The rise and rise of Lake Eildon by Andy McCarthy

To say the amount of rain Eildon has received has been good would be an understatement.

In fact it has been nothing short of spectacular, and for many reasons. The simple fact we can drive over the lake at Bonnie Doon again, to speak to business owners and locals alike, the excitement is contagious.

With a wetter than average summer also predicted the excitement will just continue to grow now the new year has arrived.

One thing is for certain the influx of water will bring new dangers for all boaters in the form of floaters, underlying trees and new rock points. I live locally and fish here on a very regular basis and the landscape changes from day to day so be very careful on the water.

NEW GROUND COVERED

One of the main benefits of the rains and the sudden water level rise is the fact that so much fertile ground had been covered with water. This means new food sources, and lots of it. The upcoming season for natives especially Murray cod could be just like 1987/88 when Eildon was last at its true self.

In my opinion that the real benefits will be seen in years to come, with such an abundance of food on offer, bringing on condition and size the likes that could blow our minds like never before.

STOCKING PROGRAMS

This year will be the year where the fisheries native fish stocking programs will get the recognition it deserves. They need a pat on the back for planning to put in one million Murray cod every three years. Just imagine 333,333 cod per year into Eildon and how good the cod fishery will be in 7-10years. It will be pure gold. This fantastic news is also on top of this year's 150,000 cod and 200,000 yellowbelly.

These programs are showing great results with the best start to a native season that I have ever seen.

WHERE TO FISH?

As we are all aware Eildon has changed dramatically from one end to the other. Most people (myself included) tend to fish the same spots time after time and do ok. I think this season the people who think outside the square and really explore new areas and techniques could really be rewarded with big fish.

Already this season myself and a group of mates have caught stacks of good yellowbelly and just as many by-catch Murray cod. The yellowbelly have ranged up to a whopping 65cm and 20lb caught by Richard Timms of Eildon.

Surprisingly so far the average yellowbelly has been around the 8-10lb mark with my favourite eating size of 2-3lb nowhere to be seen. I am sure come the heat of summer they will be back.

It's good the cod season is well and truly open, as the cod just want to eat. Even though