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Trout and goldens alive and well
  |  First Published: November 2014



Most of the local freshwater species around Melbourne are worth a shot this month. Trout have been reasonably active in the rivers and some of the deeper urban lakes with redfin, golden perch and carp also playing the game.

Sugarloaf Reservoir has been fishing well for golden perch and redfin recently and is a good place to check out if you want to head for a Sunday drive. Historically, November is an excellent month to target the golden perch, as they are increasingly active as the water temperature climbs. The average size of the perch in the lake is around 35-45cm, which are good fun to catch on light gear. One of the bonuses about fishing this lake is that the water clarity is normally good, and at times you will see the fish following your lure back towards the shoreline before eating it.

Speaking of lures, the most effective on these perch are lures that sink down and can be worked along the lake bottom. Most people are familiar with vibe-style lures now and there is a heap that will catch goldens and the best performers are normally in the 45-60mm size range. The best lures will sink on a 45° angle and they tend to rest at this angle on the lake bottom, which keeps them looking natural and minimizing them from fouling on the line. Just be mindful that Sugarloaf Reservoir is an ‘artificial bait and lure’ waterway only, so no natural baits or berleys can be used in the lake.

The Yarra River is still worth a look for anglers wanting to catch some stream trout. As the weather gets warmer and warmer the river will become a bit more hit and miss in the lower to middle reaches and the upper reaches will become more consistent for the trout. The reaches up above Warburton start to ascend a bit and the river becomes narrower with faster moving runs and pools, which can still produce a few fish. These small pockets fish well with bait, lure and fly, provided you have the right outfit to deliver a cast into these confined areas.

Customer of the store Jordan has been poking around the river recently in search of a few trout on the fly, with a few taking small wet patterns in the moderately flowing runs. Jordan has found that small bead-headed nymphs in dark browns and black have been the most successful on the local trout. A small suspending hardbodied lure or even a #8 baitholder hook with 2 juicy trout worms fished through the same runs will normally bring a trout out for a look as well.

• If you have had some success in these areas lately send me a photo and go into the draw for your chance to win a store voucher valued at $100. Email it to: --e-mail address hidden-- Include angler’s name, species and the area you were fishing. For up to date fishing information, contact us 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 and to download information sheets, go to www.fishingcmaping.com.au

Photo courtesy of Jordan Cervenjak.

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