Just received word via Fisheries of the completion of an angler-friendly car park at Lake Wurdiboluc, south of Geelong. Regular visitors to the lake would be aware that there have been parking issues along the prime south-eastern shore, with parking on the verge of the busy Cape Otway Road unsafe, while pulling further off risks getting bogged, especially during the winter/ spring period when the lake can fish at its best. So the car park, paid for out of the government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative fund is a nice touch.

 

The press release got me thinking about Wurdiboluc, which – for no good reason – I haven’t fished for a couple of years. It’s a large, generally clear lake with good weedbeds, many shallow shores but also some steeper rocky areas along the extensive wall. Over the last few years it’s received an annual stocking of roughly 4000 browns and 4000 rainbows. In the past I’ve caught trout there to 2 kg and friends have caught them over 3 kg. It’s never been a particularly prolific lake, but it’s appealing to fish and at this time of year you can start to see some very big smelters smashing the baitfish, especially early or late in the day and/or when overcast. Looking at the current stats, the lake is at 68% and rising slightly. Might be time for a return visit soon!