Fishing Merrimu Reservoir in Moorabool, Victoria

• Overview

  Look for Merrimu Reservoir in the Moorabool part of Victoria. The surface lies 163 metres up. At some 1.10 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. With 7.4 km or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. Darley sits 5.8 km from here and is the nearest stop. Beyond it, Bacchus Marsh at 7.3 km and Maddingley at 8.7 km. A regional boundary runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Merrimu Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records collected within a few miles name shortfin eel, perch, brown trout, goldfish and roach. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. Anyone new to Merrimu Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect February near 20°C and July near 8°C on the long-run figures. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Spring, September into November, and autumn, March into May, are the strong stretches. March through May and September through November are the strong stretches. Plan around that when you fish Merrimu Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The closest car park is 1.2 km away, so pack accordingly. Facilities include toilets around 1.2 km from here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Pikes Creek Reservoir at 18 km is the sensible second choice. Where Merrimu Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.