Lakes of Kyneton - Lauriston, Malmsbury and Upper Coliban Reservoirs

The three reservoirs near Kyneton known as Upper Coliban, Malmsbury and Lauriston can offer some fantastic fishing for redfin and trout.
These reservoirs are deep and clear with good populations of yabbies and forage fish.
As these waterways are drinking water for the local towns, there is no wading, swimming or boating. Trout can reach 3kg but average around 800g and there is some natural recruitment in the Coliban River connecting all three waterways.
There are good shallow flats and weed beds which can offer some spectacular smelting action from September to November when the minnow spawn.
Best lures for trout include; pink cobra styled lures and minnow patterns. There are also good hatches of mayfly on these lakes so take a few dry flies. Best flies include Tom Jones, green nymph, Mrs. Simpson, black matukas, red spinner (dry) and red tag (both dry and wet).

Best bait for trout is live minnow closely followed by mudeye suspended under a bubble float.
Redfin are almost in plague proportions on occasions and as a result, many can be stunted. The better fish (to 2kg - av. 500g) fall to live baits such as local galaxid and live yabbies.
Redfin here are often taken on both wet and dry fly and swoop on offering meant for trout, which can be frustrating.
Good reddies lures include; Jensen insect and brightly coloured minnow styled lures.

Neil Slater

Kyneton Google Earth Map