Help with Otway fishing particularly freshwater

[seephil]

Hi everyone, been awhile since i posted. Haven't had much opportunities to fish due to work. But that about to change. Booked a campsite at Lake Elizabeth this weekend. About to head down to BCF to pick up my tent and some supplies. Booked a fishing charter for Saturday Morning out of Apollo Bay :thumbsup: So getting sorted.

As the title suggests, i need help with freshwater fishing( i do 98% WPB/PPB). Has anyone here fished at Lake Elizabeth. I tried to research any reports or tips and what to target. So far, all i can see is its been stocked with some Murray hardheads. So planning so get some HB i.e. stump jumpers(dunno if that works), and possibly some floating minnows and soft plastics in shapes of frogs? Am i on the right track here?
I would imagine the lake having trout and maybe carp so corn and worms for bait soaking.

Appreciate if anyone kindly share some wisdom on this quest to land my first freshie. :notworthy:

[fitzy90]

I just got back from there on tuesday after a 3 day camping trip!
i packed the rods but didn't end up getting them out. At the camp site there is the river which runs down from the lake, saw a few guys fly fishing but not much action by the looks of it. We sat by the lake for a good hour or so but didn't see any rising fish, looks very fishy though.
Your best bet would be west barwon dam which is not that far from the campsite, reddies, eels and trout can be caught. Get some scrubbies for the bottom, and some mudeyes for the floats.
Another tip, take dry firewood!
Awesome spot for camping and bush walking, you will have a ball, Here is a pic i took of the river next to the camp site.

[seephil]

WOW! Thanks fitzy, that pic looks amazing. looking forward to camping more than anything, haven't done it in years, the fishing will be a bonus.

[Fish-Hunter]

Amazing location :thumbsup:

[drewb]

Most of the little rivers and creeks in that area hold small wild brown trout, some in good numbers.

For mine nothing beats wading up a small river in pristine country like fitzys photo casting small lures (ie rapala F5) into pockets for trout.

[sloth]

Was there at the weekend. Could see surface feeding trout in west Barwon dam. That's where I'd go

[seephil]

Thanks fellas. I was considering packing the waders and head upstream. Just not sure if the mrs is as keen though. Rapala F5 you say Drew? Will need to stock up on some on the way. I suppose a 2500 size reel would do with 6lb braid? What size leader can i go to, would 20lb be too heavy?

[Basti]

20lb would be way too heavy. 6lb will do the job

[brybry]

Stunning pic.

Expecting to see a Stegosaurus poke its head out!

Beautiful country.

[seephil]

Bags packed and car loaded up. Gonna try and drop by a tackle store otw to Lake Elizabeth. Hopefully will post a positive report and some pics when i get back Sunday arvo.
Have a good weekend everyone!