Trout Season 26/27 Preview

Well, here we are, just one sleep away from the beginning of another trout season here in Victoria, and the anticipation is palpable. I always get excited when the cherry blossoms start to pop around town, as that's not only the sign that we're coming to the end of another long winter, but it's also the reminder to get my rear into gear and finish off those fly boxes in anticipation of losing my fair share of flies on opening weekend!

This winter has not been as cold as recent ones, but it's certainly been the wettest I can remember in a long time. We've seen lakes and reservoirs that were dwindling towards the end of summer fill up in a very short amount of of time. Many jumping up over 15% a week over several separate weeks, with consistent rain filling the water table and aiding in run-off from creekbeds that have remained dry since '22.

The streams were really suffering by the end of the last summer. With two years of low rainfall, high temperatures and the scourge of cormorants taking their toll on local fish populations, it's good to see a solid winter of rain, great breeding conditions, and most of the birds moving back to Lake Eyre. That sets us up for what should be the best trout stream season of the last three. We're by no means back to the hedonistic conditions of the summer of '22, but things are looking up.

By the end of last season, there were far fewer rainbow trout about thanks to the birds, but the browns were putting on good condition and, whilst fewer in numbers than the year before, were certainly of a better quality. This trend is set to continue into this season, with the aide of new yearlings and recent fry to bolster the population. It's the cycle that we have seen before with the previous cormorant plague, and one that results in better brown trout fishing for those prepared to put in the work.

As usual, the water will be high and discoloured to start the season. That's just how it is in September, and Spring rains have yet to add to all that. So, it will required and thoughtful approve to the water you're fishing until things settle and we start seeing the cycle of hatches develop later in Spring and into Summer.

With that, we're hitting the road this morning to venture up into the high country for tomorrow's opening. The next few weeks will be spent putting a lot of time into testing all the waters when we're not here in the shop. Once we know how each of the streams are fishing, that puts me in a better position for guided fishing. September is always tough with water levels and weather, so I keep that time to myself on the water. We have opened up the guiding calendar for bookings from the end of September for trout. Those of you looking to target carp will have to hold off another month or so until water temps come up a little.

In the meantime, if you're interested in booking a day's fishing, you can consult with the Department of War and Finance, and cross reference the calendar here :

https://www.troutlore.com.au/pages/guided-fly-fishing

So, I wish you all a fortuitous adventure for your opening weekend, where ever it many take you, and remind you that we're only a click away when you decide you need to tie more flies for the next outing!

Happy Fishing!