Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume

Fishing in Lillydale Lake, Yarra: Species, Tactics & Local Tips

A Premier Lake in the Family Fishing Lakes Program, offering excellent facilities and stocked with rainbow trout.

Image of Lillydale Lake

Source: lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au

Introduction

Lillydale Lake is a man-made lake located in the suburb of Lilydale, offering a fantastic fishing experience for anglers of all ages and abilities. As a Premier Lake in the Family Fishing Lakes Program, it is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, including some larger specimens over 1kg. The lake features excellent facilities including BBQs, picnic tables, and playground equipment, making it ideal for family outings. The lake’s calm waters and accessible banks make it perfect for beginners and children learning to fish. Besides trout, the lake also contains redfin and carp. Bait fishing with PowerBait, worms, or corn is popular for trout and carp, while small lures or soft plastics can be effective for redfin. Remember to check the latest stocking information and fishing regulations before your visit.

About Yarra

The Yarra region extends 120 km from forested mountains in the east to the City of Melbourne, encompassing a diverse landscape with varying rainfall. It boasts the largest variety of fish species in any basin in Victoria, offering excellent fishing opportunities in rivers, creeks, and lakes. The region is known for its native fish like Australian bass and introduced species such as brown trout, providing diverse angling experiences for all skill levels.

You can find more information about Yarra in our Yarra region guide post.

What should you fish with at Lillydale Lake?

When it comes to fishing at Lillydale Lake, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Lillydale Lake you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Garden Worms 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 Lillydale Lake.

The Top 5 Baits to Use at Lillydale Lake

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Lillydale Lake:

  • Garden Worms
  • Live Worms
  • Scrubworms
  • Maggots
  • Minnows

The Top 5 Lures to Use at Lillydale Lake

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Lillydale Lake:

  • Soft Plastics
  • Hard Bodied Lures
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Blades
  • Flies

What You'll Catch at Lillydale Lake

When fishing at Lillydale Lake, you're likely to reel in:

Image of a Rainbow Trout

Source: vrfish.com.au

#1 – The Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its colorful appearance and fighting spirit.

How to catch Rainbow Trout

To catch rainbow trout in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Fly fishing with wet or dry flies is popular in rivers and streams. Lure casting with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can be effective in both flowing and still waters. Bait fishing with worms, maggots, or PowerBait is often successful, especially in stocked lakes. When fishing in rivers, focus on pools, eddies, and undercut banks where trout may hold. In lakes, try fishing near drop-offs, weed beds, or submerged structures. Early morning and late evening are generally the best times to target rainbow trout.

To learn more about catching Rainbow Trout, read more here.

Less Common Catches

If you're lucky, you might also encounter:

Image of a European Carp

Source: fishesofaustralia.net.au

#2 – 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.
Image of a Redfin

Source: www.nativefish.asn.au

#3 – 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.

FAQs about Lillydale Lake

Where is Lillydale Lake?

Lillydale Lake is situated in the beautiful Yarra 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 Lillydale Lake?

Lillydale Lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include rainbow trout Additionally, redfin 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.

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