I was hoping to have some positive news on the boating situation at Purrumbete this month but I can only say that progress is still being made. It is now everyone’s aim to have a ramp installed adjacent to Hoses Rocks.

The local landholder is right behind the proposed ramp and has made land available for parking, which is a big plus. With some help from local politicians and council, those doing the hard work to get the ramp built believe that after a couple more meetings with relevant parties they may get the nod to go ahead. Lets hope all their efforts are rewarded.

Purrumbete still promises plenty of good angling, with a couple of reports of windy conditions bringing good catches of browns along the southern and eastern sides of the lake. Plastics fished amongst the waves by wading anglers have been productive. I am sure good results will also be achieved by flyfishers during rough conditions. The biggest drawback has been getting some windy days. The weather in early winter has resembled autumn’s calm conditions, but that will change.

There still have been a few boats getting out, with the anglers aboard finding good success trolling and drift spinning. There have also been some very big bags of redfin coming from the lake.

Bullen Merri is still promising plenty as well, with rainbows starting to be caught on a variety of methods. Mudeyes under a float, PowerBait, soft plastics and trolling have all been turning up a few fish. Some of these rainbows are over 3kg, and with browns of the same size mixed in (especially for those fishing the night shift with bullheads) you can understand why there are quite a few fishers starting to line the banks.

Wurdibuloc continues to fish well, with the smelt moving out from the edges and making fishing the deeper areas of the lake a better proposition. Whether you bait fish, flyfish or use spinners and plastics, this reservoir has something to offer. It is easily accessed and well signposted as to where you are allowed fish.

I am hoping that by July we will have some good news about boat access to Purrumbete. If we haven’t, don’t despair – there are a very dedicated group of people doing their darndest to make it happen.