DURING September Clarrie Hall Dam will fish best in the early morning and late afternoon. The cool conditions will linger but there’ll be warmer, sunny periods that will get longer towards the end of the month.

The lake provides great conditions for lurefishing regardless of the strength and direction of the wind. Whether you’re trolling lures, casting lures or flyfishing, this time of year can be very productive.

The many ridge lines around the lake cast long shadows across the water as the sun rises and sets and this shade provides better hunting and living conditions for the fish. In these areas you’ll encounter bass willing to take lures.

Try around the entrances of the many arms around the dam and fish well into their upper reaches. Quiet areas with shallow weed growth or fallen timber are ideal spots to throw a small spinnerbait, surface lure or shallow-diving lure. Slow retrieves should provide the best action.

Trolling lures can be done along the old creek bed and by following the drop of bankside contours. The dam’s layout gives a good indication of the old river course.

Lures from 4cm to 12cm which dive anywhere between 3-6m are suitable. Rapala Shad Raps are a good example of the right type of lure. This year’s Clarrie Hall ABA tournament was won on a Shad Rap.

All up, this picturesque impoundment is sure to provide anglers with plenty of action over the coming weeks.