We’ve just released issue 5 of the magazine so subscribers can view it now. If you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s easy to do – just go to our magazine page, choose the subscription you want, then use your username and password to access the magazine on your PC, Mac, iPad or other device.

This issue, Steve Dunn heads to the starkly beautiful lakes of Central Otago, New Zealand for some late summer cicada fishing. Closer to home, my December trips to the trout streams of the upper Murray have been a tradition for a couple of decades now, so it made sense to share a few ideas about the early summer fishing in the area.

 

It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed an article as much as Nick Taransky’s ‘A Day on a Stream.’ Nick describes a novice flyfisher’s first day on a mountain stream and all the learning, laughter and ultimately, small victories that go with it. I can’t think of better reading for anyone about to embark on the flyfishing adventure, but equally, there are some handy tips and reminders in this one for all of us. On the subject of novices, Christopher Bassano’s ‘Barra for Trouties’ is a comprehensive and entertaining briefing for any of us southerners planning to tackle this iconic sportfish. As Christopher says, ‘It’s like going back to school again, but only to study your favourite subject!’

To the columns and Peter Hayes gets a bit obsessed (and rightfully so!) about not spooking trout, while Jim Allen is living proof of the value of keeping a fishing diary. And Craig Coltman’s Lake Possum Nymph is another one of those simple but oh-so-important flies. Don’t go to Tassie or Vic’s central highlands without some.  Andrew Fuller has plenty of Christmas goodies in ‘Behind the Line’ and I review a surprisingly interesting fly box of all things. Enjoy!