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Snowy Lakes midwinter update

11 Jul, 2025 505
Snowy Lakes midwinter update

Luke Nuttal with a Eucumbene beauty (Rod Allen pic).

The Snowies have been living up to their name with quite regular snowfalls down to 1000 metres. Adaminaby has had some great snow, and the resorts are having a good season by all accounts, which bodes well for the spring river and lake fisheries. Some of the early snow melted quickly, bringing a temporary slowdown, and then a modest uptick, to the otherwise steadily-falling Lake Eucumbene.

Fishing reports have been good from both Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne. Big browns are close in to the shore, feeding on retreating yabbies in the falling Lake Eucumbene, and whatever food is being flushed by the rising water in Lake Jindabyne. So why is Eucumbene falling whilst Jindabyne rising? You can never be sure with Snowy Hydro, but the speculation is that Jindabyne is being topped up to keep it pretty for the winter tourists - which of course is a valid socio-economic benefit. And we fishers shouldn't complain.

The most accessible spots reporting good fishing on Lake Jindabyne are from the town up to Waste Point; and on Lake Eucumbene, the best reports have come from the south-east and east side of the southern end of the lake; specifically, Middlingbank, Buckenderra, the Frying Pan Arm track, and Seven Gates.

Recent snow in Adaminaby reflects what is turning out to be the snowiest winter for some years. (Col Sinclair pic)

The most productive technique has been an unweighted Woolly Bugger, brown or black; just letting it hang, even settle on the bottom, with an occasional twitch. Sometimes the trout will just pick it up and swim off!

LAKE LEVELS

Lake Eucumbene is at 32.8%, falling steadily since late 2024, and down 10% on this time last year. All things being equal, we should see a top of 45% to 50% by the end of November.

Jindy is producing its fair share of good fish. (Rod Allen pic.)

Lake Jindabyne is currently at 56%, and has been rising steadily since May, from an annual low of 51.2%, and down from 62% this time last year. If the trends continue, the Jindy lake level paths should cross in early August.

Thanks to everyone for their fishing reports while I'm overseas. I'm currently in Ireland enjoying an Emerald Isle summer in County Galway and County Mayo. It won't be long before the rivers start opening and we're back fishing the lakes with midge pupa and stick caddis.