The lower Goulburn River is the state's largest river, providing for the irrigation demands of the fruit growing regions downstream. Its source lies deep below the surface of Lake Eildon, a lake seven times the size of Sydney Harbour.
As a result the water is mostly clear and old, making for ideal conditions for the brown and rainbow trout that live in its waters. Water temperatures remains relatively warm in the cooler months and cold in the summer months, the perfect environment for trout and aquatic insect hatches.
As with all dams built to store water for irrigation, water releases are restricted in winter and spring as water is collected for use later in summer when farmers are without rainfall. The level of the river can change from day to day, making for a complex and challenging fishery.
Fish can be sight fished throughout the season with November until April the peak time. Hatches are best in October, November and December and once again in April and May. The middle of summer is best for sight fishing and using terrestrial patterns like Grasshoppers and beetles.
Fish average between a 1-1.5lbs with browns to 2.5lb expected on all outings. Fish up to four pound are caught every week, with outsized fish up to 10lb usually showing up later in the season (although many of these are ex-hatchery brood stock).
Season highlights include:
- Sight fishing the edges
- Hatches of caddis and mayfly
- Raft/drift boat trips
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION |
