By Archer Hume
Cairn Curran Reservoir Fishing Guide
A large water storage reservoir offering excellent fishing opportunities and recreational activities.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Lake Bullen Merri, Corangamite: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
Lake Bullen Merri is a popular fishing destination known for its trout populations and regular stocking program.
Source: volcaniclakesandplains.com.au
table of contents
Introduction
Lake Bullen Merri is a deep, crater lake located in the Corangamite region of Victoria. It is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, offering anglers opportunities to catch both brown and rainbow trout. The lake is part of the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s regular stocking program, ensuring a consistent fish population for recreational anglers. The deep, cool waters of the lake provide an ideal habitat for trout, allowing them to grow to impressive sizes. Anglers can fish from the shore or by boat, with trolling and bait fishing being popular methods. The best times for fishing are typically early morning or late evening, especially during the warmer months when trout tend to seek deeper, cooler waters during the day.
About Corangamite
The Corangamite region is a diverse basin in Victoria, Australia, characterized by a mix of gentle hills and flat farmland. It features several notable lakes and waterways, with annual rainfall varying from 500-700mm across the area. The region offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, with some waters commercially fished for short-finned eel.
You can find more information about Corangamite in our Corangamite region guide post.
What should you fish with at Lake Bullen Merri?
When it comes to fishing at Lake Bullen Merri, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Lake Bullen Merri you will have a bit more success with lures, but bait fishing is common too.
For the best chances of success, try using Small Fish as bait or fishing with a Minnow Lures. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Lake Bullen Merri.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Lake Bullen Merri
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Lake Bullen Merri:
- Minnows
- Small Fish
- Live Worms
- Scrubworms
- Garden Worms
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Lake Bullen Merri
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Lake Bullen Merri:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Minnow Lures
- Flies
What You'll Catch at Lake Bullen Merri
When fishing at Lake Bullen Merri, you're likely to reel in:
Source: flystream.com
#1 – The Brown Trout
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its fighting spirit and delicious taste.
How to catch Brown Trout
In Victoria, Brown trout can be caught using various techniques. Fly fishing is popular, especially with wet flies imitating aquatic insects or dry flies during insect hatches. Lure fishing with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can also be effective. Bait fishing using worms, maggots, or small fish can work well in some areas. Early morning or late evening fishing often yields the best results. Focus on deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with cover in rivers and streams. In lakes, target drop-offs and weed beds.
To learn more about catching Brown Trout, read more here.
Source: www.birdsofafeather.ca
#2 – The Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is the largest species of Pacific salmon. They are prized for their size and flavor, making them popular among anglers and food enthusiasts.
How to catch Chinook Salmon
To catch Chinook salmon in Victoria:
- Trolling: Use lures or bait behind a moving boat in rivers or bays.
- Spin fishing: Cast and retrieve lures from the shore or a boat.
- Fly fishing: Use flies that imitate small fish or insects in rivers.
- Bait fishing: Use pilchards, whitebait, or other small fish as bait.
- Focus on deeper pools in rivers or areas where rivers enter bays.
- Fish during early morning or late evening for best results.
- Use strong gear, including heavy line and leaders, to handle these powerful fish.
Source: vrfish.com.au
#3 – The Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its colorful appearance and fighting spirit.
How to catch Rainbow Trout
To catch rainbow trout in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Fly fishing with wet or dry flies is popular in rivers and streams. Lure casting with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can be effective in both flowing and still waters. Bait fishing with worms, maggots, or PowerBait is often successful, especially in stocked lakes. When fishing in rivers, focus on pools, eddies, and undercut banks where trout may hold. In lakes, try fishing near drop-offs, weed beds, or submerged structures. Early morning and late evening are generally the best times to target rainbow trout.
To learn more about catching Rainbow Trout, read more here.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
Source: www.nativefish.asn.au
#4 – The Redfin
Redfin, also known as English perch, is an introduced species in Victoria's freshwater systems. It's a popular target for anglers but considered a pest due to its impact on native fish populations.
How to catch Redfin
Redfin can be caught using a variety of methods in Victoria. Bait fishing with worms, yabbies, or small fish is effective, especially when fishing near structure or drop-offs. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and spinners all proving successful. When lure fishing, try retrieving with short, sharp movements to trigger the Redfin’s predatory instincts. Fishing from boats can be particularly effective, allowing anglers to target deeper water and cover more ground. In warmer months, focus on early mornings or evenings when Redfin are most active.
To learn more about catching Redfin, read more here.FAQs about Lake Bullen Merri
Where is Lake Bullen Merri?
Lake Bullen Merri is situated in the beautiful Corangamite region. This area is known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The region's unique geography and climate contribute to the rich variety of fish species found in its waters, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.
What fish can I catch at Lake Bullen Merri?
Lake Bullen Merri offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include chinook salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Additionally, redfin are also commonly found in the area. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Remember to check local regulations and seasons for each species before your fishing trip.
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