Since last month’s report there have been some dramatic changes to the fishing in the Seymour district. This is not to say that fish are not being caught. They are. But changing your approach, and the species you’re targeting might be warranted, even if you’re fishing a mixed fishery.

The Goulburn River has dropped to an extremely low level, making boating in some sections all but impossible. Even those sections where a boat can be used, you’ll be restricted by the distance you can travel. As a consequence, the excellent catches of Murray cod have dropped off. They are still being taken but in smaller sizes and numbers.

Redfin have also dropped off, but right before the closed season commenced the trout enthusiasts were having a ball. The low water levels actually played right into the trout fishers’ hands. Walking the banks or wading upstream casting lures was very productive. Most lures were successful, but the humble wobbler probably caught as many fish as any other lure. Lure colour did not seem to be important. The flyfishers were also doing well with both dry and wet patterns. Fishing just on dusk produced some of the biggest fish.

At the time of writing Lake Eildon was down to 26% capacity. Even with this low level the boat ramps at Jerusalem Creek and Eildon National Park are still in the water. This is certainly good news for anglers because the lake is still fishing well and should continue to do so.

The yellowbelly are still being caught, however it’s a matter of being on the water at the right time. Sometimes a week will go by without a report of a yellowbelly being taken and then, all of a sudden, they will come back on the bite.

Redfin are still being caught but once again in lesser numbers.

It’s now trout time so they’ll become the target species for most anglers. Cobra style lures are working well but it pays to have a couple of minnow style lures out as well. I usually put a winged lure out each side of the boat. Run these back around 30m. This can vary from day to day, so experiment until you start catching fish. Along with these I run a deep diving minnow lure on each side of the boat. I choose two lures that run at different depths. I also try different colours. Some days, colour does seem to make a difference whilst on other days they seem to take any colour. Give yourself the chance to find out by experimenting.

Lake Nillahcootie is currently at 80% capacity. The reports have slowed a little. It seems redfin and yellowbelly have taken a holiday. However, just when I thought it was all over, I heard a report of eight redfin to 1kg and one yellowbelly of 2kg. So just like Eildon, it may be a matter of being on the water at the right time.

Lake Mokoan is currently at 22% capacity. Boat launching is still possible but care needs to be taken. The effort is well worth it as both yellowbelly and Murray cod are being taken. Baits of worms, yabbies and shrimps are catching fish.

Extreme caution needs to be taken because snags have damaged many boats. When this lake has any sort of ripple on the surface, and it usually does at this time of year, it’s impossible to see slightly submerged snags. So take the foot off the accelerator! You don’t want your day’s fishing to end before it starts.

Flyfisher Brian Ginn caught this brown trout from the Goulburn River in early June.