Bushfires and Rivers, Fly Fishing and Big Trout

Thankfully, and although it seems small change in light of so many fatalities and livestock and asset losses, the current bushfires have not affected the rivers, lakes and streams of NE Victoria's alpine region, which are in excellent condition and should remain so this summer and into autumn.

The bi-annual Victorian Fly Fishing Championships begin this weekend. The venue is Rocky Valley Lake on the Bogong High Plains, near the already large and still growing Falls Creek Alpine Resort.

The lake is currently at 85% capacity and holds self-sustaining populations of wild rainbow trout and brown trout and nothing else, the water being too cold for native fish species. At 1800 metres above sea level Rocky Valley Lake is also much too cold for swimming or water skiing, even during the hottest days of summer.

Trout caught on tiny flies with barbless hooks are often in the 4-plus kilograms region and all are released unharmed after being measured and weighed.

30 anglers in boats will be competing in 4 sessions over 2 days, with winners in the various events going on to represent Victoria in the National Fly Fishing Championships later this year.