I am always bragging about how much water we have down this way but with the lowest June rainfall for 40 years our lake levels definitely need a lift over winter and spring.

The boat ramp at Purrumbete has to be used carefully now because the drop off the back of the concrete can be a bit nasty.

In early July, Wurdibuloc was holding 41% and West Barwon 13%. Both these reservoirs are part of Geelong’s water supply. Combined, these reservoirs are holding 31% of their total capacity compared to 50% at this time last year. Don’t get me wrong though, there is still plenty of water about but some more wouldn’t hurt!

The local lakes haven’t really come to life as yet but the further we get towards spring the better.

Flyfishers have been taking a few nice browns along the eastern shore of Purrumbete. The lower water level makes it easy to get to the weeds and fish out the back.

Trolling Tassie Devils has been another productive method, taking mostly smaller browns. The best colour has been the Spotted Clown.

A few fish have been taking minnows fished under floats along the weeds.

Redfin have still been the mainstay in most boat anglers’ bags.

Bullen Merri has started to see a few more minnows appearing along the banks.

This time last year was when the bigger fish started moving. The only difference this year is that everybody will be ready for them.

Chinook and big browns will take bullheads and minnows suspended under floats and plastics fished from the bank and boats.

Late August should see Wurdee Boluc fire up as the expected channel flow covers fresh ground and brings the browns and rainbows around the edges.

These fish come in close to clean up on the local smelt, herding them along the walls.

Rivers in the area are mostly closed for trout but blackfish are still being taken in good numbers from the Gellibrand River.

Let’s hope that before you hear from me again in September the rains have increased lake levels and the fish have gotten back into their usual feeding patterns.

I’m sure the trophy fish that are going to come from Bullen Merri and Purrumbete in late winter and spring will surpass those monsters from last year. It’s just a matter of time!