Let's Go Fishing at Jubilee Lake

Location: Approximately 111 km north west of Melbourne and 45 km north east of Ballarat.

Size: 4 ha

Facilities: BBQ facilities, picnic shelter, toilet, kiosk, boat and canoe hire.

Vic Roads ref: Map 59 D7

Go Fishing in Victoria supported projects: Two new fishing platforms and a pathway have been constructed with all abilities access.

Main fish species: Rainbow trout, redfin and tench

Stocking: Jubilee Lake is stocked with catchable size trout for the June and September school holidays.

A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is required when taking, or attempting to take any species of fish from public waters including Jubilee Lake unless you have an exemption. Refer to your Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for more information.

For further information on Premier Lakes in Victoria contact the Department of Primary Industries on 136 186 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Fishing for Rainbow Trout at Jubilee Lake

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout can be identified by a crimson stripe along the side of their body and small black spots on the upper body and tail.

Getting geared up

A suitable fishing outfit for Lake Hyland would consist of a light to medium spinning rod (2-4 kg rating) with a matching spinning reel. Monofilament fishing line of around 3 kg breaking strain would be ideal, and a small tackle box needs to be filled with a selection of small sinkers, hooks and swivels (and lures if desired). A landing net is essential as rainbow trout are very difficult to grasp by hand.

Baits

Popular natural baits for rainbow trout include earthworms, scrubworms and maggots which can either be fished on the bottom of the lake or under a float. One of the best natural baits are mudeyes (dragonfly larvae), which are hooked through the wings with a small fine hook and fished under a bubble float. Corn kernels or various artificial baits can also be used.

Tip: Use small chemically-sharpened hooks in sizes 6 – 10.

Lure and fly fishing

Fly fishing is perhaps the most exciting way to fish for trout and a special rod and type of line is required. Lures such as bladed spinners, bibbed diving lures and soft plastics are effective. When fly fishing, you can use a range of artificial wet and dry flies to imitate the huge variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects eaten by trout and other species. They can be fished under a float but need to be retrieved very slowly.

Top tips

Winter and spring are good times to go fishing for rainbow trout. A mudeye or worm fished under a float is very effective. Commercial dough baits should be fished on the bottom. Lures with silver, gold or pink colouring are all great. Early in the morning or late in the evening are the best times.

Locked half blood knot

A simple yet strong knot that can be used to tie all connections to hooks, swivels etc.