Escape The Snow Storms - Go Fishing Instead

As I write this, there's been a lot of coverage in the news about the freezing cold weather in the US - massive amounts of snow dumped on Washington, snowfalls in New York, and now a Dallas snow storm is also brewing.

All I can think at the moment is that I'm glad to be in Australia in summertime, where the sun is shining, and the fishing is plentiful!

As promised, following is a list of some of the best freshwater fishing spots in my home state of Victoria, the best fishing rods and tackle to use, as well as what kinds of fish you're likely to catch:

Victoria River

Starts at Dinner Plain near Mt Hotham and flows through rugged country to the Cobungra River.  The Victoria is a small stream and casting can be challenging because of trees.  Downstream access is via a dry weather only road.  A 4WD vehicle is advisable.  Brown trout are a feature during high water.  Beware of brown and tiger snakes; wear thigh waders at all times.

Kiewa River – Mount Beauty

A popular waterway for trout anglers seeking brown and rainbow trout, it combines magnificent scenery with excellent fishing.  Access on both sides of the river.  One of the best stretches is from Dederang to Mount Beauty, with brown and rainbow trout to 1.25kg, but most of the trout, mainly browns, average 450-500g.  In Summer heat, it pays to fish the fast water and shaded areas.

Eildon Pondage

Victoria’s most popular freshwater fishing destination.  Boats are banned, but the pondage is accessible to everyone.  Regular releases of rainbow and brown trout to 3kg ensures ample fish, especially at Riverside Drive, Bourke St, and near the bridge separating the upper and lower pondages.

Fort Courage

About 20km downstream from Murray and Darling Rivers’s junction at Wentworth, NSW, Fort Courage is a caravan park on the Murray.  The excellent boat ramp has one of few registered fish cleaning tables along the river.  Expect to catch Murray cod and yellowbelly.

Otway Ranges

Between Cape Otway and Princetown are two large estuary systems, the Aire River at Hordenvale and the Gellibrand River at Princetown.  Both rivers produce large brown trout.  The Gellibrand also has a large population of river blackfish and estuary perch.

Lake Hume

Highly regarded for redfin, Murray cod, yellowbelly and trout.  Anglers require a licence.  Most anglers fish for redfin among the trees, but there is good fishing for yellowbelly and Murray cod near Tallangatta.  Redfin are caught around fallen timber and dead trees.  Trolling is popular for cod, yellowbelly and trout.

Bundalong

The junction of the Murray and Ovens River at the east end of Lake Mulwala.  The area has a reputation for bigger than average Murray cod.  Also expect to hook yellowbelly, trout, carp and redfin.  If you have a boat and want to catch Murray cod, slowly work your way through some of the dead trees casting spinnerbaits, or find the old riverbed and troll along the edges.

Swan Hill

This is cod country.  If you are into Murray cod, yellowbelly and redfin, it’s a great place to try.  As well as the Murray, the Neimur, Wakool, Edwards, Little Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers are within 40 minutes drive.  The best fishing is upstream of the main bridge.  Popular spots include the willows near Murray Downs and Pental Island.

Tol Tol

About 5km east of the Soldier Settlement town of Robinvale and accessible via dirt track.  Boats are launched over a low-lying section of riverbank using a 4WD.  About 3km upstream is Belsar Island, and halfway between the island and camp is a pumping station at Millers Bend.  All well known areas for cod and yellowbelly.

So if you're in the Northern Hemisphere experiencing extreme cold and snowfalls, then maybe you should consider a trip Downunder to the sun, sand, surf and fishing!  And if you're already in Australia, then I hope this gives you some great tips on places to go fishing, as well as what you should be taking on your next fishing trip.