Vol 1, No 13 - Thursday 4 December 2008

 

 

Waters covered in this report include Rocky Valley & Pretty Valley reservoirs, Lake Guy and Lake Catani. Also the

Kiewa, Ovens, Bundara, Cobungra, Victoria and Mitta Mitta (upper and lower) rivers, plus numerous mountain streams.

 
Y’know, if a person had a magical Genie who could grant three wishes, and one of them was that the rivers of the Victorian alpine region would be in perfect shape for summer, that wish would be granted. Even local anglers are excited, having not seen the rivers in such fantastic shape for many years, and especially now, at the beginning of summer.

 

Bogong High Plains: Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley reservoirs at Falls Creek are in perfect condition at the moment, with mostly rainbow trout responding to live bait fishing around the shoreline. Anglers fishing Pretty Valley’s small outflow creek are also getting lots of brown trout on tiny dry flies. Fish are less than 300 grams in weight on average.

 

Mt Beauty Pondage: The pondage is 100% full this week, thanks to the recent rain. Few anglers have been fishing this water in recent days but that will change once holidaymakers get here at Christmas. The pondage is stocked with yearling rainbow and brown trout that grow very quickly on account of an excellent natural food supply. Most locals can tell you they cannot remember anybody catching a trout of less than 500 grams (that’s one imperial pound) in weight from the pondage, although many fish are much heavier.

 

In summer, fishing with mudeyes or worms under a bubble float is one of the most productive methods to use, but be sure to keep the bait off the bottom. If you don’t, long weeds will encase it and the fish won’t be able to find it. Half fill with water a small plastic bubble float and place about a metre above the bottom rig, then gently cast the lot out and await events. Ensure that the bubble float can slide up or down the line for best results. Lures such as medium sized Celtas are also productive now.

 

 

 

 

 Kiewa River: The Kiewa River from   Tawonga to Mongans Bridge is in absolutely excellent condition, with a   moderately strong flow rate a feature this week. The outflow channel from the Mt Beauty pondage is currently running at an ideal rate and creating many holding and feeding grounds for large trout further downstream.

 

Upper Mitta Mitta River: Before anything is said about the upper Mitta Mitta River this week, perhaps some news concerning the Blue Duck Hotel would be in order. The hotel changed hands recently, and Lana Antony and Michael Mullins are the new owners. Details are sketchy at the moment but next week’s report will include photos and lots of information, including their plans to further develop the pub’s services to the public.

 

The Upper Mitta River is still flowing a bit fast after last week’s rain and the trout just love it, responding well this week to a variety of dry flies from late afternoon into dusk. Nymphs are still taking a few, with a number of brown trout found at mid-depth or deeper.

 

Lures are also doing well, with many reports of trout to 450 grams taking medium sized Tassie devils and Celta spinners at the moment.

 

Bundara and Cobungra rivers: Both of these rivers at Anglers Rest are in great condition this week and fishing should be good although there are no recent reports to hand. There are tracks that lead into the middle sections of these rivers that are rarely ever fished but local knowledge is needed to find and follow most of them, as they can be hard to see. Professional fishing guide, Geoff Lacey has a thorough working knowledge of these tracks and waters and he can be contacted on mobile 0409 241 762. Sometimes he’s with clients well out of mobile range, fly 

 

 

 

 fishing in some rarely fished river or other. Alternatively, contact Tawonga Fishing Lodge on (03) 5754 1466 and speak with someone there or leave a message for Geoff.

 

 

Lower Mitta Mitta River: The lower Mitta Mitta at Mitta Mitta is producing many rainbow trout this week, with bait anglers getting the most action, according to reports. Bowlers Lane is firing up at the moment and a number of rainbow trout to 1.5 kilograms have been caught on drifted scrub worms and mudeyes and lures in fast flowing waters upstream from the car parking area. 

 

Snowy Creek: Snowy Creek around Granite Flat is producing mostly pan sized brown trout, with lures getting most of them, according to reports.

 

Fly fishers will be about on this prime trout water now that summer is here and they always enjoy good fishing at this time, just before Christmas. The river upstream of the road bridge on Walsh’s Road holds fish that hide out under the many grassy overhangs in the glides. They usually respond hard and fast to almost any delicately presented dry fly or small drifted bait cast well upstream that they see as the angler moves silently upstream.

 

If you’re coming here for the holidays email info@anglingvic.com.au for the very latest fishing update for every river, stream and lake in the region.

 

 

 
More next week from Geoff Lacey P O Box 20 Tawonga Vic 3697 Australia