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Where?How?When? PDF Print E-mail

For the benefit of the novice, visiting angler and the seasoned angler we have published some good information as to where, how and when fish are being caught in Lake Hume.
There are 6 species of fish in Lake Hume and after 30+ years of catching them all, hopefully the following will help you catch a fish.Remember to make sure you know the rules in regards to fishing and boating,here are the current fishing regulations:

 Yellow belly/Golden Perch

Min. legal Size 30cms

Bag/possession Limit 5in all rivers and streams

10 in all Lakes and Impoundments

Vic only

No Closed Season

 Murray Cod

 

Min.legal Size 60cms Vic

Bag /possession Limit 2(of which no  fish may equal or exceed 100cm in Length

Closed Season 1 Sept-30 Nov inclusive

NSW min legal size 60cm

Bag  limit 2 of which only 1 can exceed 100cms

possesion limit is double the bag limit unless otherwise stated 

 Red Fin/English Perch

Min. legal Size no minimum

Bag /possession 30 per day 

No Closed Season

Brown/Rainbow Trout 

 

Please check the fisheries guide booklet as these vary in different states ,lakes and rivers

 

 European Carp

This species is listed as noxious and must not be returned to the water as it is an offence to do so

Lake Hume

If you are fishing Lake Hume you must Possess a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence there are Excemptions(check latest Guide booklet)but there are 2 sets of rules if you are boating on the Lake.If you are not sure of the boating regulations ASK as ignorance will not stop the authorities from handing out a fine

N.B.Info on size and bag limits was obtained from the 2009/10 Vic. fishing Guide and Nsw guide will vary and up to the angler to check 

Yellowbelly,Golden perch,Callop

Bait:Yabbies,worms,shrimp

Lures:McGraths,Smak Golden childs & Blitz Bagas,Hot Lips,Vikings,Custom Crafted,Jackalls,Spinnerbaits and similar type lures

Best Times:September to December

This is the targeted species in the Lake Hume Classic and locals target them when the lake is rising, good areas to start at are the red clay banks and rocky outcrops. Yellowbelly can grow up to 15kg here but if you after a feed I recommend you take the smaller ones(approx35cms)as the larger fish are very fatty and oily. Trolling is a very popular method of catching these fish but bait will catch there fair share. Bank fisher people can also hook on to these magnificent fish simply by picking the right type of bank and cast lures or sit back and relax using bait, use a rod holder while baitfishing or you might see your favourite rod disappear into the depths. Good areas are Vincents Reserve, Bowna, Drummonds to name a few
Remember Lake Hume Classic is a Catch & Release event for native fish

Red Fin English Perch

Bait:Small Yabbies,worms,shrimp,Cocktail Prawns

Lures:Same as for Yellowbelly,soft plastics,Hog backs

Best Times:Warmer months of the year but usually an all year around species.

Undoubtedly the most prolific and sought after fish in Lake Hume, there eating quality is superb,even a kid who won't eat fish will eat a boneless fillet of reddie.There is no real secret to catching these fish,in a boat you can tie up to a tree,drift or troll,normally 8 to 10 metres of water but the trick is no bites in 5mins move locations till you find them.The red fin are all over the lake and some of the schools are quite large with fish up to 2kg.Bank anglers can catch them by casting lures walking the banks or find a spot and bait fish,under the Bethanga bridge is a good starting point.Other spots are Drummonds,One tree Island,Ludlows and Bethanga bay

Murray Cod

Bait:Yabbies,worms,shrimp,Bardi grubs

Lures:Same as yellowbelly

Best Time:December till May

This Australian Icon is not a common catch or targeted species in Lake Hume but they are in the lake and are normally caught when fishing for other species.When they are targeted the its normally up the Murray arm at a place called the Narrows or the wymah area.All methods work and the biggest cod I have seen caught here is 20kg while trolling for reddies but there could be up to 50kg specimens in here also.

Remember Murray Cod has a closed season from September 1 till November 30 every year

Rainbow & Brown Trout

Bait: Worms,maggots,powerbait,wood grubs

Lures:McGraths,Loftys,Wigstons,Cobras,Smak Rackwalkers,Supa doopers,Wobblers ,various flies

Best Time:June to October

The most popular way of catching Trout in Lake Hume is trolling,bank anglers do also get their share either bait fishing or casting lures but trolling for them is the best way to catch one.Trout can be taken up to 5kg plus when the conditions in the Lake are right and the majority are caught in the top 10 feet on the water column.When choosing a lure color remember that the biggest food source in the lake is small redfin.Trout are regularly stocked in the lake and at times you can get up to 10 fish in a session.Popular areas are in front of the wall and near the Bethanga Bridge

European Carp 

Bait:Worms,Yabbies,Shrimp,corn,bread dough

Lures:Yes They will take a lure ,corn flie imitation

Best Time:All Year

This species is the biggest pest in our waterways and are a regular catch for bait anglers,but if you are targeting them they are fun to catch on light gear.They can be caught all over the lake and can grow up 20kg plus.They are Listed as a noxious species and are not allowed to be returned to the water.Best way to dispose of them is bury them,if you want to eat one here is a recipe:Take a big pot and put 2 bricks in the bottom,place the carp on the the bricks and cover with water.Bring to the boil and simmer until the carp dissolves,drain water and serve up the bricks,enjoy.

Well I hope you get something from this section that will help you catch a fish and if you have a question feel free to email me or just simply ask a Local.Hope to see you at this years Lake Hume Classic.

 Remember Lake Hume has 2 sets of boating regulations and is governed by Victorian Fisheries Laws,Ignorance is no excuse it up to you to know the laws that govern this Lake

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