Bass Fishing

The Macleay River is considered by many as the best and most productive native Australian Bass river in NSW. The average bass taken in 2008 is over the 40cm mark. Bass Lodge is ideally positioned to offer a huge range of freshwater fishing options providing access to largely untouched stretches of the Macleay River and its many tributary streams. Combine the fishing opportunities together with the 1st class accommodation of Bass Lodge and even the most demanding fisherman's expectations can be met. Our guides know the river and can assist you to maximize your fishing. Fishing trips can be guided or self guided. All fishing trips using Bass Lodge equipment must however be pre-arranged.

1. Canoe based fishing
2. Land based fishing
3. Extreme fishing

1. Canoe based fishing (Click here to see photos)

There are many canoe-based fishing trips that can be made from Bass Lodge. Trips may range from only a few ours through to several days. The following are some of the best options.

Canoe trip #1

Bass Lodge – Riverview (2-4hrs, 3.5km) Dropping the canoes into the river immediately in front of Bass Lodge, the canoe trip to Riverview is very pleasant with large sections of wide slow-flowing pools interspersed with short sections of low grade water that can usually be easily navigated. This trip is perfect for an early morning or late afternoon session (making use of the best time to fish)

Canoe Trip #2.

Bass Lodge - Flying Fox (5-8hrs, 12km) Dropping the canoes into the river immediately in front of Bass Lodge, then using the rivers flow to guide you to your destination makes for an exciting and enjoyable fishing trip. The river journey to Flying Fox from Bass lodge takes you through some of the Macleay Rivers best country. The massive cliffs and hills of Flying Fox rise steeply above as you drift down through the windy river bends. The many sections of gently flowing river are broken by several low grade rapids meaning that you will, at times, need to get out of the canoes and walk. These sections of the river are however only 15-50m in length and the banks can be easily walked. Canoes can either be assisted down the rapids or taken out and walked. If you choose a guided tour then our guide will look after you and your gear at these points. If you choose to do this yourself then please take appropriate care and respect the river. The fishing in this area is, of course, very good with many overhangs and snags along both sides of the river providing a perfect habitat for bass. There are also many larger boulders that slow up the river, create feeding eddies and make perfect conditions for a bass ambush for the prepared angler. Don’t miss the opportunity to cast or troll over the gravel beds, which at times can be very productive. Your trip ends at Flying Fox which is privately owned and not accessible to the general public. Don't forget your camera as there are photo opportunities of the river and huge mountainous backdrops of the country from which you have just come from.

Canoe Trip #3.

Dyke River- Flying Fox (1-2hrs, 1 km) The Dyke River joins the Macleay River 11 km to the east of Bass Lodge. Canoes can be placed into the Dyke River (near the mouth) at the Picnic/BBQ facilities below the Dyke River bridge. There is some good canoe-based fishing to be had in this stretch of the river including several large gravel beds plenty of native vegetation overhangs to flick your lure into.

Canoe Trip #4.

East Kunderang - Bass Lodge (5-8hrs, 8km) East Kunderang can be accessed by road, or depending on river height, by driving up the rivers edge (includes several crossings). East Kunderang lies to the west of Bass Lodge in the rugged wild rivers section of the Macleay valley. The river in this area is suitable for canoes. Most of the river is calm with many long, slow and deep pools. These sections of the river are broken by short sections of rapids where you will need to exit canoes and walk them a short distance over the gravel beds of the river. The Bass fishing opportunity between East Kunderang and Bass Lodge is sensational. This region has very few access points to the river and the fish have a perfect habitat in which to live and feed. Your only concern should be landing your cast and enjoying the fight of a quality bass. You should expect the fish to be waiting in ambush for something interesting to land close by and be prepared at all stages for a hookup. The trip from East Kunderang to Bass Lodge can be undertaken over a full day or shorter, depending on your own preference - we can drop you to those locations that best match your needs.

Canoe Trip #5.

West Kunderang - Bass Lodge (2-4 days, 24km) West Kunderang is 24 km upstream to the west of Bass lodge. Canoe trips to Bass Lodge will require one, two or three overnight stays - depending on the speed at which you wish to travel. You will need to be prepared to camp with reasonably basic camping gear (as much gear as can be fitted into a large barrel). The night stay is sensational and well worth the effort. Some great night fishing can be had, as the bass emerge from their hiding holes and congregate in the middle of the larger, otherwise exposed holes.

2. Land Based Fishing

Bass lodge offers the angler kilometres of river access much of which is privately owned and otherwise inaccessible. Your stay at Bass Lodge will give you access to rivers and streams that, for an average bushwalker, can easily be walked along. This type of fishing is exciting and should not be underestimated. You will find yourself in full "stealth mode", creeping up on deep water pools dotted along these rivers at river bends and where logs and boulders have become trapped by the river or stream. The shadows and snags offer the fisherman plenty of challenges and opportunities to place that perfect cast and secure that prized "trophy" photo. This type of fishing is not only exciting but can also be very productive - as many bass tend to spend the warmer months upstream, sometimes in unexpectedly small pools. A great example of land based bass fishing (that is at Bass Lodge’s very doorstep) is provided by Georges Creek. Bass Lodge is located at the Junction of the Macleay River and Georges Creek and Georges Creek winds up past Bass Lodge, through private property and towards Point Lookout to the north. This section of pristine "skinny water" is not available to the general public. The walk along Little Georges Creek is beautiful and in general easy. You should however be prepared to cross shallow sections of the stream, negotiate low hanging branches and dodge some thistles that may at times line the foreshore. The rewards of walking the banks are well worth the effort as this is some of the best land based freshwater fishing you can experience. The stories to be told on the Bass Lodge balcony over a cold drink will be rich and many. A quick look at the topographical maps available at Bass Lodge will demonstrate that there is a plethora of other streams that can similarly be accessed. Often when the main river is high and less clear, these smaller streams offer a great option meaning that a stay at Bass Lodge can cater for all conditions.

3. Extreme Fishing

Extreme fishing opportunities abound in the wild rivers to the west of Bass Lodge and into the gorge country. You will need to be fit and prepared to rough it somewhat in order to experience this opportunity. Extreme fishing will take you into country which has hardly been seen by mankind, areas where the fish have been holed up and possibly never hunted. Extreme fishing may involve being dropped off by helicopter or by vehicle. It may also involve hiking into and out of remote gorges and must be carefully planned accordingly and by prior arrangement only. If you are serious about your native Australian bass fishing, then you will not be disappointed with what is on offer at Bass Lodge. Combine your fishing with a stay at the magnificent Bass Lodge and your adventure will satisfy even the most demanding angler.

4. Trout Fishing

Bass Lodge is only 30-45 minutes away from some of the best trout fishing that the Northern Tablelands and eastern escarpment has to offer. Heading straight up the Armidale-Kempsey Road towards Armidale you can be fishing at various access points of the Styx River all within 40minutes. Also on offer is the easily accessible Oaky River and Dam (which houses some larger browns and rainbows). Bring out the explorer in yourself and visit some of this most picturesque and pristine country.