Maroondah Reservoir near Healesville: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Yarra Ranges end of Victoria holds Maroondah Reservoir. Land around it is oak and grass. At 1.94 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. Around 6.9 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. Healesville sits 4.9 km from the bank. For a city, Melbourne is 57 km off. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Maroondah Reservoir

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists brown trout, rainbow trout, Murray cod and perch. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Maroondah Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 7°C in July to roughly 19°C in February. Warm months push fish deep; cool months bring them back. Summer, December to February, brings heat, so fish the early and late hours. March through May and September through November are the strong stretches. It holds true on Maroondah Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lake Coranderrk is 6.9 km off. Treat Maroondah Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.