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Quality brown trout about despite low water
  |  First Published: April 2007



Out in the west, like elsewhere, things look grim with regards to water. We haven’t had much in the way of rain, but we do still have a couple of lakes that contain enough water to fish in.

Purrumbete has dropped so much that it is difficult to launch bigger boats, and if it continues to recede even small tinnies may become hard work. On the bright side there is now a lot more shoreline that can be fished by bank anglers. The weed beds along the eastern side can be waded to and flyfishermen can now cover those fish that are always just a bit to far away when the lake is higher.

There are some good brown trout being taken along the shores by land-based anglers. Those boat anglers that are getting out are also taking browns to 3kg, as well as some Chinook and even a few rainbows. The best method seems to be the good old mudeye fished around the weed bed for the browns.

Baits of pilchard pieces fished just off the bottom is accounting for the Chinooks, when used in combination with berley. Of course there are still plenty of redfin about for those who can’t snare a trout.

Bullen Merri can be frustrating to fish because it is the most accessible of all lakes in the area. That means on any weekend you’ll be accompanied by heaps of water skiers, yachts and yes, a swarm of jet skis thrown in for good measure. As for how it is fishing, it seems pretty quiet. In saying that, anglers have not been putting in the time this season but with the excellent water clarity, now may be a good time to make the effort. Reports of some lucky anglers finding good patches of bass have filtered through on a couple of occasions.

The population of blackfish in the Gellibrand River continues to keep a lot of local anglers occupied. Good numbers of these fish can be caught in the evenings and after dark. With eels as a bycatch, the whole family can have a lot of fun.

Wurdi Buloc and West Barwon dams are both low, but this does not mean they are not worth a look. Wurdi in particular is fishing well for redfin. There have also been some brown trout of 3kg chasing smelt and small redfin, making them good targets for flyfishermen.

As you can see from the photos Lake Colac has changed a lot since the school kids’ catch-a-carp day six months ago, but some redfin are still being taken from Meridith Park area.

Although we don’t expect much runoff for a couple of months yet, fishermen are optimists - and wont it be great when it comes.

Lake Colac levels now and six months ago.

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