Few days at "Four Mile Hole"

Had the recent opportunity to spend a few days at one of my favorite waterholes in Kakadu, Four Mile Hole.

For those that have never been it is on The Wildman River System downstream of Two Mile Hole (subject of a previous report). The road in is the same as for Two Mile to start with a turn off approximately 10kms in from the Highway and a further 32kms through the scrub onto the floodplain. This track has a fearsome reputation for being rough and a trailer destroyer, on this trip it was found to be very forgiving if given the respect it deserves. Allow yourself 1 – 1.5 hours from the highway and you will have no issues, when you hit the floodplain take it easy across the areas that have been ripped apart by pigs, this area will do your springs in if not taken easy, be warned!

Arriving at the water, set camp 50 metres from the edge as required by the Rangers and had only 2 other “Grey Nomads” as neighbours. Basically I had the place to myself, just how I like it. Bank launched the boat and started fishing. Third cast resulted in the first fish of the trip, Catfish, which was to be the first of many of this species. With the sun high in the sky it was easy to see how clear the water was with the fly able to be seen to at least 1-1.5 metres deep which gave a great view of the fish attacking the fly. Over the next few days spent my time patrolling the edges and lilies picking up a constant stream of fish as I went, Barra, Toga, Tarpon, Archer and yes, Catfish (with the water clarity even sight cast a couple of these, sad, I must be getting old!!!). Having recently fished other Kakadu systems it was very noticeable that the Barra here lacked the condition as other waterways. The fish were nowhere near as fat being much leaner and did not put up as much fight. During my time there I had a great time, except for the strong wind during the day; glass out conditions before 10am and after 4pm. Caught lots of fish but size was a problem with only a couple being legal, just.

Leaner fish than from other waterways

Didn't get the sinking line out but reading the sounder I suggest that the larger fish maybe laying on the bottom midstream and maybe tempted by dragging a fly past their nose in about 7 metres of water. This has been very successful for me in the past. Give it a go if you can’t find the fish you are after along the edges.

"Roggie Dodgie" Fly does it again!

As with all trips things happen, good and bad that has never happened before. This trip was no different.

Travelling along under the power of the electric the outboard leg collected a large clump of lily stems which stretched for some 3 or 4 metre behind, no problems and continued along. A large splash from behind me got me to turn to find a 2.5 metre croc attacking the large lily pad that was being towed and splashing along the surface. I’m not quite sure who got the biggest surprise, me that it happened or the croc that he only got a salad feed! A timely reminder that they can appear from nowhere at any time.....so

Travelling back to Darwin and listening to the news I found that Four Mile Hole was the subject of much discussion because of Salvinia, not my fishing exploits. Is there Salvinia in Four Mile Hole? You bet your life there is, lots of it, a disaster in the making if nothing is done. I will dust off my soapbox and put my observations and thoughts into another post but in short if nothing is done the potential for the entire inland waterway of Northern Australia has the potential to be changed forever.

Normal fishing area - no-longer!

Typical along the lily pads

Despite that depressing thought if you have some time, take the effort to get out to Four Mile Hole. An iconic waterhole in an iconic location, get out there and do it. You will see the best sky in the world at night, breathtaking, stars from horizon to horizon for 360 degrees, a must see sight.

Iconic!

Bynoe Harbour later this week on the building tides (wind gods please be kind) then a week back out to Kakadu for a trip in “MV Croc Bait” (3 metres plus 8 horses).

Remember, “You’ll never never know, if you never never go.” Get out there and fish.

Tight lines

Jim Churchley