By Archer Hume
Kennington Reservoir Fishing Guide
An urban lake offering easily accessible fishing, particularly for rainbow trout.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Lake Eppalock, Campaspe Basin: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
A large reservoir known for its excellent redfin and golden perch fishing, popular among boat and shore anglers.
Source: www.visitvictoria.com
table of contents
Introduction
Lake Eppalock is a significant water body in the Campaspe Basin, created by damming the Campaspe River. The lake covers a vast area and offers diverse fishing opportunities for both boat and shore-based anglers. Its varying depths and structure, including submerged timber and rocky outcrops, provide ideal habitats for a range of fish species. Redfin and golden perch are the primary targets here, with the lake known for producing good numbers and sizes of both species. The lake’s water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall and water demands, which can affect fishing conditions. During warmer months, early mornings and evenings are often the most productive fishing times. Trolling, bait fishing, and lure casting are all effective methods, with techniques varying based on the target species and time of year.
About Campaspe Basin
The Campaspe Basin is a diverse fishing region in Victoria, Australia, stretching from the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range to the Murray Valley. It features one main river, the Campaspe, and several large reservoirs that provide excellent fishing opportunities. The basin is known for its mix of native and introduced fish species, offering anglers a variety of targets in different aquatic environments.
You can find more information about Campaspe Basin in our Campaspe Basin region guide post.
What should you fish with at Lake Eppalock?
When it comes to fishing at Lake Eppalock, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Lake Eppalock you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
For the best chances of success, try using Small Fish as bait or fishing with a Hard Bodied Lures. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Lake Eppalock.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Lake Eppalock
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Lake Eppalock:
- Scrubworms
- Yabbies
- Shrimp
- Minnows
- Small Fish
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Lake Eppalock
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Lake Eppalock:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Diving Crankbaits
- Vibes
What You'll Catch at Lake Eppalock
When fishing at Lake Eppalock, you're likely to reel in:
Source: fishesofaustralia.net.au
#1 – The Golden Perch
The Golden perch, also known as yellowbelly, is a popular freshwater fish found in Victorian waters. It's known for its golden-bronze coloration and is a prized catch for many anglers.
How to catch Golden Perch
To catch Golden perch in Victoria, anglers can employ various techniques. Bait fishing is effective, using worms, yabbies, or small fish on a standard hook and sinker rig. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and hard-bodied lures all proven effective. When fishing in rivers, target areas around snags, deep holes, and undercut banks. In lakes, focus on drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged timber. Trolling can be productive in both environments. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to fish for Golden perch.
To learn more about catching Golden Perch, read more here.
Source: www.nativefish.asn.au
#2 – The Redfin
Redfin, also known as English perch, is an introduced species in Victoria's freshwater systems. It's a popular target for anglers but considered a pest due to its impact on native fish populations.
How to catch Redfin
Redfin can be caught using a variety of methods in Victoria. Bait fishing with worms, yabbies, or small fish is effective, especially when fishing near structure or drop-offs. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and spinners all proving successful. When lure fishing, try retrieving with short, sharp movements to trigger the Redfin’s predatory instincts. Fishing from boats can be particularly effective, allowing anglers to target deeper water and cover more ground. In warmer months, focus on early mornings or evenings when Redfin are most active.
To learn more about catching Redfin, read more here.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
Source: fishesofaustralia.net.au
#3 – The European Carp
European carp is a freshwater fish species considered noxious in Victoria, Australia. Known for its adaptability and hardiness, it has become a prevalent invasive species in many waterways.
How to catch European Carp
To catch European carp in Victoria, anglers can use a variety of methods. Bait fishing is popular, using items such as corn, bread, worms, or dough baits. A simple rig with a sinker and hook baited with corn or bread can be effective. Lure fishing can also work, with soft plastics or small hard-bodied lures imitating their natural prey. Fly fishing for carp, known as ‘sight fishing’, involves spotting the fish and presenting a fly accurately. Use medium to heavy tackle as carp can grow quite large. Fish near structure or in areas with muddy bottoms where carp often feed. Early morning or late evening can be productive times for carp fishing.
To learn more about catching European Carp, read more here.
Source: vfa.vic.gov.au
#4 – The Murray Cod
Murray cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish species, known for its impressive size and powerful fighting ability.
How to catch Murray Cod
To catch Murray cod in Victoria, focus on fishing in rivers and impoundments within the Murray-Darling Basin. Use heavy tackle with 20-30lb line and strong leaders to handle their power. Cast near structure like sunken logs, rocky outcrops, or deep holes. Lure fishing is popular, with large hard-bodied lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics being effective. For bait fishing, use yabbies, shrimp, or large bardi grubs. Trolling with deep-diving lures can also be productive in larger waterways. Fish during low light periods or at night for best results, especially in summer. Always handle Murray cod with care and release any outside the legal size limit quickly and gently.
To learn more about catching Murray Cod, read more here.FAQs about Lake Eppalock
Where is Lake Eppalock?
Lake Eppalock is situated in the beautiful Campaspe Basin region. This area is known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The region's unique geography and climate contribute to the rich variety of fish species found in its waters, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.
What fish can I catch at Lake Eppalock?
Lake Eppalock offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include redfin and golden perch. Additionally, murray cod and european carp are also commonly found in the area. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Remember to check local regulations and seasons for each species before your fishing trip.
Subscribe to get news about our latest products, free stuff and latest tech news.
