|
There are six species of freshwater fish in the Grafton area of
interest to the anglers. Of these Australian Bass, Eel-tailed
Catfish Snub-nosed Garfish, and Pink-eye Mullet receive the most
attention from both local and visiting anglers. Of the remaining two
species, Estuary Perch do make an occasional appearance in the area,
though they are seldom specifically fished for.
 Eastern
Freshwater Cod are found in the upper reaches of the Clarence River
system. These fish have been declared endangered and are totally
protected. It is
illegal to catch, attempt to catch or possess Eastern Cod. If
these fish are accidentally caught, they must be immediately
returned to their natural environment with the least possible
injury.
In addition to these species, the area is periodically visited by
several marine species. The most notable of these being Yellowfin
Bream, Dusky Flathead, juvenile Mulloway and Luderick.
Fishing in the Grafton area is therefore somewhat of a lottery.
Species in residence can, and do, change from week to week in
response to environmental fluctuations. In particular, variations in
water temperature and salinity levels have a marked effect on the
availability of both marine and freshwater species.
Increases in rainfall, for example, lower temperature and salinity,
and the marine species generally move downriver.
In contrast, periods of low rainfall result in warm, saline water
moving well upstream accompanied by salt water species such as
Bream, Flathead etc. Such conditions also result in a movement
upstream by the freshwater species as the tidal waters encroach on
their usual habitat.
A
rough rule of the thumb in this area is heavy rainfall; fish
downstream, light rainfall; fish upstream.
|
