SPRING UPDATE 2008

A small break in a very busy spring has finally allowed a moment for an overdue update!

Conditions

Winter was very cold and quite wet. We had three significant snowfalls, the last when snow fell for 7 hours straight on the evening of 10 August, and covered the ground for most of the next day. This was our heaviest fall in Millbrook’s 12 years of operation, and one of the few times we’ve been able to watch trout tailing in the snow! The rain and snow combined to lift lake levels significantly—a welcome sight after a dry-ish autumn.

So far spring has been a typical mix of shirt-sleeve warm and beanie cold. It’s been drier than average and we’re hoping for some more good falls of rain in the next few months.

The Fish

Fish size and condition continues to be excellent. In fact, more than one guide has been heard to mutter (after another bust-off) that we could do with a few more modest-sized trout for our less experienced anglers! Fortunately, our stocking program has gone very well this year and many of the new-release fish are starting to give a significant rod bend .

At present growth rates, we expect good numbers of these fish to hit the two pound mark in the next few months.

            Meanwhile, fish like Peter’s, which won the Australian Dental Association day at just 58 cm but over 7 pounds (Bluegum Lake) give some idea of the quality of trout around at the moment. Jon Clewlow had a group up for a long weekend at the start of October with 50-odd trout landed, mostly between 4 - 6 pounds. Meanwhile the Melbourne Club weekend a little later saw 27 large fish brought to the bank, with regulars rating it the best of their many visits. 

The Fishing

Early season tailers at dawn and dusk were soon overshadowed by excellent midge fishing, which dominated August and September. At first this was a reliable evening event, but then it extended into daytime on light wind days, with fantastic dry fly opportunities! The midges, later joined by caddis, continue to be a reliable feature most evenings on most lakes. On the other hand, the cockchafer beetle falls were light and patchy (in contrast to last year). Guess you can’t have everything….

We always look forward to mayfly in spring, and this year hasn’t let us down. The first duns attracting a rise were noticed on 27 September, and the first decent hatch appeared in light rain at Cabin Lake on 3 October. Cabin has gone on to produce the best dun hatches we’ve seen on the lake in 11 years (beating even last year) and is presently out top dun water, notwithstanding some competition from several other Millbrook lakes. Obviously, very good spinner falls are providing a second burst of action on mild afternoons. 

News

The best news lately has been the refilling of Macphersons Lake—a favourite of regulars and guides alike. This water has languished at very low levels for the last couple of years, but is now a big lake once again. A heavy stocking has seen fish jumping all over the place, and those who enjoy ‘Maccas’ and its old-growth woodland surrounds, will be catching 2 pounders there very shortly.

Weekday Special !

 If you dread the long drive home after a late evening rise, Millbrook’s ‘free night for three’ should appeal. Three or more anglers can enjoy a fully guided weekday, starting at 10 am for $240 each, then stay the night at the cabin at no extra charge (departure 10 am the next day).   

 On to mudeyes, and at the time of writing, larger-than-usual numbers of early season dragonflies hint of some very good late evening action to come. Just keep those tippets heavy!

Look forward to seeing you up here soon!

The Millbrook Team