Grampians for a day

I'd made plans for the Grampians lakes this autumn, so it was a relief more than anything to finally get there yesterday; just a few days before the onset of winter. Even the weather gods smiled, shouting Mark and I some mid-teens sunshine and light winds.

Bellfield

The fishing didn't disappoint either, which made me simultaneously pleased, and just a bit regretful at what we might have missed out on over the last month or two. Still, better late than never. Bellfield is 60%, stable, and clear as... a bell! Surprisingly, we didn't sight many fish, but prospecting in amongst the snags with Woolly Buggers (watch the back cast!) produced a couple of nice rainbows and a smaller brown.

Releasing a decent rainbow at Bellfield. Our stocked lakes can work well as put-and-grow fisheries - let's go for a bit less take.

After lunch, it was over to Fyans, which is also looking a treat: once again very clear, also stable, and 71%. We polaroided several fish, saw a few more swirl and charge, and there was a light rise (probably to caddis) right on dark. Three worthwhile rainbows made it to the net and we missed a couple more: Mark was unlucky not to hook a stonker which charged out of the weed for his Magoo but pulled away at the last moment.

Almost there... Mark at Fyans with a fish that was smelting along the shore.

Overall it was a good day. I'm a little disappointed we didn't make it to Wartook, but without the option of staying overnight (yet) that would have turned the day into more of a rush than a fish. Next time!

I never get tired of this view.