsequent tsunami which has destroyed many lives, property, homes and industry.......our region warmly welcomes many Japanese visitors annually (many of whom are keen anglers and repeat clients). Our thoughts and prayers go out to them in their time of need.

When conditions are tough and the rivers high and flooding, one saving grace can be the Mulgrave River situated a short 45 minutes drive south of Cairns. This river is not that big by even Aussie standards, but it does flow from the mountains near Gordonvale / Walsh's Pyramid and having passed swiftly over granite rock and sand, tends to be the cleanest in trying conditions - i.e. after a big flood it usually fishes well before the others start to clear up. So with this strategy in mind, Debbie and I headed south to Gordonvale and launched our tinny at the well maintained (joke!) mud ramp under the new highway bridge.

Mulgrave Boat Ramp (Sick)

Now this trip is not for the faint hearted, nor for the inexperienced as there are many dangers lurking in the swirling waters of the upper Mulgrave. There are old railway bridges and submerged pylons, rocky rapids and gravel bars, sunken trees and fallen logs to contend with and stream craft is very important - as is having the right vessel for the job. I would not even attempt this exercise if I had not been "shown the ropes" on several occasions by my good mate, Terry Holman of Fish Hunter fame.

Old Railway Bridge - seen better days!

There are also big crocodiles in this river so don't be fooled into thinking big crocks live in salt water only - we saw three on this day and the biggest was well over 3 metres.

The secret to successful fishing in these conditions is to understand your target species, adapt your approach and target specific areas.

Barra for instance don't like to be in fast flowing water - they will however sit just out of the main current and wait for easy pickings to flush past (they are lazy buggers after all). But they will set up station at any drain or gutter bringing food into the system.

Average barra

Jungle Perch are a little more adventurous - my "WordWeb" dictionary states - "Willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises" and that just about sums it up for these plucky little fighters. Look for them in rapids, trailing sections, under overhanging fig trees etc.

Typical JP

Sooty Grunter's, although tough swimmers and occasionally coming from the faster sections, will still prefer a more sedentary lie so look for their habitat too.

Swirling waters - be prepared

Mangrove jacks - well these top line predators will amaze you at where they get and from where they can be caught. From gutters & drains, rapids and snags....just be prepared if using light tackle in fast flowing water.

Jack from the rapids

Drifting down on the fast flowing current Debbie & I deliberately left the light spin gear on the deck most of the time. You see we were primarily after old bucket mouth (barra to you) and even though I know our catch rate would have been much higher if we had picked up the light rod more often, we were also exploring relatively new territory and were hell bent on "seeing where the barra were hiding".

Beautiful old tree

The river in these parts wanders through ever changing terrain. One moment we are drifting along sodden cane paddocks, then the next we are in pristine rain forest with towering trees and swaying palms. The constant change in river depth and width also affects the velocity of the water so you need to keep your wits about you and take evasive / navigation action as the challenges present themselves.

Debbie and I had an absolute ball. The catch rates were not that great but considering the terrain we covered, the new experience we had and the exploration of new territory - we had had a blast.

4 barra landed
2 JP's
1 sooty
1 38cm jack

Deb with barra

Nice juvenile barra - 54cm put back

As we powered up the Yammy for the trip back to the bridge, the heavens finally opened up again and it was pelting down all the way back to the ramp.

NOTE:
Tropical North Queensland needs your tourism dollars. Parts of our region have been battered by the elements but (touch wood) Cairns is virtually unscathed and its business as usual up here. Some of the best fishing of the season is just around the corner so come on up, we have the experienced guides who will put you onto quality fishing. The adventure and thrills will live with you forever.

Happy Fishing,
Les Marsh

http://www.fishingcairns.com.au/