Fishing at Malmsbury Reservoir, Macedon Ranges, Victoria

• Overview

  The Macedon Ranges entry here is Malmsbury Reservoir, in Victoria. It sits in oak and grass country. The water covers around 2.89 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Shoreline length is close to 11 km, and each section fishes a little differently. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Victoria listings. Kyneton is the closest town at 7.9 km. It is 50 km to Bendigo, the nearest city. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Malmsbury Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include perch, tench, brown trout, crucian carp and goldfish. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Work Malmsbury Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical February readings run about 19°C; by July the average is down near 6°C. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. The shoulder seasons either side of summer are the ones to aim for. October and November fish well as the water warms. The season on Malmsbury Reservoir rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Picnic facilities are recorded some 1.1 km out. There are toilets 1.2 km off. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Lauriston Reservoir, 6.9 km away. Treat Malmsbury Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.