(Updated Friday 20th November 2009)
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Whilst the most severe November heatwave ever to hit parts of southeast Australia, the streams and lakes brimming with rainbow and brown trout are an ideal temperature for a productive days' fly-fishing.
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Alpine resorts such as Falls Creek are not experiencing a heatwave which is making life uncomfortable for people living at lower altitudes.
Trout, like us, aren't very active when its really hot but when you are at about 1600 meters the cooler, fast flowing streams and 'blue ribbon' Kiewa River, which begins above Falls Creek, are ideal spots to catch trout.
Fly-fishing in the high country has an enviable reputation and as the weather becomes unbearably hot at sea level it is time to throw the tackle in the car and head for the hills.
The air temperatures are much, much, cooler in the height of summer and wherever there's bank-side, low hanging branches that means cooler water which is more productive environment for catching trout.
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(Updated Monday 16th November 2009)
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Local fly-fishing guide Peter Hull reckons the fishing opportunities have picked up and owing to the milder temperatures (its usually about 10 degrees lower at the alpine resort of Falls Creek than what is being experienced in the Kiewa Valley) you can search all day for wild trout.
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Hull said:"The rivers have settled down nicely into a normal spring, summer flow and there is quite a lot of insect activity which is stimulating the trout population in the lakes and stream around Falls Creek.
"We are starting to see the Bogong Moths arrive and some years ago we created Julian's dunny brush (named after one of the locals who was a very good fly-fisherman) which imitates the Bogong Moth.
"The evening rise is a productive time particularly around the lower part of Pretty Valley. "I'm quite happy to take resort guests wanting to learn the art of fly fishing. Whether you're a novice fisherman or an experienced fly fisher visiting the region for the first time I can offer a package to suit you."
A learn to fly fish package including two nights at Nelse Lodge, which has an indoor pool and spa, plus full breakfast daily and two hour learn to Fly Fish session with Alpine Waters Fly Fishing, costs from $245 per person Based on a double/twin occupancy. (NEL002)
To book contact the Falls Creek Central Reservations on 1800 033 079.
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(Updated Friday 6th November 2009)
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Fish for the future by becoming an angler diarist Researchers who monitor Victorias fisheries are looking for a good haul of dedicated recreational fishers to target trout in the high country.
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There is a need for experienced anglers who fish regularly (weekly to fortnightly) and have the commitment to record their catches in a detailed way.
Fisheries Victoria encourage them to become volunteer angler diarists.
Angler diarists collect information about growth, spawning success, survival and catch trends, which inform the sustainable management of fish stocks.
Fisheries Victoria are looking for anglers who fish for brown and rainbow trout in the Kiewa and Mitta Mitta rivers.
Equipped with special diaries and rulers, anglers can use their fishing gear and local knowledge to turn everyday fishing trips into valuable research expeditions. Diarists record what they catch, where they catch it and how long they fish for.
The Victorian angler diary program has been running for more than 15 years and the information from anglers has been so useful to fisheries managers that the program is expanding.
People interested in becoming angler diarists, or wanting to know more about Fisheries Victoria's angler diary program, should contact Matt Ward on (03)
5258 0111 or matt.ward@dpi.vic.gov.au
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(Updated Wednesday 4th November 2009)
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A warm start to the month and predictions of a warmer than average November, is good news for fly-fishers.
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Cold, wet October, provided a flow of fresh water (from the snow melt at Falls Creek) throughout the Kiewa River system.
The river and lakes above Falls Creek are in the best shape I've seen at this time of the year," said Mt Beauty-based fly-fishing guide Geoff Lacey
"It is the prime area in mainland Australia to fish for trout. The Kiewa River (pronounced 'kee-wah', which is an aboriginal word meaning 'sweet
water) is amongst the five officially recognised Premier 'blue ribbon' trout rivers, liberally populated with brown trout and rainbow trout that can provide adrenaline-pumping action for anglers regardless of ability."
"The annual snow melt which, coincides with the spring rain, flushes out the river system in readiness for the new trout season.
Even in the hottest months of summer in the high country, albeit at the coolest time of the day, the morning rise and the evening rise, can be very productive."
"The secret to success is being taught by a professional fly fishing instructor, who can quickly remedy any potential casting faults as they present themselves and possibly save the person years of correctional therapy and frustration."
"Fly-fishing isn't elitist around here," says Lacey. "Anyone can come up, buy a license, and catch fish."
Enthusiasts and rank beginners are welcomed by Lacey, who lives at the foot of Mt Bogong, Victoria's highest mountain and just 30 minutes from Falls Creek, Victoria's premier four season alpine resort.
His "beat" covers nine rivers, two huge lakes alongside Falls Creek Alpine Resort, and numerous mountain streams in Victoria's alpine high country.
Geoff Lacey's Angling Expeditions Victoria www.anglingvic.com.au
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(Updated Thursday 29th October 2009)
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The significant snowfalls at Falls Creek, which blanketed the alpine resort's ski slopes, after the official close of the winter season will be welcomed by fishing enthusiasts.
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Local guide Peter Hull said:"There will be lots of clean, cool water all summer for the trout due to the late snowfalls. "It bodes well for the season and once the rivers drop and the weather warms up the fly-fishing in the crystal clear rivers and streams will fire up.
"My program includes a two hour intro to fly-fishing for $100 per person. In that time participants learn the art fly-casting of and stream craft.
"Quite often when I am teaching clients in the waterways around Falls Creek such as Pretty Valley Lake they'll catch a fish.
"Fish readily take a fly and catching (and releasing) a rainbow in Rocky Valley Lake can be quite spectacular as they are renowned for their aggressive fighting qualities."
For more information about fly-fishing opportunities in and around Falls Creek contact Peter Hull at Alpine Waters Fly Fishing Tel 0429 440 222
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(Updated Wednesday 21st October 2009)
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The unexpected late snowfalls, and the cold, wet weather, is a good combination for fly-fishers.
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Aquatic life in the waterways has blossomed and the trout are currently feeding on the worms which are being washed off the banks of the rivers such as the Keiwa.
Local fly-fishing guide Geoff Lacey is extremely confident about the forthcoming spring owing to the recent heavy rain which is flushing out the river systems.
Lacey said:"We haven't had a real spring for 10 years. The annual snow melt has begun and aquatic insects such as yabbie-shaped Stick Caddis Nymphs, will ensure the wily browns and fighting rainbows are in good condition.
"Once the rivers are back to their normal flow rate and it warms up there will be some very good fly-fishing throughout this region."
Lacey's extensive and informative weekly report covers the mountain-fed rivers, streams and numerous gin-clear lakes regarded as the 'blue ribbon' fisheries.
Whilst trout-bearing rivers close to Melbourne are heavily fished there's numerous sparsely fished lakes and rivers in the high country around Falls Creek.
Trout producing waters a stone's throw from Mt Beauty, Bogong Village and Falls Creek are ideal for budding fly-fishing enthusiasts, or serious anglers, who come back time and time again to match their wits with the wily browns and fine rainbows.
Check out www.anglingvic.com.au for more information.
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Geoff Lacey sharing his knowledge with local horse riders. Pic by Ian Talbot
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