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Northeast Victoria’s alpine region has seen some good rainfalls and at least two thunderstorms recently, bringing much-needed nutrients and improved water flows to the rivers in their wake. The Kiewa River at Tawonga in particular is in excellent condition this week, with crystal clear water clarity and coolness that is ideal for both brown trout and rainbow trout of all sizes.

Bogong High Plains
Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley reservoirs are both at 100% capacity and are providing some really good fishing this week, with rainbow trout to four kilograms on offer to boat anglers who troll the deeper water of Rocky Valley some 30 metres out from the shoreline.

Despite the large and wild-bred trout that are available, only a few boat anglers fish this lake in summer, probably on account of the time required driving here from Melbourne, being around 4 hours including rest stops. One can only suppose that most troll fishing enthusiasts don’t realise how good the fishing is here, thinking of it only as a snow skiing venue in winter. The lakes are actually similar to how Eucumbene was 20 years ago, but on a smaller scale. Fly fishers and lure enthusiasts are also doing well fishing around the shoreline, especially during the afternoon and into evening.

Fiona Pond (Mt Beauty Pondage)
Fiona Pond is full and fishing well around the deeper sections, with live bait fishing the most popular method employed at the moment. Rainbow trout to 600 grams are falling for drifted hoppers and scrub worms presented under a bubble float during the day. Fly fishers are also finding success around the reeds at dusk when fishing to rising rainbows with size 20 to 22 black gnat and black spinner dry flies.

Kiewa River
The Kiewa River from Mt Beauty through Tawonga to Mongans Bridge is flowing clear and cool and holding many more pan-sized brown trout this season than in recent years. January was very hot and few trout were caught then, but with cooler weather this month the fish are feeding again in the runs and responding well to all methods of fishing. This autumn, as insects and moths become more scarce over the rivers on cool days, fly fishers should do well with size 12 to 14 weighted nymphs and wet flies that are cast upstream into quieter waters adjacent to stream currents.

Upper Kiewa River
The upper Mitta Mitta River from Glen Wills through Anglers Rest to Taylor’s Crossing is fishing exceptionally well this week, with brown trout taking a variety of lures and drifted baits, especially hoppers on very light line. Fly fishers are also doing well with size 20 to 22 black gnat dry flies during late afternoon as rising trout feed on naturals.

Bundara River
The Bundara River at Anglers Rest is in prime condition with clear cool water and fishing well with many trout on offer this week. At the moment, pan-sized browns in many of the shallow runs are responding well to a variety of small dry flies presented during the middle of the day despite no rises occurring.

Cobungra River
The Cobungra River is similar to the Bundara, although it runs through mostly inaccessible country for most of its length. This water is only very lightly fished at any time and contains brown and rainbow trout that provide heart-stopping action on a 2 or 3-weight fly rig. It is advisable to engage the services of a professional fishing guide to find the access tracks and discover the best locations. Phone (03) 5754 1466 and discuss a trip with Geoff Lacey, the only local guide in the region.

Lower Mitta Mitta River
The lower Mitta Mitta River from Mitta Mitta to Eskdale is flowing at less than 150 mega litres per day, which is ideal for all types of fishing. This river has been subject to frequent summer storms lately, resulting in sudden rises in water levels and clarity. However, the river is in excellent condition this week although it is best to phone Ted Barber at Magorra Caravan Park at Mitta Mitta on (02) 6072 3568 for a report on fishing conditions before leaving home.

Snowy Creek
The Snowy Creek is really a full-fledged mountain river; they must have named it during a drought or something. Anyway, the Snowy is flowing nicely this week following good rains and is producing pan-sized brown trout on live bait in the pools and lures in the deeper runs and selected small dry flies in all runs and pools. Black snakes are a feature along this water on hot days and most anglers say they are pleased to see them, as they indicate that no other angler has been in the vicinity recently.

That’s all for now, more next week from,
Geoff Lacey

Angling Expeditions Victoria
P O Box 20
(82 Kiewa Valley Highway)
TAWONGA VIC 3697
Tel: (03) 5754 1466
Fax: (03) 5754 1991
Email: info@anglingvic.com.au
Web: www.anglingvic.com.au

Click here for the previous Geoff Lacey Report.