What the Fishing Has Been Like Lately
Lake Hume has risen dramatically since the beginning of June, climbing from around 24% capacity to high 80%. I've held off writing this report for the past month, hoping conditions would stabilise and the fishing would improve. However, after another 50mm+ of rain this week, it looks like it'll be a little while yet before things settle.
The constant inflows have seen water conditions fluctuate from muddy to murky, with plenty of suspended sediment and floating debris throughout the lake. Anglers should take extra care navigating, particularly around newly flooded areas and incoming water.
As a result, yellowbelly fishing has been patchy at best, with fish scattered throughout the system. The rising water has pushed many fish into the shallow margins where they're actively foraging through newly flooded grass, rocks, timber and weed beds. Water less than 6-8 metres deep has been the most productive, offering slightly warmer temperatures and an abundance of food.
Using LiveScope, it's been clear that the more active fish are cruising suspended in open water. Fish holding tight to trees tend to be less aggressive and often require a lure presented precisely above their heads to trigger a bite. The shallow-water bite has made these fish accessible on a range of presentations, including soft plastics, jerkbaits and vibes.
What's Biting?
While overall fishing has been slower than normal, there are still fish being caught.
- Yellowbelly remain patchy, with isolated fish being found on a range of areas and depths. They are being caught consistently by anglers fishing shallow water 4-8, with both lures and bait.
- Redfin schools are still widespread and accessible, particularly for anglers trolling along lake edges.
- Carp are plentiful in the shallow margins and readily taking bait.
Tips for Anglers Heading Out
I'd focus on the shallower arms of the lake and spend your time covering water to locate active fish. This spring, mobility will be key to putting more fish in the boat.
I've found several smaller groups of male yellowbelly beginning to move up, although larger females are yet to arrive in significant numbers.
If I had to guess, the next few months could be very exciting. The yellowbelly spawn may be slightly delayed due to the continued inflows and cooler water temperatures, but once conditions stabilise, the fishing should really fire.
For lure selection, I'd recommend having a few options rigged and ready:
- A 5g Spinwright jighead paired with a 3-inch black grub remains a reliable staple.
- Jerkbaits such as the Double Clutch or Squirrel 67 are excellent around shallow flats and timber.
- TN50s and ZX40s are outstanding reaction baits, ideal for hopping down rocky banks or rolling past fish for a reaction bite.
What I Love About Fishing Lake Hume
One of the things I love most about Lake Hume is its incredible potential to produce truly large yellowbelly, with fish over 60cm a genuine possibility. They're not always easy to catch, but trying to pull a big fish away from standing timber on light spin gear never gets old. That's the challenge that keeps me coming back.
Report courtesy of Tom McIntosh.
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