Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Trout, Redfin, Salmonoids, Carp etc
PedroArvy
Rank: Baitfish
Rank: Baitfish
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:05 pm

Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by PedroArvy » Wed Jun 27, 2018 8:35 pm

I have been chatting with a few mates who fish lakes right throughout the year. And after three or so years of fishing regularly they have come to the conclusion that fishing lakes for trout in this part of the world just doesn’t seem as productive in winter. Lakes I am talking about are mainly in the west from Lake Fyans, Toolondo, Moorabool, Newlyn, Hepburn and Tullaroop. They have noticed considerably reduced catches compared to the warmer months, perhaps excluding heat waves in January/February.

Now this doesn’t make sense to me. Trout are a cold-water fish, they should enjoy these temperatures. Also, lakes somewhere like the South Island of New Zealand probably have our winter temperatures in summer, so it shouldn’t be below trouts normal feeding limits. Maybe it's the case that even if temperatures aren’t that low, they are at their lowest point throughout the year and trout metabolism naturally shuts down at a low point.

What are others thoughts on this issue? Is trout fishing lakes for trout worse in winter?

Stumpjumper
Rank: Australian Salmon
Rank: Australian Salmon
Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:16 am
Location: NE Victoria
Has liked: 19 times
Likes received: 39 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by Stumpjumper » Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:22 pm

Winter is the high point in my trout fishing (trolling from a boat) on lakes such as Hume, Dartmouth, Khancoban. It can be a bit hit and miss of course as trout are either heading up rivers to spawn or returning from spawning. But overall, the cooler months are better IMO.

Texas
Rank: Premium Member
Rank: Premium Member
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 10:41 am
Location: Hoppers Crossing
Has liked: 221 times
Likes received: 460 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by Texas » Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:35 pm

I'm making this up as I go.
Closed season for trout, in winter
Trout spawning in rivers
No "bugs" hatching in winter
Inflows causing muddy water
Too cold to get out of bed
Fish hiding under structures, to keep out if rain.
Gra

TheNix
Rank: Garfish
Rank: Garfish
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:23 pm
Has liked: 33 times
Likes received: 27 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by TheNix » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:41 am

I don't know whether it is true or not, but I use it as an excuse not to go fishing when the weather is cold.

User avatar
meppstas
Rank: Premium Member
Rank: Premium Member
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:32 pm
Location: Sheffield, Tasmania
Has liked: 903 times
Likes received: 444 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by meppstas » Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:06 am

This may be of some help to you or not.... :-D

http://www.indepthangler.com.au/guide/t ... mperature/

cheers
Adrian
'' Brand Ambassador for Mepps Lures in Australia '' Tackle Tactics, Okuma, Mepps & Platypus lines Pro Team Member

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClk58e ... m8yelCSKCw

PedroArvy
Rank: Baitfish
Rank: Baitfish
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:05 pm

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by PedroArvy » Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:45 am

A big issue in that article that jolted my memory is whether the temperature is falling, as it has been, in the last few weeks. I need to buy a thermometer to see what's going on in my favourite lakes.

cantcatchem
Rank: Flathead
Rank: Flathead
Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2017 10:34 am
Location: Patterson Lakes

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by cantcatchem » Thu Jun 28, 2018 2:11 pm

I haven't had any problems in winter when using mudeyes and worms, are you bait fishing or lure fishing? I have found that when lakes are a little bit discolored after some rain to be the best time to fish them, many trout will still attempt to spawn in winter even though they can't unless there is a river coming out of it so they can be found closer to shore. Lure casting is also better with a bit of color in the water as the fish don't seem to be as easily spooked, try Wurdiboluc Res. near Geelong off the wall, very good this time of year

PedroArvy
Rank: Baitfish
Rank: Baitfish
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:05 pm

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by PedroArvy » Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:45 pm

I have been using lures but am going to switch to bait and lures. I will walk around the lake and try bait fishing whilst spinning in the immediate area. After 45 minutes or so I will move spots. I think that should cover most bases. I realise spinning is best in windy weather or late/early in the day.

barra mick
Rank: Kingfish
Rank: Kingfish
Joined: Sun Nov 11, 2012 7:42 pm
Has liked: 26 times
Likes received: 58 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by barra mick » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:38 pm

Imo the trout fishing is alot better in winter.

Nearly all my best trips have been in winter.

You can still catch good trout in the summer but I have a lot more insane sessions in the winter .

Bm

Texas
Rank: Premium Member
Rank: Premium Member
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 10:41 am
Location: Hoppers Crossing
Has liked: 221 times
Likes received: 460 times

Re: Is Trout Fishing Lakes Worse In Winter?

Post by Texas » Thu Jun 28, 2018 6:44 pm

barra mick wrote:Imo the trout fishing is alot better in winter.

Nearly all my best trips have been in winter.

You can still catch good trout in the summer but I have a lot more insane sessions in the winter .

Bm
Diet coke is the secret to keeping warm

Post Reply

Return to “Other Species”