Fishing Lake Dartmouth
The dam is famous for holding massive populations of wild Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and large Murray Cod. Unlike shallow lowland reservoirs, Dartmouth's extreme depth keeps the water cold and oxygenated year-round, allowing trout to grow to trophy sizes. Anglers should monitor dam storage levels because steep gravel banks require careful vehicle positioning when launching craft during low water periods.
Land-based anglers can target fish from the dam wall reserve, six-mile pine plantations, and accessible clay points around the township foreshore. Casting unweighted earthworms or live mudeyes under a quill float into deep water pockets yields consistent catches of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Walking the steep shale banks at dusk casting 100mm hardbody lures or spinnerbaits yields quality Redfin and native cod.
Boaters and kayak fishers utilize downriggers, lead-core lines, and heavy metal lures to target fish holding in deep mountain arms. Trolling small winged spinners or 70mm minnows at 3km/h along steep granite rock walls produces exceptional action on wild Brown Trout. Scanning deep underwater tree lines with sonar allows anglers to vertically jig heavy soft vibes straight down for schooling Redfin.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- DARTMOUTH DAM WALL RESERVE: The massive rock wall offers deep land-based casting straight into the deepest part of the reservoir. Cast 12g to 20g metal spinners or heavy minnow lures far out into the deep water for wild Brown Trout. Early morning sessions before sun glare penetrates the mountain shadows yield the most aggressive strikes.
- SIX MILE FORESHORE BANKS: Pine plantation shoreline featuring steep gravel banks dropping into deep water. Set up rod stands and fish ledger rigs loaded with fresh scrub worms or powerbait for Rainbow Trout. High water levels allow anglers to cast directly into flooded mountain grass.
- DART MOUTH CONFLUENCE BANK: Secluded bank access where the Dart River arm enters the main storage basin. Drop live freshwater yabbies or scrub worms straight down off steep shale ledges for Golden Perch and Redfin. Keep your leader light and use fine wire hooks to maximize bites in crystal-clear water.
- TOWNSHIP FORESHORE PARK: Accessible grassy shoreline near the town precinct offering comfortable family fishing. Float small earthworms or mudeyes under a bobber float near overhanging tea-tree bushes for Redfin and small trout. Great location offering easy foot access and quiet water conditions.
- EUSTACE CREEK ARM BANK: A quiet alpine creek arm flanked by steep timbered banks and submerged clay ledges. Walk the shoreline at dusk casting 90mm hardbody lures parallel to fallen logs for Murray Cod. Sturdy boots and caution are required when navigating loose shale slopes.
Offshore
- DART RIVER ARM TIMBER: Deep flooded river valley packed with standing dead timber in 20 to 40 meters depth. Troll small 60mm minnow lures or winged spinners on lead-core lines at 3km/h close to the timber trunks for wild Brown Trout. Keep a close watch on your depth sounder to track the thermocline layer where trout hold during summer.
- MITTA ARM DEEP BASIN: Wide open water stretch near the dam wall reaching extreme depths over 60 meters. Use downriggers to position small lures at 15 to 25 meters depth for fast-swimming Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon. Maintaining a steady trolling speed is critical for triggering salmonid strikes in deep water.
- SLATY CREEK TIMBER LINES: Dense clusters of submerged dead trees lining the creek channel drop-off. Slow-roll 120mm soft plastics or heavy spinnerbaits through timber gaps for large Murray Cod. Using heavy 40lb braided line and strong leader is necessary to pull powerful fish out of the timber snags.
- LOG CABIN BAYS: Sheltered mountain bays featuring steep granite rock walls and clear water gaps in 10 to 18 meters depth. Vertical jig 20g metal blades or soft vibes straight down along the rock faces for schooling Redfin. Once you locate a school on sonar, drop anchor or use an electric motor anchor-lock to fish straight down.
- LARAPEINTA POINT DROP-OFF: A sharp underwater ridge where shallow clay banks drop into 30 meters depth. Troll deep-diving hardbody lures at idle speed along the ledge for trophy Golden Perch and Brown Trout. The structural drop-off acts as a major feeding highway during morning light changes.
Hot Spots
- Dartmouth Dam Wall: Massive rock wall providing deep land-based casting into Victoria's deepest reservoir.
- Dart River Arm: Deep flooded timber valley world-famous for downrigger trolling for wild Brown Trout.
- Mitta Arm Basin: Deep open water zone where lead-core trolling produces trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- Six Mile Foreshore: Accessible pine plantation bank offering premier ledger fishing for stocked trout.
- Slaty Creek Timber: Dense submerged gum forest holding large Murray Cod and schooling Redfin.
Local Bait Tips
- MUDEYES (DRAGONFLY NYMPHS): Collected by sweeping a fine-mesh land net through submerged aquatic vegetation in quiet dam bays. Keep moist on damp lake weed in a cool shade box. Hook gently through the top of the thorax as the premier float bait for alpine Trout.
- FRESHWATER YABBIES: Trapped in shallow dam bays using legal open-top drop nets baited with fresh meat, strictly avoiding illegal opera house traps. Keep on damp sea-sponge or wet newspaper in a cool container. Thread through the tail for big Brown Trout and Redfin.
- SCRUB WORMS: Dug from damp clay mountain riverbanks and garden soil following rain. Store in cool, damp shredded newspaper or peat moss in a ventilated worm box for bottom ledger fishing.
- FRESHWATER SHRIMP: Collected by submerged fine-mesh shrimp nets placed along submerged tree roots and weed beds. Keep alive in an aerated bucket as top-tier bait for Golden Perch and Redfin.
Boat Ramps
- Dartmouth Dam Boat Ramp:
Dartmouth Dam Boat Ramp is located off Dartmouth Road near the main dam wall on Lake Dartmouth. The deep-water concrete facility features a launching slab and small pontoon jetty designed to maintain vessel access across extreme high-country storage level fluctuations. Facilities include sealed trailer parking and public restrooms.
Bait and Tackle
- BRIGHT TACKLE & OUTDOORS: Gavan St, Bright VIC 3741 | Phone: (03) 5755 1422
Basecamp & Accom
- Dartmouth Motor Inn: 1 Eustace St, Dartmouth VIC 3701 - Ph: 0428 603 025
- Mitta Valley Caravan Park: 104 Omeo Hwy, Eskdale VIC 3701 - Ph: (03) 5771 2222
- Mountain View Cabins Dartmouth: 12 Lake Ave, Dartmouth VIC 3701 - Ph: (03) 5712 2140
Emergency & Safety
- Goulburn-Murray Water Dartmouth / VIC Police Mitta Mitta: Omeo Hwy, Mitta Mitta VIC 3701 - Ph: (03) 5770 8200 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / UHF Ch 40
