Vivienne at local Lake Hume with a freshly caught little redfin – just to prove I do have a real interest in fishing. But you have to go up the mountains to Dartmouth for the best trout described below.

Story by Vivienne

First, catch your trout !

Seriously, this is what you really have to do and here is how…

My daughter and her bloke went on a camping/fishing long weekend.  As recent owners of a rejuvenated boat with new engine and trailer it was time to give it a good work out at the famous Dartmouth Dam.  They had been told about a good camping/fishing spot which could only be accessed by boat.  This was great but a bit daring as there is no mobile reception there and the weather had turned a bit dodgy.  First day was a bit miserable but they had a good fire going having abandoned the rough waters after a lot of getting wet and getting no fish.

Day two dawned and it was perfect.  Landed one big trout (and some useless carp).  Day three was also perfect and landed another big trout.

I texted daughter when I knew they must be on their way home.  They were in the Eskdale Pub and yes, Mum, have a trout for you.  Next day trout was delivered into my grateful hands.

Well the trout was big (45cm) and required the removal of head and tail fin before it just fitted my biggest pan.

I cooked it slowly in a little butter – very simple.  Served with two appropriate salads.   The trout took about 40 minutes to cook through (turned once).  I presented it on an oval dish which did it justice and then promptly forgot to take a photo (again).

The taste was ‘out of this world’ good.  Fantastic.  Moist.  It was the best fish of any kind I had ever had.   The water in Dartmouth dam is clear and sweet – part of the recipe for the best trout.