By Archer Hume
Broken Creek downstream of Nathalia Fishing Guide
A picturesque creek offering excellent native fish habitat and fishing opportunities.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Mt Beauty Pondage, Kiewa River: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
Mt Beauty Pondage is a man-made lake offering diverse fishing opportunities in a scenic alpine setting.
Source: www.visitmountbeauty.com.au
table of contents
Introduction
Mt Beauty Pondage is a picturesque man-made lake nestled in the alpine region, providing a unique fishing experience. The pondage offers both shore-based and boat fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species present. The shoreline varies from open, grassy banks to areas with submerged timber, creating diverse habitats for fish. The deeper sections of the pondage can be particularly productive, especially for larger species like trout. Fly fishing is popular here, particularly during insect hatches, but bait and lure fishing are also effective. The pondage is regularly stocked with trout, ensuring good catch rates throughout the year. Early mornings and late evenings often provide the best fishing conditions, especially during the warmer months. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before fishing in the pondage.
About Kiewa River
The Kiewa River is a picturesque waterway located in northeastern Victoria, Australia. It flows through diverse landscapes, from alpine regions to lush valleys, before joining the Murray River. The river and its surrounding areas offer excellent fishing opportunities, with various access points and a mix of native and introduced fish species.
You can find more information about Kiewa River in our Kiewa River region guide post.
What should you fish with at Mt Beauty Pondage?
When it comes to fishing at Mt Beauty Pondage, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Mt Beauty Pondage you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
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 Mt Beauty Pondage.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Mt Beauty Pondage
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Mt Beauty Pondage:
- Live Worms
- Scrubworms
- Garden Worms
- Minnows
- Small Fish
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Mt Beauty Pondage
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Mt Beauty Pondage:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Minnow Lures
- Surface Lures
What You'll Catch at Mt Beauty Pondage
When fishing at Mt Beauty Pondage, 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: vrfish.com.au
#2 – 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
#3 – 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.
Source: www.nativefish.asn.au
#4 – The Yabby
Yabbies (Cherax spp.) are freshwater crayfish native to Australia. They are popular for both recreational fishing and as a food source.
How to catch Yabby
In Victoria, yabbies are typically caught using baited traps or nets. Opera house nets are popular but may be restricted in some areas due to their potential impact on platypus and water rats. Hoop nets or pyramid nets are often recommended alternatives. Place traps in areas with plenty of cover, such as near submerged logs or vegetation. Check traps regularly and remove any bycatch promptly. Hand fishing or ‘yabby pumping’ in shallow waters can also be effective. Always check local regulations before fishing, as rules may vary between waterways.
To learn more about catching Yabby, read more here.FAQs about Mt Beauty Pondage
Where is Mt Beauty Pondage?
Mt Beauty Pondage is situated in the beautiful Kiewa River 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 Mt Beauty Pondage?
Mt Beauty Pondage offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include brown trout and rainbow trout. Additionally, redfin and yabby 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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