Fishing Lake Eppalock
The reservoir is renowned across Victoria for holding massive populations of Golden Perch, Redfin, and trophy Murray Cod. Water levels fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall and irrigation releases, exposing submerged rocky points and timber snags during lower water periods. Anglers must respect the annual Murray Cod breeding closure from September 1 to November 30 across all lake arms.
Land-based fishers can work accessible shorelines around Kimbolton Recreation Area, Moorabbee foreshore, and the main dam wall precinct. Casting fresh yabbies or scrub worms off rocky points yields consistent catches of Golden Perch and Redfin. Walking the clay edges at dusk casting spinnerbaits or hardbody lures gives bank anglers a genuine shot at a Murray Cod.
Boaters and kayak fishers can explore deep submerged river channels, rocky islands, and timber-lined creek arms. Trolling deep-diving hardbodies along 5 to 9-meter rocky ledges is a proven method for locating schooling Golden Perch and large cod. Scanning open water structure with sonar allows boaters to vertically drop soft vibes or metal blades directly into dense Redfin patches.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- KIMBOLTON RECREATION AREA FORESHORE: Wide rocky point reserve offering deep land-based casting into the main basin. Cast running sinker rigs baited with fresh yabbies or scrub worms out past the rock line for Golden Perch. Early morning sessions before jet-ski and boating traffic increases deliver active feeding bites.
- MOORABBEE FORESHORE BANKS: Expansive clay and gravel banks featuring scattered standing dead timber along the water's edge. Drop live freshwater shrimp or yabbies straight down beside submerged tree stumps for Golden Perch and Redfin. High water levels allow anglers to fish directly around flooded shore bushes.
- CAMPASPE ARM ENTRY POINTS: Steep granite and clay ledges dropping sharply into deep water near the arm junction. Cast 12g to 20g metal blades or soft vibes far out into the deep water for Redfin. Keep your retrieve slow and let the lure sink close to the bottom rocks.
- EPPALOCK DAM WALL RESERVES: Public reserve near the main wall structure offering elevated casting positions over deep water. Set up rod stands and fish ledger rigs loaded with earthworms or sweetcorn for European Carp and Redfin. Overcast days provide ideal conditions for bank fishing.
- COLIBAN ARM TIMBER BANK: Quiet shoreline access along the Coliban arm featuring fallen timber logs and rocky drop-offs. Walk the bank casting 5/8oz spinnerbaits or chatterbaits close to submerged log laydowns for Murray Cod. Sturdy footwear and caution are required when navigating loose rock slopes.
Offshore
- CAMPASPE ARM FLOODED TIMBER: Deep flooded river valley packed with standing dead trees in 8 to 15 meters depth. Troll 100mm+ deep-diving hardbody lures at 2.5km/h close to the timber trunks for big Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Keep a close watch on your depth sounder to track submerged riverbed drop-offs.
- COLIBAN ARM CHANNEL LEDGES: Submerged river channel dropping sharply from 4 meters into 12 meters depth. Vertical jig 20g soft vibes or metal blades along the steep channel ledge for schooling Redfin. Once you locate a school on sonar, drop anchor or use an electric motor anchor-lock to fish straight down.
- SPEEDBOAT CLUB ISLAND REEFS: Submerged granite rock piles and islands sitting in 5 to 10 meters depth off the main basin. Cast soft plastics or 5/8oz spinnerbaits over the rock structure during early morning light for Golden Perch. The rocky reef top acts as a major yabbie hunting ground for native fish.
- KIMBOLTON DEEP BASIN: Wide open water basin near the dam wall reaching depths over 20 meters. Troll small winged spinners or 60mm minnows at slow speed during spring for Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Maintaining a precise trolling speed triggers cold-water trout strikes.
- MOORABBEE TIMBER MARGINS: 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.
Hot Spots
- Kimbolton Reserve: Accessible rocky foreshore offering premier land-based casting for Golden Perch and Redfin.
- Campaspe Arm Timber: Deep flooded river valley famous for producing large Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Coliban Arm Ledges: Steep submerged river channel providing exceptional vertical jigging grounds for Redfin.
- Speedboat Club Reefs: Submerged granite rock piles holding dense schools of spring Golden Perch.
- Eppalock Dam Wall Basin: Deep water trolling zone producing seasonal Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
Local Bait Tips
- FRESHWATER YABBIES: Trapped in shallow dam bays using legal open-top drop nets baited with fresh meat, strictly avoiding illegal opera house traps. Store in a cool shade box with damp newspaper or wet sea-sponge to keep them lively.
- FRESHWATER SHRIMP: Collected using fine-mesh shrimp traps submerged along riverbank roots and reed beds, baited with soap or meat. Keep alive in an aerated bucket as the premier bait for Golden Perch.
- SCRUB WORMS: Dug from damp clay riverbanks and garden soil following rain. Thread whole worms onto size 6 hooks for targeting Golden Perch, Silver Perch, and Redfin around deep clay banks.
- 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 container for float fishing trout.
Boat Ramps
- Kimbolton Boat Ramp, Lake Eppalock:
Kimbolton Boat Ramp is located off Speedboat Club Road within the Kimbolton Recreation Area on Lake Eppalock. The regional facility features multi-lane concrete launching ramps equipped with a central floating boarding pontoon, offering reliable deep-water access across fluctuating reservoir storage levels. Amenities include paved trailer parking, public toilets, playground, and camping areas.
- Moorabbee Boat Ramp, Lake Eppalock:
Moorabbee Boat Ramp is located off Moorabbee Foreshore Road on the southern shore of Lake Eppalock. The facility features a concrete launching ramp slab servicing the Campaspe arm and timbered creek channels. Amenities include sealed car-trailer parking, public restrooms, barbecue shelters, and foreshore camping reserves.
Bait and Tackle
- TRELLYS OUTDOOR BENDIGO: 214-216 Eaglehawk Road, Long Gully (Bendigo) VIC 3550 | Phone: (03) 5443 8266
Basecamp & Accom
- Lake Eppalock Holiday Park: 2 Silk St, Strathfieldsaye VIC 3551 - Ph: (03) 5439 2510
- Kimbolton Recreation Reserve Camping: Speedboat Club Rd, Axedale VIC 3551 - Ph: (03) 5439 2510
- Axedale Tavern & Cabins: 105 High St, Axedale VIC 3551 - Ph: (03) 5439 1063
Emergency & Safety
- Goulburn-Murray Water Eppalock / Victoria Police Bendigo: 1 View St, Bendigo VIC 3550 - Ph: 1800 013 357 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / UHF Ch 40
