THE SNOWY RIVER
The once mighty Snowy River was irevocably changed when in 1967 it was dammed in the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Snowy, for fishing purposes particulalry, now can be viewed as two rivers; the section above the Lake Jindabyne Wall and the section below the same wall.
The Snowy River begins it journey to the ocean high in the alps near the base of Australias highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. For their it makes it way to a series of dams beginning with Guthega Pondage. The section of the river above Guthega Pondage is really not worth fishing! Guthega Pondage itself does hold mainly rainbow and trout and is worth a look. All methods of fishing are permitted however fly is most productive. No boats are allowed on the very small dam.
At nearly 1600m elevation the weather can be extreme and the dam is often frozen over throughout winter. Guthega Ski Village is 200m away and does have some services (Hotel) year round.
From Guthega Pondage the Snowy continues its way through the mountains down to Island Bend Pondage. (On route it performs it duties in various diversions for the benefit of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme). Island Bend pondage itself is worth a fish and hold both Brown and Rainbow trout with the occasional big one! Again the pondage is at nearly 1200m elevation so caution is required at all times of the year. All fishing methods are allowed and camping is permitted.