Fishing

West Wimmera has a plethora of wetlands and lakes, comprising of an estimated 25% of Victoria's inland wetlands.  West Wimmera lakes and wetlands are weather dependent, and when supported by adequate rainfall, a few recreational lakes and wetlands within West Wimmera support fishing. 

Native species that has been observed in West Wimmera include australian bass, australian grayling, black bream, freshwater catfish, golden perch, river blackfish, short-finned eel, tupong, yellow-eyed mullet, australian smelt, carp gudgeon, common galaxias, flatheaded gudgeon, southern pygmy perch, variegated pygmy perch.   Introduced species include brown trout, rainbow trout, goldfish, redfin and tench. 

Historically, murray cod, golden perch and salmonids, specifically brown and rainbow trout are part of the State Government restocking program in West Wimmera.  Victoria's fish restocking program is delivered by Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), who is the governing authority tasked to manage Victoria's fisheries resources.  For further general VFA information: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing.  To view the latest VFA restocking map:  https://vfa.vic.gov.au/db/list-last-stocked-information. 

The native fish restocking program and other various programs delivered by the VFA are supported by Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) fees, and visitors are reminded that anglers proposing to fish in Victoria are required to purchase a RFL (licence).  For more information on the RFL's and/or to purchase directly online:  https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-licence.

Below is a list of fishing locations and onsite camping facilities here in West Wimmera: 

Glenelg River, Harrow

A perennial river that rises in the Grampians Ranges and winds across the southwest Wimmera.  According to the VFA, the native fish species that can be found in the Glenelg River include: australian bass, australian grayling, black bream, freshwater catfish, golden perch, river blackfish, short-finned eel, tupong, yellow-eyed mullet, australian smelt, carp gudgeon, common galaxias, flatheaded gudgeon, southern pygmy perch, variegated pygmy perch.  Exotic species include common carp, eastern gambusia, goldfish, rainbow trout, redfin and tench.  There is no recent recorded restocking on the VFA website.  As the river runs through the township of Harrow, there are many accommodation options https://www.visitwestwimmera.com.au/Stay/Places-to-stay-in-West-Wimmera.

Lake Bringalbert, Apsley

A natural lake surrounded by grazing land and scrub. When full, redfin up to 900g, flathead gudgeon and australian smelt have been observed. According to the VFA website Bringalbert was stocked with 5,000 golden perch in 2017.  Camping facilities: Toilet facilities, shade shelters, fire pits and boat ramp.  No onsite power or fresh water. Free camp, but donations greatly appreciated to assist volunteers maintain ground and toilet maintenance.

Lake Carpolac, Ozenkadnook

A natural lake surrounded by grazing land.  Redfin, flathead gudgeon, and goldfish have been observed. Lake Carpolac has been stocked in the past with both murray cod and golden perch, and according to the VFA website received 5000 golden perch in 2017.  There are no camping facilities.

Lake Charlegrark, Minimay

A natural lake surrounded by farmland.  Lake Charlegrark holds consistent serviceable water levels and visitor needs are supported by the Lake Charlegrark Caravan Park https://lakecharlegrark.com.au (fees apply).  Murray cod to 35kg, australian smelt, flathead gudgeon, redfin and goldfish have been observed.  Interestingly, Charlegrark was the site where the murray cod propagation techniques now used at the Snobs Creek hatchery were developed, and due to this history and water sustainability benefits from regular fish restocking, particularly murray cod.  In fact, according to the VFA website, in 2017 10,000 murray cod were released.

Miga Lake, Miga Lake

A natural lake surrounded by farmland. Murray cod, golden perch and redfin have been observed. According to the VFA website, 5,000 golden perc released 2017.  No camping facilities.

Lake Ratzcastle, Goroke

A shallow natural lake.  Golden Perch, redfin and tench have been observed. According to the VFA website, 5,000 golden perch were released. Freshwater catfish were illegally stocked during the 1990s. Toilets, shower and basic camp kitchen facilities.  Free camp, however, serviced by local volunteers so donations are greatly appreciated.  

Lake Wallace, Edenhope

At 100ha when full, Lake Wallace is the largest natural lake in West Wimmera.  Popular with anglers, Wallace is a popular fishing destination to catch redfin and salmonids, particularly brown and rainbow trout. Tench has also been observed, but a less common catch.  Wallace is part of the VFA restocking program, particularly trout and according to the VFA website, Wallace received 4,000 rainbow trout.

Serviceton Reservoir, Serviceton

A lake off the Western Highway, located just over the SA/Vic border before the township of Kaniva.  Redfin and golden perch have been observed. There is no known VFA stocking of the Serviceton Reservoir.  Free camp facilities are basic offering picnic tables and small shelter but no toilets. 

As noted, all lakes and wetlands in West Wimmera are rainfall and weather dependent.  West Wimmera Shire Council is currently exploring water level apps for our more significant lakes to assist visitors prior to travel, however, if concerned about water levels please contact Council via: council@westwimmera.vic.gov.au.