Autumn 2025
Well, it’s that time of the year again. Time to remember gloves and a beanie when you’re heading out early or late; time to dust off the big Woolly Bugger box; and time to keep an eye out for the big browns as they try to cram on condition before heading up the rivers and creeks to spawn.
Safety alert
Be really really careful when boating. Boulders in shallow water, rocky outcrops in the middle of the lake – whole islands emerging from the depths. Just be really really careful, and always wear a lifejacket. As the lake cools, our ability to self-rescue diminishes exponentially. By the end of autumn, if you end up in the water, you can expect to be hypothermic very quickly. At 15 degrees, you might get one and a half hours; at 10 degrees, you’ll be lucky to get fifteen minutes.
Brookwood on Lake Eucumbene, sand and mud for autumn and winter. Boulders everywhere in the shallow water!
Lake levels and reports
Lake Eucumbene is currently at 45.5%, continuing the steady decline of the last two months and down from over 58% this time last year. Typically, we would expect a steady drop now, right through winter until late August, so expect the lake to be below 35% by the time any snowmelt arrives in spring – a great lake level for the Frying Pan Arm and Rushy Plain. Shane Stevens and the Ballarat fly fishing club have been enjoying terrestrial fishing with hoppers, Red Tags, etc. The browns are starting to get excited on large wets, too.
Hopper fishing on the right day – they’re still looking up!
Lake Jindabyne is currently at 53% and falling steadily. Down 18% from this time last year. Jindy is still a bit warm, but lower overnight temperatures are helping cool the surface. Midge fishing in both the early morning and evening is giving anglers some target practice. If you want to stay after dark, the mudeyes are there, but they’re not migrating to shore in big numbers.
Tantangara Reservoir is currently steady at 11%, so unless we get heavy rain, don’t expect any portal water into Lake Eucumbene until spring. Fishing reports remain sparse.
Hot tip
It’s a transitional time of year. You’re as likely to get a hot session on a big foam fly as on a bugger or nymph, so go prepared, and don’t forget to take an indicator; sometimes, a static wet fly is all they want.
The rainbows are a little scarce in Eucumbene right now, but they are in top condition.
