Lake Purrumbete Angling Club is a renowned sports club located in Corangamite Shire, Victoria. The club is situated near the town of Camperdown on the Princess Highway, making it easily accessible for anglers in the area. The lake itself, Lake Purrumbete, has a reputation for its impressive trout population and is known for once holding the world record for growth rates of rainbow trout.
The lake offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including the Lake Purrumbete Caravan Park which provides cabins, ice, public toilets, mooring facilities, jetties, fish cleaning facilities, and day parking. Additionally, the lake boasts a dual lane concrete boat ramp capable of launching boats up to 6 metres long, offering convenience for boat owners.
Bank fishing is limited to certain areas, either by walking, private property, or boat access. While the banks may be heavily weeded in places, once away from the shore, the depth drops sharply, so caution is advised when wading. The lake is situated in a shallow volcanic crater, allowing for fishing even during moderate winds with suitable boats.
Lake Purrumbete's water is crystal clear throughout the year, as it relies solely on its own catchment rather than run-off from other sources. The lake is rich in various aquatic life, including galaxid minnow, bullhead (or gudgeon), mudeye, redfin fry, damsel nymphs, and other aquatic insects. It is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, Chinook salmon, eels, and redfin, all of which provide ample opportunities for anglers.
The club recommends using salt-water baits like glassies, bluebait, pilchards, and whitebait, as well as traditional freshwater baits such as live mudeye, minnow, and locally trapped gudgeon. Unweighted baits are suitable for deep fishing, while bubble or quill floats work well when fishing near the weed beds. Trolling is a popular method, and using downriggers, planer boards, and flat lines can greatly increase the chances of landing a catch.
On bright days, lures that can reach deep depths are recommended due to the water clarity. Overcast days may see fish remaining on the surface longer, increasing fishing activity. The local redfin population responds well to jigs, deeply fished baits, and lures, along with trout. Drifting the shallows on a calm day, with the assistance of an electric motor, and casting at rising or fossicking trout, can be very productive in Lake Purrumbete due to its excellent bankside cover provided by weed beds.
The lake is known to have fish that respond well to flashy or sparkly paint jobs on lures, as the clear water allows fish to see them from a distance. Black lures are also favoured in Lake Purrumbete, so anglers are encouraged to have a good variety in their tackle boxes.
Lake Purrumbete Angling Club offers a wonderful opportunity for anglers of all levels to enjoy the sport and reel in impressive catches. With its stunning location and abundance of fish species, it is a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts in the Corangamite Shire area.