Gilmore Creek is a tributary of the Tumut River. River blackfish are recorded in it, and in our experience blackfish are a fish of cover: expect them close to whatever gives them somewhere to hide, and fish those spots before you cover open water.

River blackfish are recorded here with high confidence, alongside European carp and eastern gambusia. Blackfish are the fly target; the other two are not a reason to make the trip. A small nymph and a small dark streamer suit blackfish, and a few of each in dull colours will cover most situations.

In our experience the warmer months, from spring into autumn, are the time to fish for blackfish. A good bet is early morning and the last of the light, when fish may be more willing to leave cover.

Keep low, stay back from the edge and cast short. Put a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear nymph close to cover and let it drift or creep along the bottom. If a fish will not take it, swap to a small Woolly Bugger and work it slowly past the same spot. Expect subtle takes and stay in touch with the fly.

The access card names the access points. Treat them as locations, not a statement of permission, and respect any fence or sign you meet on the ground.

As on any creek, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, carry water and a small first-aid kit, and watch your footing on wet rock and banks. Creeks can rise after rain, so keep an eye on the sky and never wade a crossing you are unsure of.

No water-specific rule was found. Before you fish, read the current NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development freshwater fishing guide, check its closed-waters list, and take any season, bag and size limits and licence requirements from it.