Lake St Clair Bass

Lake St Clair is a picturesque bass fishing location nestled among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley region. It makes a perfect weekend getaway for Sydney anglers looking for a few days of bass fishing.

I have been visiting Lake St Clair for a number of years now. One of the attractions for me is that you are allowed to set up camp along a decent stretch of shoreline, rather than being confined to a small area. Having your own space and a wonderful view over the lake makes it a special location.

Most of my success at Lake St Clair has come in the summer months, using surface lures at first light. The secret is to be on the water early because the bass retreat to deeper water once the sun comes up.

I fish from my kayak, keeping close to the banks and casting around weed beds. It is usually dead still at first light, and the sound and sight of a bass smashing my surface lure is what keeps me coming back.

Those with boats do a lot more fishing on the troll and by casting soft plastics, blades and spinner baits around the dead timber in the lake. I’m sure they do very well, but for me it will always be about those top water strikes in the early morning stillness.