Big trout numbers being reported

WEST/SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Billy

Auldist

South West Gippsland has been fishing well over the last few months, and there is still good fishing to be had. The cooler months ahead will provide a challenge for fishers, but there are ways around it and we still have lots to look forward to.

The Loch, Toorongo and Latrobe rivers and tributaries in and around Noojee have been fishing well, as per usual. The recent rains mean that brightlycoloured lures will be a hit this month. With increasing rainfall, we should expect the water levels to be quite temperamental in the coming weeks, and bait fishers may start to find more success as the waterways are flushed and the food is plentiful.

Not surprisingly, spinners and hardbodies have been taking care of a big number of fish in the area, with big totals of trout being reported. However, soft plastics fished on a light jighead through the deeper holes have generally been catching the more wary fish.

Blue Rock Lake has been productive for land-based and boat fishos on both lures and bait over the past month. The bass action has been concentrated towards the top end of the lake lately, which boat fishers have

“Why?” been taking advantage of. If you don’t have a boat, it is still possible to fish the top end of the lake from the bank. I won’t give too much away, but with a little research you’ll have yourself up there without too much hassle.

“I want to make sure that they have all the right fish handling gear.” You know, care for cod stuff!

Reluctantly, the manager opened up their tackle boxes and yes, they had all the right fish handling gear but strangely enough they had no orange or green coloured lures. Oh well, let’s go!

Around 15 minutes later, placing them on a no-fish spot, I cross to the good fishing spot and manage to land the first Murray cod with a green lure. They roll up, I hand the fish over to them and they film the release and then go back to their designated spot. I landed a second cod with my orange lure, and hooked a third on the green lure. This time they were prepared, and filmed me into their program landing the fish. 45 minutes in they wanted to go back for a coffee, and after securing the boats I headed in for a coffee only to find the famous anglers in the tackle shop buying all the green and orange lures that were available. We are now good friends, and I still maintain that I just got lucky that day.

Hardbodies, soft plastics and jigs are all taking fish. Cicadas and other surface lures still have their place, but we should expect the surface fishing to taper off heading into the cooler months.

Redfin, trout and carp can also be caught throughout the lake on most baits and lures. The trout fishing in particular should pick up in the next few weeks. Casting or trolling winged lures like Tassie Devils gives you a good shot at a Blue Rock trout.

The Tarago and Bunyip rivers have been producing quality over quantity for anglers who put in the effort. Soft plastics tend to be the lure of choice in these rivers because of their snaggy nature; there isn’t much room for long casts, which makes soft plastics very versatile. Trout, redfin and blackfish are all present in these rivers, and will take a well-presented plastic. It is no secret that these rivers hold our region’s biggest trout, and if you persevere you may find yourself tangling with one of them.

Lower waterways like the Hazel, Bear and Little Moe will all continue to yield carp and redfin in the coming weeks. The easiest way to fish these waters is with a lightly-anchored bait, but avid lure fishers will still catch redfin on lures at times.

Local estate dams are also worthy of a look over the next few months when rivers get high and dirty. There are often populations of redfin in these small suburban lakes, and they are good fun when you find them. Soft plastics are a good prospecting lure, but some days the redfin will take just about anything you throw at them.

As we head into the colder weather, many anglers will stop fishing for a few months. This means there will be less pressure on our waters, and therefore more rewards for those who get out and have a crack.

That’s enough memories, now let’s move on to some thank you notes.

To all of you who support the magazine and read the reports, I hope you may have gained some new insight into the fishery and also some of the people behind the scenes.

A big thank you to you all.

A mention must be made to the Victorian Fisheries Authority, with special thanks to Taylor Hunt and Steve Vidler for always being on hand to answer fishy questions.

To Gary Fox and his events management team from Goulburn Murray Waters, thank you.

A big shout out to the staff and owners of the Jerusalem Creek Marina and Holiday Park. Your inspiration kept things on an even keel.

To all of the contributors who have sent photographs, content and/or bulls**t for the Lake Eildon report, a big thank you to you, too. I look forward to reading about your future conquests around the lake.

Sadly, I couldn’t publish every photo that was sent to me. To contributors whose photos were blurry, or had naked people in the background, or showed anglers who were holding big fish incorrectly –better luck next time. I do appreciate you taking the time to submit the photos, even if we couldn’t use them.

To the many sponsors, organisers and helpers who have assisted to create great fishing events, including the

World’s Greatest Fishing Competition being held this month and raising much-needed funds for well-deserving charities, I thank you.

The next time you’re heading to Eildon, drop into the Megabass Elite Pro Store at Jerusalem Creek or Eildon

Bait and Tackle, where you too can thank the sponsors of the events by purchasing their products in the stores, or obtaining their contact details from the floor staff.

For Eildon Bait and Tackle, drop in to see Craig Parker who is the proprietor. Craig is now officially the next writer for the World’s Greatest Monthly Fishing Report, Fishing Guide, Fishing Boat Hire specialist at Eildon. Craig is a great ambassador for all things fishing at Eildon, and I am sure you will learn a lot from him. You can contact him at goldentroutcod@ gmail.com or give him a call on (03) 5774 2712.

Another great resource for all things fishing at Lake Eildon is the Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park, a friendly, family-orientated annuals cabin park and Houseboat Marina, that makes the perfect home away from home. When visiting Lake Eildon you can opt to stay in one of their floating apartments (Boatels), hire a houseboat or fishing vessel, visit the Megabass Elite Pro Store, or book a Megabass Elite Pro Fishing Tour with one of the many leading Australian fishing guides operating from Jerusalem Creek.

For more information on all of the activities and attractions that Lake Eildon has to offer, visit jerusalemcreek.com.au, give them a call on (03) 5774 2585 or email info@ jerusalemcreek.com.au.