Fly Fishing Guide to the Grampians Lakes

1. When to Fly Fish the Grampians Lakes

Summer (December – February)

• Best for: Early mornings and late evenings offer the best fishing.
• Where to look: Deeper water and near submerged structure.
• Best flies: Woolly Buggers, Damselfly Nymphs, and Caddis Emergers and Beetles.
• Techniques: Fish deep during the day with sinking lines, switch to dry flies at dusk.

Autumn (March – May)

• Best for: Trophy brown and rainbow trout.
• Where to look: Edges of drop-offs and along weed beds. Wartook offers excellent polaroiding opportunities due to its shallow, clear flats.
• Best flies: Mayfly patterns, Muddler Minnows, and small streamers.
• Techniques: Use slow retrieves and intermediate sinking lines to mimic baitfish movements.

Winter (June – August)

• Best for: Large brown trout.
• Where to look: Deeper sections and inflow points after rain. Lakes Fyans and Bellfield maintain good water levels and clear visibility. Fishing banks where the water has risen can provide exciting fishing for tailing fish.
• Best flies: Black Woolly Buggers, Magoo Streamers, and large nymphs.
• Techniques: Slow retrieves with sinking lines or dead-drifting large nymphs.

Spring (September – November)

• Best for: Active trout feeding on hatching insects.
• Where to look: Shallow bays and near emerging weed beds.
• Best flies: Mayfly Dries, Caddis Pupae, and Damsel Nymphs.
• Techniques: Focus on sight-fishing with dry flies or fishing nymphs under an indicator.

2. Essential Gear for Grampians Fly Fishing

The right gear will help you adapt to changing lake conditions and target trout effectively.

Fly Rods

For general trout fishing, use 9ft 6-weight rods for balanced performance. We suggest:
• Orvis Helios D (9ft, 6 weight): Perfect for accurate casts and handling strong trout.
• Sage Sonic (9ft, 6 weight): Great for long-distance casting and windy conditions.

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Orvis Helios D Fly Rods

Fly Reels

For trout, use smooth drag with a mid-to-large arbor. We recommend:
• Lamson Liquid S: A solid, budget-friendly option.
• Orvis Mirage LT: High-performance with smooth drag.

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Orvis Mirage LT Fly Reels

Fly Lines

For general lake fishing, use floating and intermediate sinking lines, such as:
• Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Infinity: Long belly and short front taper excels at fishing to medium to long distances.
• Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater Clear Camo Intermediate: Ideal for deeper and controlling the level of the water column you are fishing.


For deep-water fishing out of a boat, use fast-sinking lines, such as:
• Scientific Anglers Sonar Sink I/2/3: A revolutionary triple-density sinking line for excellent depth control and smooth casting.

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Infinity Fly Line

3. Top Grampians Fly Fishing Locations

Lake Bellfield

• Best for: Rainbow trout and brown trout.
• Conditions: Clear water, requiring stealthy approaches and long casts. Heavily wooded shorelines create exciting structures to target fish amongst.
• Tactics: Use small nymphs and dries when fish are rising; intermediate lines with streamers to target deeper fish.

Lake Wartook

• Best for: Large brown trout.
• Conditions: Walking the hugely long wall is the highlight of this lake. Polaroidng the flats is also a very effective way to sight fish.
• Tactics: Sight-fish along the edges, using mayfly dries and small streamers.

Lake Fyans

• Best for: Both brown and rainbow trout.
• Conditions: A scenic trout fishery with consistent water levels and excellent hatches.
• Tactics: Fish mayfly emergers in spring and use small Woolly Buggers around weed beds year-round.

4. Tips for Fly Fishing Success in the Grampians Lakes

The Grampians Lakes offer exceptional fly fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced flyfishers. With diverse water conditions, seasonal variations, and breathtaking scenery, these lakes should be on every flyfisher’s list.

Keep these tips front of mind when you're on the water:
1. Match the hatch: Observe insect activity and choose flies accordingly.
2. Use long leaders: The clear water requires subtle presentations.
3. Adjust retrieve speeds: Experiment to see what triggers strikes.
4. Polaroid fish in clear shallows: Sight-fishing can be highly productive in autumn and spring.
5. Be adaptable: Conditions change, so be ready to switch techniques and locations based on trout behaviour.

5. Plan Your Grampians Lakes Adventure with The Flyfisher

With its crystal-clear waters, diverse trout habitats, and stunning mountain scenery, the Grampian Lakes are a must-visit for fly fishers of all levels. Whether you’re stalking trophy browns along the weed beds of Lake Wartook, polaroiding in the shallows of Fyans, or casting to rising rainbows on Bellfield, the right gear, knowledge, and techniques will help you make the most of your time on the water.

For expert advice, premium fly fishing gear, and the latest fly patterns, visit The Flyfisher in South Melbourne or shop online. Our team is passionate about helping you prepare for your next Grampian Lakes adventure, ensuring you’re equipped for success in every season!