Perched at an elevation of 1,400 metres, at the base of Mount Selwyn in the Kosciuszko National Park, Three Mile Dam is a hidden gem for fly fishing for trout in the mountains. Due to its elevation, the dam can become heavily impacted by snow during the winter months, and at times, its surface is often frozen over.
Last November, we made the trip up to the dam for the first time, being greeted by a late drop of snow. The winds started to howl through, blowing sleets of rain and snowflakes, as we stood on the waters edge. Despite the testing conditions, with wife and kids in tow, I managed to pluck out beautiful little brook trout after brook trout, eleven in total, until the conditions became too unbearable for some little fingers and toes. The boys looked like frozen statues being bundled into the car to escape the elements.
Keen to get amongst some more brookies, we made a second trip back up to the dam Sunday, and after a mornings session tobogganing at Mount Selwyn, it was finally time for some fly fishing. The last few days had brought more snow, that was quickly melting away under sunny conditions.
After breaking my V Top 6 weight rod on my last fishing trip (soon to be added) and awaiting my coming order of rods, I pulled out the only rod I had available. A 10 weight salt saltwater fly rod, in conjunction with my 6 weight line. Wow! Here we go!
Making sure I set the hook, I launched the first little bow into the stratosphere, as the 10 weight flexed his muscles and a split second later, a silvery rainbow was aerially landed, then released.
The dam was beautifully clear, as I made my way around the shallow borders, firing casts out into deeper water. It took some loading up, to get the line moving without the normal grace and rhythm, but I was managing.
A second rainbow decided to smash my bead-headed ginger Woolly Bugger, and this time, I ensured that it wasn’t sent flying to Timbuktu! This fish, although not the biggest, fought with aggression even with the mighty kingfish fighter in my hand.
Maike and the boys came down to greet the action after exploring the area. They had seen brumbies, kangaroos, wallabies and even a rare black cockatoo.
After catching a few more rainbows on my trustworthy streamer, we decided to call it a day, given temperatures were hovering around a mere 5 degrees. The boys were craving some Mc doo doo Macs, (McDonalds) and given it was a Sunday afternoon, it was time to get back home to Canberra.
We’re looking forward to a third trip back to 3 Mile and finding out what other species share these waters. This dam continues to impress and provides and awesome day out with great fly fishing each trip!