Eildon

Fish putting on condition

EILDON Peter Burtchell

This November, Lake Eildon will be at full capacity, and its headwaters will be running hard. What happens or has happened downstream along the Goulburn River and beyond will depend on how

Robert Vonja with a nice metre-y. Makaira Muscat managed her Lake Eildon personal best with a whopping 120cm Murray cod.

much rain falls throughout the state during October.

With early predictions of flooding along the Murray Darling Basin, the State Government is recommending vaccination for Japanese encephalitis for those vulnerable age groups who spend more than four hours per day in the outdoors exposed to mosquitos. Mosquitos will not be as prolific in Eildon, however you should take precautions such as wearing long, loose-fitting clothing, applying effective mosquito repellents that contain DEET, and sleeping under a protective mosquito net if you’re outdoors.

Along the creeks and rivers around Eildon, brook trout and other species will be sure to do their best to devour as many mosquito larvae as they can find. On a recent fishing adventure, Shane Bardsley targeted brook trout in both the Jerusalem Creek and the Rubicon River, landing eight browns, four rainbows and finally Shane’s target species, a very nice-looking brook trout. He also managed to land his first ever Lake Eildon Murray cod, which was much easier fishing from a boat versus traversing the creeks and river banks by foot. 15-year-old Makaira Muscat put in the hours during very arduous conditions to finally land her Lake Eildon personal best, measuring 120cm. Makaira was very impressed with the scenery at Eildon as it edged past 98% capacity in late September. With water lapping the high-water mark of the lake, fishing will be different from other years, when flat grass beds popular with feeding yellowbelly, redfin and roach were prevalent. Now these beds lay under tens of metres of water, which changes how the fish will be feeding. Overhanging branches will be the prime ambush spot for many Murray cod and yellowbelly during spring and summer. The new Sleeper Gill from Megabass, with its rounded flat sides,

will be a lure of choice as it can be skimmed across the surface of the water to land under the overhangs, putting it within striking distance of the ambush predators awaiting.

Early October saw large schools of above-average size rainbow trout feeding in the reed beds along the Jerusalem Creek where it enters into the lake. The schools should remain

until the water temperature really heats up. With warmer temperatures rising, November will be a great time to land yellowbelly and smaller Murray cod, which have all been dormant throughout the winter months due to the limited food available to them. Insects, frogs, ducklings, and anything else that ventures onto the surface of the water will be quickly targeted by these fish as they put on as much condition as they can whilst food is available.

Shane’s first ever Lake Eildon Murray cod.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

Open for breakfast from 6am 7 days a week

(Closed Mother’s Day) Coffee Light meals Pastries Cakes Bread 10 Main St, Eildon Victoria 3713 03 5774 2362 0438 881 629

Shane with a targeted brook trout.

The increased fish activity in November coincides with the last major fishing competition for 2022, the Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series at Lake Eildon. It runs from Friday 11 November through to Sunday 13 November, and is hosted by the Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park. • For more information on fishing Lake Eildon you can contact the Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park, a friendly, familyorientated 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 the 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.