Paddys Lake in Ararat: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Ararat, Victoria, you have Paddys Lake. Land around it is open plain. Mortlake lies 40 km from the water. The nearest city of size is Ballarat, 75 km away. Also worth knowing: Lake Oundell lies 2.2 km on, Lake Jollicum after 3.4 km, Lake Gellies lies 6.5 km on, Pink Lake after 6.6 km and Salt Lake lies 6.7 km on. The regional boundary runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Paddys Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include perch, rainbow trout and brown trout. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. On Paddys Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year February sits at 19°C and July at 8°C. No part of the year shuts this water. The shoulder seasons either side of summer are the ones to aim for. April and May steady things again after the summer heat. Anyone fishing Paddys Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Lake Oundell, 2.2 km away. Ask locally about Paddys Lake if anything is unclear.