Prime time for trout on Eildon

As the chill of winter settles over Victoria’s High Country, Eildon Pondage is coming into its prime for trout fishing. While the days are short and the fog clings to the hills, anglers willing too brave the crisp air are finding excellent results—particularly for those chasing rainbow and brown trout. The Pondage’s water level has been relatively stable, with minor daily fluctuations. Clarity has remained good, especially in the early mornings before surface disturbance kicks in. This sets the stage for productive bait and lure fishing during low-light periods. What’s biting? The clear winner this winter has been rainbow trout, with several trophy-sized fish turning up for both bait and lure fishers. Many of these rainbows are brood-stock fish recently released by Fisheries Victoria, often tipping the scales at over 3 kg. Brown trout are also showing up in good numbers, especially near structure and deeper drop-offs. While redfin and yellow belly are possible, they’ve been quieter over the past fortnight. The occasional redfin is still being taken on small soft plastics or worms, but the main attraction is certainly trout. Bait & tactic hot tips Bait anglers have been doing very well using power bait in bright colours—lemon, orange, and pink have all produced results. Classic bubble float rigs with mud eyes, if you can get your hands on them, are dynamite during dawn and dusk. Dough baits are also turning up good-sized fish for those fishing static rigs from the bank. For lure anglers, Tassie Devils in bright, flashy patterns remain a staple. Cast around deeper edges and retrieve slowly, allowing the lure to swim through the strike zone. Hardbody lures and small soft plastics, especially in natural trout colours, have also been productive, particularly when worked around submerged timber and under the bridge area. Fly anglers drifting woolly buggers and nymph patterns during the evening rise have reported success as well, especially when fishing quietly from the eastern bank or caravan park area. Top spots this week include the Bourke Street picnic area, the bridge pylons, and around the Pondage Caravan Park pontoons. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive windows, with fish often pushing into the shallows to feed. Eildon Pondage is living up to its reputation as a winter hotspot. Whether you’re casting lures, floating baits, or drifting flies, the trout are active, the conditions are calm, and the action is heating up. Rug up, grab your rod, and hit the banks—you might just land your winter trophy trout this week.

Prime time for trout on Eildon

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