With all the good rain over winter most local anglers are looking forward to trout opening in just a few weeks, up until then the action will continue to be slow. Good rainfall over winter and early heavy snow should make for a fantastic trout season from September.
The Yarra has been running high and dirty. To make the most of these conditions, regardless of species you are targeting, ensure that you use scents on your lures and baits. Alternatively use feeder cages to localise the use of berley. Also look for periods of high barometric pressure that will stir the fish from wintery inactivity.
Lilydale Lake was stocked for the July school holidays offering plenty of opportunity to catch some of the bigger brood fish put in at this time of year. Brave the chill winds and look for a windward shore where the food is being concentrated. When targeting these fish, work close to the shore line and around the weed beds to improve your strike rate.
Feeder cages are a must for the bait angler, and for the lure angler try small Tassie Devil or Pegron style spoons. For the Fly angler, use Baitfish patterns like BMS or Zulus etc. Stimulate ground berley, preferably in a small swim feeder or golf ball sized handfuls tossed directly over your float. Remember ‘little and often” berley, rather than bigger amounts less often, will do the trick.
Other fish being reported from Lilydale Lake include Redfin and Carp. Most success for redfin is from either small scrubworms under a float casted alongside the reeds or using Redfin attractors. When using attractors cast them out, using a slow consistent retrieve action.
Carp continue to be the most consistent species taken from the Lake and do produce a lot of fun for family fishing. These fish are good fighters and will provide a lot of entertainment for the smaller angler.
As the weather conditions get warmer fishing will only improve at this great local spot.
Sugar Loaf Dam is also a good local sport that has been receiving some good reports. Most species taken at this time of the year will be Redfin. Using Redfin attractors and SX40 or Stiffy Fat One lures with small amounts of berley and scent will attract the fish to your spot.
Warrandyte has slowed right down over the past 6 -8 weeks with little activity happening. If fishing local, you will have better luck around Templestowe in the deeper holes. Over the next month or so this area will start to come alive again so take the time now to check your gear for the coming season. Old nylon need to be checked and/or replaced. Or perhaps consider replacing with braid line. The benefits of braid are the sensitivity of feeling bites more easily so increase your potential strike rate.
This time of year is also the time to cut off the old leaders and tie on some new ones. Another item that is often forgotten is the “Leaking waders”, repair them now before the Trout season starts again. Repairing is easily in most cases, however if unsure come into the store and we will help you out.
Another good thing to do during August is to get out into the park and practice those casting skills. This will refine your skills and is also a great activity for the whole family.
August is a great month to check your gear for the new season.
For the Fly Angler, one of the best jobs you can do this month is to clean your fly lines. The easiest method is to strip your fly line, pulling it through a soft cloth that has been wet in a low alkaline soap solution or use one of the cleaning products by Scientific Angler or Loon. Repeat this step three times and then rinse in clean warm water. The final step being to add a line conditioner to a fresh cloth and pull the line through it. This will ensure a longer life for your life with much greater line shooting ability. Be careful not to use products such as Armour oil as these will over time dry and crack your fly line.
The same care should be given to your spinning reels. An easy method is, to tighten the drag and then hold the reel under a gentle running tap. Do not immerse your reel in water. Oil the line roller and other oil points. Remember grease should only be placed on the teeth of gears and open bearings. Putting grease on other areas will cause long-term problems. If this seems challenging, bring your reel in for a general service and check over. Do not use WD40, this is the worst thing to use on your reels.
Had some success? Send me the details via email at Ringwood@compleangler.com.au. And 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 Yarra Valley fishing information contact the boys at Compleat Angler in Ringwood on 03 9870 7792 or better still drop in at 92 Maroondah Hwy– we’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top quality fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear.
