LAKE Purrumbete near Camperdown in Victoria is so low that boating anglers have been unable to launch from the public ramp in the caravan park.

To solve the problem, anglers created alternate access across public land to launch their boats at Hose's Rocks. Now it seems even that access point is closed.

It hasn't happened at a good time for anglers. Biteline correspondent Doug Lucas told me last week that the lake is firing for brown trout, with fish to 4kg being caught on gudgeon fished deep under a bubble float.

To be fair, anglers have caught these fish both from the shore and in kayaks but you can launch a kayak almost anywhere, boats are another matter and need reasonable access.

The problem for anglers now is that Parks Victoria has closed access to the temporary boat ramp site after discovering that the access track passes over an Aboriginal site.

This is interesting, given that Doug told me a couple of months ago that a local Aboriginal representative had assessed the area and found no heritage issues. It seems a closer look was required.

Parks Victoria chief district ranger Trevor Dess said the department was working with other government agencies and the local community to find a solution to provide boating access across public land to the lake.

"The informal access created at Hose's Rocks was the only alternate access across public land so we started looking at the suitability of this site for temporary boat access," he said.

However, investigations revealed that the access track at Hose's Rocks passed over an Aboriginal site, and under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, Parks Victoria is required to protect this site while it is assessed.

Mr Dess said the only way to protect the site was to install a fence and gates to close off informal access.

He said he understood the closure of the only public land based boat launching access to the lake would hit anglers hard.

"We are working hard on trying to find a solution. Parks Victoria is not responsible for the low water levels in the lake and is legally bound to close the informal boat launching access at Hose's Rocks," he said.

The temporary closure will not rule out progress being made to fix the existing boat ramp.

Parks Victoria was recently successful in receiving a grant from Marine Safety Victoria to "install a new boat ramp at Lake Purrumbete to cater for low water levels."

Meanwhile, all we can do is hope that Santa brings a kayak down the chimney tomorrow. Merry Christmas.

Throw a line for holiday fun

YOUNG anglers looking for some excitement and fun during the school holidays can learn more about recreational fishing at two fishing workshops.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries will host the workshops on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17. They will be held at NSW DPI Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Rd, off the Sturt Highway, from 10am to 3pm.

The fishing workshops program is funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust, which allocates more than $50,000 a year. All monies raised by the recreational fishing fee are placed in two Trusts (Saltwater and Freshwater) and these funds are used to improve recreational fishing.

Brett Smith, NSW fisheries education officer, said this week the workshops will give children aged between eight and 14 years the chance to learn about recreational fishing rules and regulations, native and introduced fish species and aquatic habitats.

The workshops are a great way to introduce children to fishing.

"The Narrandera Fisheries Centre is the ideal place for children to learn more about freshwater fishing in a safe environment," Smith said.

"The youngsters get the chance to put their new skills into action fishing in a pond specially stocked to improve their chances of a good catch with freshwater species such as Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch."

Cost is $40 a child, which includes a quality rod and reel, tackle box, shirt, hat and a barbecue lunch.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 30 children a day and bookings are essential.

To secure a place, phone (02) 6959 9021 before January 14.

  • Steve Cooper can be heard on the Casting Off program on Radio Sport927 between 4.30am and 6.30am on Saturdays.