Fishing Windamere Dam
General fishing in Windamere Dam is highly active during spring and summer as rising water temperatures trigger an aggressive feeding response. Anglers should monitor the fluctuating reservoir levels which alter the availability of prime shoreline structures. The peak action occurs along the wind-blown clay points where baitfish naturally congregate.
Land-based anglers can find spectacular success by walking the clear, gravelly margins and rocky shorelines. Casting metal blades or small soft vibes into the deep points is highly productive during late afternoon light. Soaking live yabbies along the clay flats at dawn or dusk also yields consistent yellowbelly and catfish.
Offshore and boat fishing represents the premier way to explore the reservoir's vast timber stands and dense weed beds. Boaters can launch at the Windamere Dam Boat Ramp and drift quietly with electric motors to target active native predators. Trolling medium-diving hardbodies along the deep clay cliffs and old riverbed channels is a highly proven method to locate trophy fish.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- Limestone Creek Shoreline: This easily accessible creek mouth area features extensive grassy flats and gravel banks that are perfect for bank-based bait casting. Soaking live yabbies or scrub worms along the gravel drop-offs yields steady golden perch and catfish. The best times to fish this shoreline are during spring when the water begins to warm rapidly.
- Windamere Dam Wall shoreline: Located near the concrete dam wall, this rugged rocky shoreline provides land-based anglers with immediate access to deep-water drop-offs. Casting heavy metal blades or inline spinners on medium-heavy spin gear is highly effective. Anglers should focus their efforts on the shaded structures during the heat of the day.
- Cudgegong Waters foreshore: This grassy foreshore area close to the main campground offers a highly comfortable shore-based fishing environment. Soaking large scrub worms or live yabbies along the clay drop-offs produces consistent yellowbelly. This spot is particularly popular for families and casual bait anglers during summer evenings.
- Cooyal Creek mouth: This scenic stretch of shoreline features sandy flats and rich weed margins that hold active native species. Casting chatterbaits or slow-rolling soft plastics along the weed pockets is highly effective. Anglers should walk the banks quietly as the fish in these shallow margins can be easily spooked.
- Mudgee Road rest area banks: These rocky shorelines and clay points accessible along the main highway offer excellent vantage points for casting spinnerbaits into the wind-blown points. Casting long distances with weighted lures is necessary to reach the deep drop-offs. The spot is highly effective during early autumn when native species move close to the banks.
Offshore
- Cudgegong River Arm timber: This vast timbered area features dense stands of drowned trees and submerged structures that hold massive golden perch. Boaters should drift quietly while casting soft vibes or chatterbaits close to the trunks. The best action occurs during spring when the perch are highly active and aggressive.
- Sandy Creek Bay: This broad, sheltered bay features sandy pockets and extensive weed beds that hold excellent numbers of native fish. Drifting through the bay while casting small hardbodies or presenting dry-and-dropper fly rigs is highly effective. The bay provides excellent protection from strong winds, making it a reliable and comfortable boat spot.
- Blue Metal Point: This prominent rocky headland pushes far into the main channel, creating a classic ambush zone for native predators. Boaters should cast chatterbaits or slow-roll soft plastics on heavy jig heads along the steep clay drop-offs. Watch the weather closely as strong westerly winds can create a dangerous chop across this exposed point.
- Devils Elbow: This sharp, deep-water bend in the river arm features steep rocky cliffs that hold resident native species. Vertically jigging metal blades or soft vibes close to the rock walls is a highly successful way to cover water. Boaters must utilize electric motors to hold position safely in the deep water.
- Homestead Flat: These submerged homestead ruins and flat clay areas are a legendary hotspot for boaters targeting schooling golden perch. Drifting and casting soft plastics or small hardbodies around the submerged brickwork yields great results. Monitoring the fish finder for suspended schools of baitfish is key to success.
Hot Spots
- Pelican Point: This prominent rocky point features a steep drop-off where boaters can cast metal blades and vibes for trophy golden perch.
- Rylstone Arm narrows: This narrow, timbered channel section provides spectacular structure where boaters can target resident Murray cod with heavy spinnerbaits.
- Cherry Tree Bay: This sheltered bay is surrounded by steep rocky structures, perfect for casting topwater lures for native species at dusk.
- Gundowda Flats: This extensive shallow mud flat is highly productive for bait fishers looking to soak live yabbies for yellowbelly.
- The Rock Wall: This steep rocky structure near the main basin offers exceptional deep-water vertical structure for jigging metal blades.
Local Bait Tips
- Freshwater Shrimp: Freshwater shrimp can be collected by placing a legal NSW shrimp trap baited with oily fish or cat food along submerged weeds. Trap dimensions must strictly comply with NSW DPI rules and be clearly marked with owner details.
- Mudeyes: Mudeyes are collected by gently sweeping a fine-mesh hand net through shallow, submerged aquatic weed beds. Collectors must hold a valid New South Wales recreational fishing fee receipt and keep their catch for personal use.
- Earthworms: Earthworms are harvested by digging with a hand spade in damp, rich soil beneath rotting logs in moist riparian zones. Hand gathering is fully legal across the state, but collection is strictly prohibited within national park boundaries without explicit authorization.
Boat Ramps
- Windamere Dam Boat Ramp:
Windamere Dam Boat Ramp: Positioned on **Cudgegong Road** within the **Cudgegong Waters Park** on the southern foreshore of Windamere Dam, NSW, this is the only boat ramp providing access to the reservoir. Managed by **Cudgegong Waters Park**, the facility is configured as a **dual-lane concrete ramp** with a Good condition rating, but has no staging pontoons, floating walkways, or boarding jetties established. Boaters face highly volatile pool levels due to agricultural irrigation drawdowns; this introduces **severe low-water shoaling hazards** where waterway access becomes shallow at times and operators risk striking **unmarked submerged rocks, standing dead timber, and shallow mudflats**. Excellent on-site amenities include **powered/unpowered camping, standard self-contained cabins (some with ensuites), a public toilet block, BBQ areas, waste bins, a kiosk, and a children’s playground**, supported by a large parking area providing **51+ car-trailer spaces** and requiring a payable fee.
Bait and Tackle
- Cudgegong Waters Park Kiosk: Cudgegong Road, Cudgegong NSW 2850 | Phone: (02) 6352 1276
Basecamp & Accom
- Cudgegong Waters Park: Cudgegong Road, Cudgegong NSW 2850 | Phone: (02) 6352 1276
- Mudgee Holiday Park: 2 Market Street, Mudgee NSW 2850 | Phone: (02) 6372 1090
- Rylstone Hotel: 58 Louee Street, Rylstone NSW 2849 | Phone: (02) 6379 1100
Emergency & Safety
- Emergency: 000 | Mudgee Police Station: 94 Market Street, Mudgee NSW 2850 | Phone: (02) 6372 8599
