'Water everywhere' would be the two-word summary of Millbrook's winter so far. Despite BOM forecasting a warm, dry autumn and start to winter, so far, it's been anything but. Of course, if BOM keep saying it will be warm and dry, they'll be right... eventually! But meanwhile, one major lake we had to virtually drain in mid-May to replace a leaking valve, subsequently refilled in just six weeks. And Cabin Lake spilled in early July - the earliest it's ever done that. While dry conditions can have their advantages (such as access tracks you can actually drive on) plenty of water is hard to knock back. Trout love it, as do the things they eat - which sort of amounts to the same thing.
Midge hatches have been good, and minnow populations are healthy as breeding conditions are favourable for a third year in a row. Polaroiding the edges when even a bit of light allows, has been very exciting, and on the few lakes which haven't filled yet, rising water is flushing food out of the shallows, thus drawing fish in. It's no surprise that trout size and condition has been excellent, continuing the trend of recent wet months and years.
As guides, we love winter fishing for the many opportunities it provides, and this winter is proving as good as any. BUT remember, you do have to dress for it - especially when the wind gets up, which it has a lot lately.
At 600m above sea level, our temps are typically 6C colder than Melbourne, and we're roughly 50% wetter. Layers, gloves, good waterproofs and beanies, will mean you can focus on the fish, instead of how to keep warm.
Midge hatches have been good, and minnow populations are healthy as breeding conditions are favourable for a third year in a row. Polaroiding the edges when even a bit of light allows, has been very exciting, and on the few lakes which haven't filled yet, rising water is flushing food out of the shallows, thus drawing fish in. It's no surprise that trout size and condition has been excellent, continuing the trend of recent wet months and years.
As guides, we love winter fishing for the many opportunities it provides, and this winter is proving as good as any. BUT remember, you do have to dress for it - especially when the wind gets up, which it has a lot lately.
At 600m above sea level, our temps are typically 6C colder than Melbourne, and we're roughly 50% wetter. Layers, gloves, good waterproofs and beanies, will mean you can focus on the fish, instead of how to keep warm.
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