Flood Events Feb & March 2022

Our favorite freshwater fishing locations in the Northern Rivers are still recovering after the recent record breaking floods. Phenomenal amounts of rain fell in the region causing severe flooding in February and then again a month later. Communities were forced into survival mode as rivers swelled and inundated streets, towns and homes. Whole villages like Uki and Murwillumbah went under water and the cleanup is still underway. The tackle store I work in Lismore the water level was 2m+ over the ceiling!

Whilst the roads are now open to travel to the Tweed River and Clarrie Hall Dam, landslides, potholes and huge missing bits of road are constant obstacles along route. Clarrie Hall boat ramp is buried under thick mud and is presently unusable. The lake is the colour of puddle water, as is the river. The kayak/canoe launching facility in the river has been destroyed by the torrent and washed away. Large sedimentary deposits and debris litter the banks.

On the positive side, these type of flood events can benefit river systems and fishing in the long term. Big flushes like this remove a build up of noxious weeds in the lakes and rivers. When the water in Clarrie Hall clears, the Cobomba weed would have died back considerably. The Bass will be more exposed and therefore easier for the angler to locate and present a lure or fly to.

Similarly, the river will be flushed of weeds, algae and stagnant water. There will be plenty of new snags to investigate that should be loaded with hungry fish! It may be another month or so before the water clears and the fishing improves. So stay tuned for some great Bass fishing in the Northern Rivers once again!