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Wild weather slows action
  |  First Published: October 2009



The report is a bit lean this month following weeks of wild weather making fishing alpine waters quite a challenge and keeping many anglers at home.

Last month ongoing heavy rain and snow above 800m swelled alpine region rivers and streams and kept them in an extended early springtime condition for weeks on end, with wet and cold days proving unpopular with anglers.

However, the weather is now behaving itself and anglers are again venturing forth as fishing conditions return to ideal in all waters covered by this report.

Bogong High Plains

Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley lakes on the Bogong High Plains have only recently become more accessible as snowdrifts blocking roads have melted and the daytime air temperature rises above zero to the low teens on most days. Anglers are only beginning to make an appearance here so far, so fishing results are not yet established, although the lakes usually produce some good catches at this time of year.

Lake Guy

The inflow streams, East Kiewa River and Rocky Valley Creek, are settling down nicely and producing mostly brown trout and a few rainbows this month. Sizes have been fairly good for such small streams, with fish averaging 600g and taken on a variety of lures, according to reports. The lake is being kept almost empty and not fishing well but should be allowed to fill over summer.

Ovens River

The Ovens River is settling down nicely this month and producing lots of rainbow trout to around 500g with a few in excess of 750g being caught on live bait and medium sized Tassie Devils and dull- bladed lures.

Lake Catani

At 800m above sea level, Lake Catani at Mt Buffalo is just emerging from being surrounded by snowdrifts and there are no reports to hand yet. The lake is currently 100% full and holds high numbers of rainbow trout that average around 450-500g in size. Trout are often seen breaching during the day in spring and flyfishing with emergers can be most productive at this time of year.

Mt Beauty Pondage

The Mt Beauty Pondage is 100% full and fishing has been good to excellent in recent weeks, depending upon whom one talks to. A big bunch of worms rigged under a bubble float is still proving to be successful as are small and medium sized Tassie Devils in trout patterns and not-too-flashy bladed lures.

Kiewa River

Alpine rivers and streams have been subject to wild fluctuations in stream flows over recent weeks, which have affected fishing conditions and results. However, the Kiewa River at Tawonga is running nicely this month and producing many brown trout and rainbow trout in equal numbers although sizes tend to be around pan size, with only a few exceeding 600g, according to reports.

Lower Mitta Mitta River

The lower Mitta Mitta River around Mitta Mitta is running at 200 megalitres and fishing conditions are ideal this month. Trout are rising everywhere during the afternoon as moths and beetles make their presence known in increasing numbers as the days become warmer.

Snowy Creek

The Snowy Creek at Granite Flat is flowing well and producing many lively rainbow trout to around 500g during the day on drifted bait and a variety of lures, as well as size 12 wet flies and weighted nymphs.

Alpine fishing conditions can change very quickly whatever the season, so for the latest update phone Geoff Lacey at Angling Expeditions Victoria on (03) 5754 1466 or check out website www.anglingvic.com.au

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