Thompsons Bay Fishing near Yallourn North, Victoria

• Overview

  In Victoria, Thompsons Bay belongs to Latrobe (Vic.). Height above sea level is 46 metres. At some 2.21 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The margin runs to about 13 km in total. The nearest place of any size is Yallourn North, 2.8 km away. The big place round here is Melbourne, 126 km distant. Within easy reach: Jacobs Creek at 9.8 km, 16 km out stands Blue Rock Lake, Thomson Lake at 42 km and 48 km out stands Lake Glenmaggie. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Thompsons Bay

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Slack water is dead water on a place like this. Oyster and old piling give the only hard structure in sight. Records collected within a few miles name shortfin eel, common carp, Australian longfinned eel, brown trout and goldfish. Records come from public data, not from a stocking programme. On Thompsons Bay that means starting tight and working out.

• 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. Levels swing with the wet season, which moves the fishing about. Summer, December to February, brings heat, so fish early and late. Expect Thompsons Bay to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Woorabinda Education Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Jacobs Creek at 9.8 km is the nearest alternative. For Thompsons Bay in particular, ask before you travel.