Episode 334: Goulburn River Trout With Armando Mercurio

Armando’s Top Trout Fishing Tips

• Don’t make the mistake of thinking that trout fishing is always about casting upstream. Sometimes it’s not possible to make an upstream presentation and Armando has found that casting downstream and working lures back against the current can still work.
• Cool, overcast or even rainy days tend to fish best for trout, with the best months from March to June.
• Both brown and rainbow trout are available in the Goulburn system. Rainbows have a preference for shallower, faster running water while browns like the slower moving, deeper water with snags. However, both species can be caught even when targeting the other species.
• Start casting well before you reach the water’s edge. Often there are fish feeding on the edge that can be spooked by anglers who don’t start casting until they are at the edge.
• Use Google Earth to identify access points to the river, but also to check on how easy (or otherwise) it will be to move around the banks once you’re there.
• Fan casts out, covering all of the water in front of you before moving to the next location. Lures being retrieved with the current need to be cranked faster, with the retrieve slowing as the lure gets nearer and starts to work across and eventually against the current. Fish often take a lure as it swings to cross the current.
• When working lures against the current, work them very slowly and use the water flow to create swimming action. This gives a more natural action and is less likely to spook fish.

Armando’s Trout Fishing Tackle

• A shortish rod of around 6’ to 6’6” is best for casting in tight cover. Armando used a Nitro Vapour 1-2kg rod, 2000 size Daiwa Silver Creek LT S series, 4lb braid and 4-6lb fluorocarbon leader.

Armando’s Top Trout Fishing Lures

• A size 2 or size 3 Blue Fox Vibrax spinner is perfect for shallow runs of 30-50cm depth. Start by casting upstream and then fanning casts up and across, across then downstream. This lure is best worked on a steady retrieve with no pauses, although the speed of retrieve needs to be varied depending on whether the lure is running with or against the current. Just fast enough to keep the blade spinning is a good rule of thumb.
• Rapala F3 and F5 floating minnows are perfect for fishing both with and against the current in slightly deeper water than the Vibrax. The sinking CD Rapala in 3 and 5 cm is also a good option, especially in deeper water. The floating lures are fished on a steady retrieve, varying the speed to suit the current. The sinking lures are fished with plenty of rod twitches but not allowed to sink to the bottom where they quickly become snagged. Step up to 7 or 9cm versions if the fishing is tough and you need to get a reaction bite. Armando favours trout colour patterns.
• Bullet Lures 3 and 5cm models are a great alternative if you need to switch it up and especially if a little extra casting distance is needed. Fish them in a similar way to the Rapala’s.