A CLOUD hangs over the future of one of Victoria's top trout fishing waters, Konongwootong Reservoir, near Coleraine in the Western District.

Local angler Lachlan McDonald is concerned this wonderful fishing spot is under threat and fears it may be decommissioned and sold by the current owner, Wannon Water.

Even though it is just 10-minutes' drive out of town, Konongwootong isn't well signposted.

To get there you take the Coleraine-Harrow Rd, turning off at Reservoir Rd.

The water is surrounded by farmland and ringed by ancient pine trees that provide some wind protection.
According to Fisheries Victoria, this water holds brown trout that average about 1kg and are up to 2kg, and rainbow trout and redfin to 1.6kg. It is stocked regularly with brown and rainbow trout.

Lachlan said the reservoir has been the town water supply for both Coleraine and Casterton townships for many years as well as farmers who are on the line.

However, salinity has forced the water authority to secure an alternative town water supply from another source, which is to be piped from a bore west of Casterton.

Casterton tapped into this some time ago, with a pipeline to Coleraine currently being laid.

"It's my view that when the pipe is commissioned to Coleraine in 12-18 months the reservoir will be regarded as surplus to their requirements,'' Lachlan said.

"The reservoir for many years has been, and still is, a well-known and regarded fishing spot located in a secure rainfall area in the Western District.

"With the correct approach to restocking and ongoing commitment by the new owners, the Konongwootong Reservoir can be a jewel in the crown for not only fishing but all recreational pursuits.''

There would be a community consultation process prior to any decision on the direction and future use of the reservoir, and Lachlan urged the angling community to rally and make its voice heard.

Wannon Water corporate communications manager Annette Cannon said a discussion paper had been put together but there were no clear plans for the reservoir.

"Wannon Water recognises the recreational value of the reservoir and we will start a consultation process next month when we will ask the community what they want us to do,'' she said.