The Cudgegong is a working central-west river that gives you two different kinds of day: small-water trout fishing in its upper country, and warm-water natives, with carp and redfin sharing the lower end.

Think of it in three parts. At the top, the river starts in Wollemi National Park above Dunns Swamp, north-east of Kandos, and runs down past Rylstone. In the middle, Lake Windamere cuts the river in two, and below the dam the river runs on through Mudgee. At the bottom, the Cudgegong joins the Macquarie from the north at Lake Burrendong.

If you want trout, start above Windamere around Rylstone. Writers on the Blue Mountains Fishing site describe trout in that stretch and in some sections below Mudgee, so it is not a trout river end to end. A small lure or a fly worked slowly is the sensible approach. In summer, the same source suggests streamers on a slow, varied retrieve and dries: ants by day, then beetles, small moths and a white Wulff towards dusk. That is a good bet for a fly rod on any small stream. Check the NSW trout and closed-waters information before you go, since trout streams carry their own rules.

If you want natives, golden perch are the fish to look for, and Murray cod are recorded in the river too. Published advice leans towards spinnerbaits, stumpjumpers and bait, so a fly angler should think big, weighted streamers and, in warm weather, hoppers. In our experience the warmer months are the better bet.

Carp and redfin are described as plentiful in the lower reaches, so expect to meet them there. Treat them as part of the fishing, not a disappointment.

Pick your stretch by the fish you want, then check the current NSW fishing guide before you rig up.