With winter well and truly here, you have to make the best of the opportunities to visit the lakes on the clearer days.
Fill the thermos, grab the rods and head down to the local lake and you will still have a very good chance of hooking a few nice fish. The lakes can fish very well over these winter months; trout and redfin enjoy the cooler conditions and dull days. Because of the conditions they are more protected from their prey so they tend to cover more of the lakes edge.
Emerald Lake in my opinion is the prettiest of these family lakes, the access is easy and the surrounding area is stunning. There is so much on offer here for not only the angler but the entire family, from cafes, walking tracks, paddle boats and not to mention Puffing Billy.
A good area to fish here is opposite the paddle boats and towards the foot bridge, this lake does have weed around the bottom so most anglers appear to fish a float set up.
Devilbend Reservoir has shown good signs of late with a number of fish being caught over 1kg. Heavier lures such as Tassie Devils are popular due to their cast ability over a long distance, and this is helpful for clearing the weed which lays about 5m out of the bank in some areas.
Fresh bait such as scrubworms is also a great option, the best method is to fish a running sinker rig with a leader around 600mm long, this will allow the worm to move around and attract attention.
Lilydale Park Lake has fired up with some good reports coming in of fish being caught at the pontoon close to where the drain runs in. Fish your baits under a float here, as the lake has a weedy and muddy bottom. If you are using an artificial paste type bait, the best method here is to use a running sinker rig and attached a light gauge treble hook so the paste can float off the bottom.
For up to date fishing information, contact the guys at Compleat Angler in Dandenong on 9794 9397 or drop in and see us at 241 – 243 Princes Hwy, Dandenong, we are open 7 days a week. For our other latest fishing reports go to www fishingcamping.com.au
A pretty little trout, fresh out of the shallow water
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