Melbourne Trout Fishing Secrets

Melbourne’s scenic Dandenong area is a paradise for trout anglers, and no one knows its waters better than Julian Congues Straub. Despite his young age, Julian’s decade of trout fishing experience has made him a local expert. In this guide, we dive into Julian’s top tips for trout fishing in Melbourne, focusing on tackle, lures, and effective techniques to help you make the most of your angling adventures.

Best Times and Places for Trout Fishing in Melbourne

According to Julian, the optimal times for trout fishing in Melbourne are during the autumn months, particularly April and May. This period, just before the winter season, is when trout are most active, making it the ideal time to head to the streams. Julian’s favourite fishing spots are in the Dandenong Ranges, where numerous small streams offer abundant opportunities for anglers. He mentions Woori Yallock Creek as a notable location, especially for beginners due to its accessibility and the presence of both rainbow and brown trout.

Recommended Tackle and Gear

When gearing up for trout, Julian suggests a focus on light tackle. He currently uses a Daiwa Presso rod, six foot six inches in length, which is versatile for both small streams and larger rivers. For the reel, he prefers a Daiwa TD Black 2000 size with a shallow spool, which he pairs with six-pound braid for its durability and effectiveness. In terms of leaders, Julian recommends six-pound fluorocarbon, noting that Melbourne’s trout are not particularly line shy.

Top Melbourne Trout Fishing Lures and How to Use Them

Julian’s lure recommendations are tailored to the varied environments of Melbourne’s trout streams. His top choice is the Dorado stick, a 4.5-centimeter hard body lure, ideal for deeper and faster waters where its larger bib helps keep it in the strike zone. For clearer and shallower streams, he suggests using the Ecogear SX40 or Daiwa Double Clutch, which are excellent for eliciting reaction bites from trout.

Fishing Techniques for Success

One of Julian’s key techniques is targeting the heads of pools where trout often gather. He advises casting to these areas and using a combination of slow winding and intermittent twitches. This method helps stimulate an aggressive response, especially during times when the water is slightly coloured — a prime condition for Melbourne trout fishing as it provides fish with cover and encourages them to feed more actively.

Additional Tips for Melbourne Trout Fishing

Julian emphasizes the importance of stealth and patience in trout fishing. Approaching fishing spots quietly and using natural cover can significantly increase your chances of success. He also suggests experimenting with different types of retrieves depending on the behaviour of the trout on any given day. During periods of high activity, a more dynamic retrieve might work best, while subtler movements could be more effective when the fish are less aggressive.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Julian’s insights into Melbourne trout fishing can guide you to your next big catch in the Dandenong streams. With the right approach and Julian’s expert advice, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rich trout fishing experiences that Melbourne has to offer.