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Lilydale Lake: a top local family fishing spot
  |  First Published: November 2007



With football fever over, the number of visitors hitting Lilydale Lake has increased threefold. If you have never been there, it is a great place for the whole family. There are plenty of barbeques and heaps of playground equipment, as well as walking tracks and good fishing.

On my most recent visit, there where many anglers of all ages. The youngest we found was Rory who was five, while at the other end of the scale was Colin, who said he was “eighty odd’. Although the weather was sunny and water levels very high, there was a strong wind crossing the water and most fish were being taken around the landing ramp, and up along the fishing jetty and reeds.

While I was trying my luck tossing a Green Pimple lure, seven year old Isabel landed her first ever trout on lime twist Powerbait. Her dad, Steve, had taken her and her brother Rory down to the Lake for their first fishing adventure in Victoria. The family moved from Sydney down to Chirnside Park only recently, and a neighbour had suggested fishing Lilydale Lake. Much to Steve’s surprise they had a very enjoyable day fishing, with two nice trout to take home for dinner. Rory found the fishing a bit “boring” after a while, but was enthusiastic about the beach area and playground nearby!

Another character hitting the water was Dan from Croydon. Dan was not as lucky as Isabel that day, though the previous week he had taken a 1kg trout from the area just left of the landing ramp on a green and black Celta. Dan also reported catching five fish (three trout and two carp) from around the wall, near the tree stump, on his previous visit. I am unsure how Dan fits all his rods, tackle boxes and gear including a chair onto the back of his motorbike, but he says it’s the best way to get around. I showed him how to tie a floating Powerbait rig, which should work well for him on his next visit.

Other reports coming in have been from the Yarra River, specifically the parkland at the end of Reserve Road at Wonga Park. Fish have been sighted, but success in landing them is more of a challenge. The best report came in from Chloe and Jason who landed a 36cm trout while spinning.

If fishing in rivers that have a steady flow, remember to toss your lure upstream into the current and let it drift into the slower moving edges. Using a slow steady retrieve, bring the lure into the bank and then repeat the cast into the faster water again. The fish will be waiting on the edge of the current for insects and food coming downstream, and they will watch for action in the fast water. The part of the day from mid-afternoon through to sunset is providing most of the action.

We have also had a few fly angler reports, with the most success coming from anglers using bead head nymphs. Best reports have come from higher up the Yarra around Upper Warburton and down to Woori Yallock.

Overall the Yarra is in good condition with steady water flows and ideal temperature conditions for this time of year. Insect activity is also higher than normal, with the warm sunny conditions providing the right environment for hatches.

Had some success? Send the details to --e-mail address hidden-- . Include the angler, species, where caught (you don’t need to give me all your secrets) and what bait, lure or flies you used. For up to date fishing information, both fresh and saltwater, contact the boys at Compleat Angler in Ringwood on 03 9870 7792, or better still drop in at 92 Maroondah Highway – we’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top quality bait and a great selection of freshwater and saltwater gear.

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