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This week marks the end of summer, although the alpine region has been experiencing autumn conditions for at least two weeks now, with cool nights and warm, balmy days. I have received a number of enquiries from boat anglers recently, seeking information about the lakes of the northeast Victorian alpine region. These anglers tell me that most lakes they fish are almost empty this summer and not fishing very well. I don’t know if some of the anglers I speak to really believe me, as the lakes of the alpine region are not included in any official waterways listing because they are not, or little, used for farm irrigation or town water supply purposes, but I tell them that the lakes up here are all at 100% capacity (that’s completely full) at the moment and are like that right through summer every year. As well, the water in the lakes is too cold for native fish species, but all hold large numbers of wild-bred rainbow trout and brown trout that reach up to four kilograms and more in weight. Like the local rivers and streams, these lakes are not artificially stocked and are used regularly for the state and national fly fishing championships (the last one was held here in November 2007), because of their excellent fishing qualities.

Mt Buffalo
Lake Catani at Mt Buffalo is at 100% capacity this week and really firing well, with rainbow trout to 450 grams, some larger, falling for a variety of dry flies throughout the day. When these fish are on the bite, as they often are, it is not uncommon to have a hook-up on every third or fourth cast when fly or spin fishing. As a professional fly fishing instructor, I use this lake on occasion to teach beginners the art of fly fishing and many clients begin taking fish within the first hour of tuition. A fee of $10.00 per vehicle to gain entry to the national park must be paid at the gate before proceeding, but is well worth the investment.
Bogong High Plains: Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley lakes near Falls Creek are both full and Rocky Valley in particular is providing some really good fishing for shore-based anglers and trolling enthusiasts at the moment. Rainbow trout to 450-500 grams, some larger, are falling for a variety of size 16 to 18 dry flies and bladed lures during the day and into evening. Bait anglers can do well on occasions but may have to wait for some time between bites. Also, please note that fishing conditions may deteriorate to some extent if the wind is excessive, but on calmer days the trout tend to bite like crazy. The lakes are 1600 metres above sea level (that’s about 1.5 kilometres higher than most of Melbourne) and winds are a common feature at that elevation.

Fiona Pond (formerly Mt Beauty Pondage)
Fiona Pond is full this week and providing good fishing opportunities for bait anglers, particularly along the raised northern shoreline where the water is deepest. Fly fishers can also do well towards evening as rainbow trout to 750 grams begin rising among the reeds in the shallows near the inflow channel.

Kiewa River
The Kiewa River from Mt Beauty and Tawonga to Mongans Bridge is running seasonally high, cold and crystal clear with brown trout being taken in abundance this week by anglers using all fishing methods. Dry fly sizes 18 to 20 Greenwells Glory, Iron Blue Dun and Fluttering Caddis, among others, have proved successful lately, as have size 14 bead-head black nymph wet flies and trout-patterned tassie devils, rapalas and similar lures. Bait anglers are reporting success with drifted hoppers, which remain about in fairly good numbers. It is still a bit too early for black crickets, but bait anglers fishing the Kiewa will enjoy plenty of fast action when they arrive.

Upper Mitta Mitta River
The upper Mitta Mitta River downstream from Glen Wills and through Anglers Rest to Taylor’s Crossing is flowing extremely well for this time of year, with many good-sized brown trout on offer at the moment, according to reports. Fish to 1.5 kilograms, most smaller, have been taken lately on live baits, especially drifted hoppers, which the trout tend to pounce upon without caution.

Bundara River
The Bundara River at Anglers Rest is running nicely and fishing exceptionally well, with one chap catching and releasing seven brown trout this week on a variety of dry flies, patterns and sizes not noted. However, according to the report, the fish varied from 150 grams to one kilogram in weight and all were caught in the middle of the day.

Cobungra River
The Cobungra River is also running well this week although a bit low and not a lot of trout are being caught, according to reports. Anglers say they see many brown trout to around 500 grams, many smaller, darting across the shallow runs as they wade upstream, but few are being caught.

Lower Mitta Mitta River
The lower Mitta Mitta River from Mitta Mitta to Eskdale is flowing at 150 megalitres per day, which is ideal for fishing. There are lots of small brown trout evident in the runs and pools, with bait and lure anglers catching and releasing many of these pests throughout the day.

Snowy Creek
The Snowy Creek at Granite Flat is flowing crystal clear and a bit low this week. Fishing is challenging for the most part according to reports, but pan-sized and larger brown trout are on offer for the cautious angler. Around Walsh’s, browns to around 350 grams are falling for size 18 Greenwell’s glory, royal wulff, red humpy and similar dry flies that are presented close to overhanging grasses along the deeper runs.

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.