Wyangala Dam, NSW

Fishing Wyangala Dam

Top 10 Species

Landbased

• Wyangala Waters Foreshore: This easily accessible foreshore area features extensive clay banks and grassy flats that are perfect for bank-based bait casting. Soaking scrub worms or live yabbies along the clay drop-offs is a highly reliable way to target active golden perch and redfin. The best times to fish this bank are during early mornings in summer before boat traffic increases.
• Grabine Lakeside shoreline: Located along the Abercrombie Arm, these rugged granite shorelines are ideal for shore-based lure casting. Anglers can walk the rocky points and cast inline spinners or small soft vibes into the deep water. This spot is particularly productive in spring when golden perch move close to the banks to feed.
• Abercrombie River Arm banks: These gravel shorelines and points offer excellent land-based access for spin and bait anglers. Walking the banks while casting chatterbaits or drifting live worms under a bubble float yields consistent action. Anglers should focus their efforts on the wind-blown points where active native fish hunt.
• Lachlan River Bridge pools: Located near the bridge crossing, these deep, shaded river pools are a prime location for targeting resident Murray cod. Casting heavy spinnerbaits or large hardbody minnows close to the bridge pylons is highly effective. Wading with caution is advised as water levels can fluctuate due to dam releases.
• Mt McDonald banks: These steep shale points provide land-based anglers with immediate access to deep-water drop-offs. Casting heavy metal vibes or deep-running hardbodies on medium-heavy spinning tackle is the best approach. The best times to fish these deep banks are during late autumn when native fish actively feed.

Offshore

• Decca Arm: This sheltered arm is choked with standing timber and submerged structures that provide ideal ambush points for Murray cod. Drifting quietly with an electric motor while casting heavy spinnerbaits or large soft plastics close to the timber is exceptionally deadly. The best action occurs during summer evenings when native predators hunt near the surface.
• Greenmantle Bay: This massive timber-lined bay holds excellent numbers of golden perch and redfin. Boaters should cast chatterbaits or slow-roll soft plastics around the bases of the drowned trees. The bay offers excellent shelter from strong winds, making it a comfortable spot to fish.
• Quart Pot: This deep channel area is surrounded by rocky cliffs and steep clay drop-offs. Boaters should slow-troll large, wide-profile hardbodies that run comfortably at six to eight meters along the deep walls. Monitoring the fish finder for suspended schools of baitfish is key to locating active native fish.
• Lachlan River Arm channels: This deep, winding river channel features extensive clay banks and scattered submerged logs. Slow-trolling medium minnows or drifting with live yabbies along the channel drop-offs yields great results. Boaters should focus their efforts on the shaded structures during the heat of the day.
• Abercrombie Gorge: This spectacular gorge features sheer granite cliffs and deep water where boaters can target 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, swirling water.

Hot Spots

• Alston Bay: This shallow, sandy bay is surrounded by deep water, offering a classic ambush zone for casting surface lures at night.
• Newham Bay: This sheltered cove features dense standing timber that holds resident golden perch, perfect for casting chatterbaits.
• Farleigh Beach margins: These grassy shoreline flats flood during high-water levels, attracting active native fish feeding on insects.
• Grabine Ledges: These steep rocky drops attract giant Murray cod seeking structure in early winter.
• Abercrombie Junction Pool: This flowing river junction is highly productive for casting big spinnerbaits for golden perch in spring.

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 and logs. 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 or by hand-turning submerged rocks along lake edges. Collectors must carry 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

• Wyangala Dam Boat Ramp:

  Also known as the **Wyangala Waters Boat Ramp**, this top-tier launching facility is located on **Reg Hailstone Way** (Wyangala Road) in Wyangala, NSW 2808, within the Reflections Holiday Park Wyangala Waters. Managed by the **Wyangala Waters State Park**, the configuration consists of a **dual-lane concrete ramp** equipped with a **fixed staging boarding jetty** to assist boaters. While the freshwater dam is non-tidal, massive irrigation drawdowns make waterway access **shallow at times**, exposing dangerous submerged trees, shallow rocky reefs/outcrops, and shifting sandbanks along the approach channel. Excellent on-site amenities include **cabins, powered and unpowered campsites, picnic shelters, BBQ facilities, a playground, fish cleaning tables, fuel services, food/beverage kiosks, laundry, and a communal kitchen**, backed by **51+ car-trailer parking spaces** under a Good condition rating and a payable fee.

• Grabine Lakeside Park Ramps:

  Situated along the eastern foreshore of **Wyangala Dam on Grabine-Bigga Road**, Grabine Lakeside, these ramps—including **Taylors Point, 3 Tree Point, and Foggs Crossing**—are managed by **Reflections Holiday Parks**. These launching sites feature **primitive, unsealed gravel configurations** and completely lack staging pontoons, floating walkways, or boarding jetties, necessitating manual wet launches from the shoreline. Positioned at the non-tidal freshwater junction of the Lachlan and Abercrombie rivers, these unpaved ramps are highly vulnerable to **rapid river silting, mud-bogging, and extreme low-water shoaling** (usable at elevations such as 371.12m when the lake sits around 69.6% capacity). Grabine Lakeside Park provides diverse accommodation, including **cottages, cabins, campsites, bunkhouse group lodging, a general store for basic supplies, picnic shelters, toilets, showers, and barbecue facilities**, with disabled facilities located in the main complex only.

Bait and Tackle

• Wyangala Waters - Holiday Park (Kiosk): 2891 Reg Hailstone Way, Wyangala NSW 2808 | Phone: (02) 6345 0877
• Wyangala Country Club: Sixth Ave, Wyangala NSW 2808 | Phone: (02) 6345 0855

Basecamp & Accom

• Reflections Wyangala Waters: 2891 Reg Hailstone Way, Wyangala NSW 2808 | Phone: (02) 6345 0877
• Grabine Lakeside State Park: Grabine Road, Wyangala NSW 2808 | Phone: (02) 6345 0877
• Country Club Cottages: Sixth Avenue, Wyangala NSW 2808 | Phone: (02) 6345 0855

Emergency & Safety

• Emergency: 000 | Cowra Police Station: 86-88 Brisbane Street, Cowra NSW 2794 | Phone: (02) 6341 5099