Fishing & Aquaculture

A Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria
River Basins Map | Angling Waters A-Z | Return to Hopkins River Basin

Angling Waters of the Hopkins River Basin 36

Alexandra Lake, Ararat F 1
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2ha. 37ML. Controlled by Ararat City Council.

A small ornamental lake located in the town gardens. No boating is allowed. Contains tench, goldfish, short-finned eel, redfin to 300g and is usually stocked with rainbow trout each year for the 3^rd term school holidays.

Beaufort Lake, Beaufort I 3
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4ha. 172ML. Also called Goldfields Lake.

Surrounded by scrub with deep water at one end and extensive shallows at the other. Heavy weed growth can make fishing difficult. Water level fluctuates widely. Contains redfin, goldfish, brown trout and rainbow trout. Used to be stocked only with brown trout, but now receives a 50/50 mix of brown trout and rainbow trout.

Bolac Lake, Lake Bolac E 6
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650ha. 43,000ML. Boat ramp.

A large shallow lake, often with discoloured water, surrounded by farmland, rock bottom. A popular fishing place with boating permitted in some areas. Contains predominantly redfin to 875g, (av. 500g), short-finned eel to 1.8kg, tench, carp, brown trout, and rainbow trout to 1.7kg. There are some large golden perch from an earlier (1990) stocking, but anglers seldom take them. There are also some illegally stocked Murray cod.

There is no information on their age, numbers, or size and they are only rarely caught. Trout stocking recommenced in 2000 with brown trout and rainbow trout being released although this has been discontinued because of low returns and the poor condition of the trout. The lake is commercially fished for short-finned eel.

Bookar Lake, Camperdown G 10
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430ha. 2,400ML. Ramsar listed.

A shallow lake surrounded by grazing land. Carries a land-locked population of common galaxias and is not recommended for angling.

Burrumbeet Creek, Ballarat L 3
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A small creek flowing into Lake Burrumbeet. A popular short-finned eel water also carrying redfin, tench and roach. Spawning and nursery area for redfin.

	Lake Burrumbeet redfin

Burrumbeet Lake, Ballarat K 3
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2,100h. 38,400ML. Camping ground, kiosk and boat launching ramps.

A shallow lake surrounded by farmland. Sand and mud bottom with rocky outcrops along the shore. Water level can fluctuate widely and it is invariably discoloured. Nutrient levels are high and algal blooms can occur. This is probably the most productive redfin water in Victoria, with fish to 2.5kg and is very popular with anglers. Also contains short-finned eel to 1kg, roach to 350g, tench to 1.35kg, goldfish, flat-headed gudgeon, Australian smelt and carp. The lake is occasionally stocked with rainbow trout when conditions are suitable and at those times, it provides a very good trout fishery. The lake is also fished commercially for short-finned eel.

Lake Cartcarrong

Cartcarrong Lake, Winslow B 11
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24 ha. 394ML. Boat ramp.

A shallow lake surrounded by farmland, mud bottom. Water is stained by tannin. Carries brown trout to 1.5kg, occasionally up to 4.4kg, redfin to 1kg, flat-headed gudgeon and short-finned eel. A very popular water with local anglers. Stocked annually with brown trout.

Cobrico Lake, Derinallum G 8
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3ha.

A shallow lake surrounded by farmland. Access requires permission to cross private land. Was stocked unsuccessfully by the Department in the 1970’s. Contains goldfish, short-finned eel, flat-headed gudgeon and possibly redfin from a stocking in 1987/88. Not recommended as an angling water.

Dawsons Dam, Snake Valley K 4
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1.6ha.

A small, shallow, weed-choked dam surrounded by scrub. Fished extensively by visitors to a nearby holiday camp. Carries short-finned eel, redfin to 1kg, tench and goldfish. Not stocked by the Department since 1979.

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	Deep Lake (drought affected)

Deep Lake, Derrinallum G 8
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100ha. 3,075ML. Picnic area, toilets, playground, boat ramp.

A shallow, sometimes turbid lake with a mud bottom surrounded by farmland. Access by road to the southern shore. There is a long concrete jetty with a wooden landing ideal for fishing. Water level fluctuates widely and in August 2002 was too shallow to support fish. When water levels are adequate, which is most of the time, the lake is regularly stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout and provides a popular fishery, carrying brown trout to 2.8kg, rainbow trout to 1.4kg, redfin to 1.5kg, carp, short-finned eel and tench. The carp were illegally introduced in the late 1990’s. Good bank fishing and fly-fishing. Not stocked in recent years due to unfavourable water conditions stemming from the drought. It is fished commercially for short-finned eel.

Fiery Creek, Streatham F 6
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Flows through flat farmland to Lake Bolac, gravel and mud bottom. The channel is up to 12m wide with small irregular pools less than 100cm deep, separated by narrow riffles 1-2m wide. Vegetation and islands encroach into channel. Marginally saline (>800EC). Carries some rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin and short-finned eel. Best fishing for trout is around Streatham. Not a popular angling stream.

Goldfields Lake (see Beaufort Lake) I 3

Lake Gillear

Brown trout

Gillear Lake, Warrnambool C 12
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61ha. 1,845ML. Drains into the Hopkins River.

Surrounded by farmland. Access is through a public easement, but the track can be difficult when wet and it is occasionally underwater when the lake is full. Water level varies widely. Carries brown trout to 2.3kg, rainbow trout to 1.7kg, with occasional fish to 2.5kg, redfin to 1kg, tench to 1.8 kg and short-finned eel. Also contains common galaxias, Australian smelt, tupong, flat-headed gudgeon, southern pygmy perch and mosquitofish. A popular water with local fly-fishers, due to the quality of fish available and the lack of trees around the margins, making casting easier. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and brown trout.

Greenhill Lake, Ararat F 1
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235ha. Camping, toilets, boat ramp.

A shallow lake located 3km east of Ararat and immediately north of the Western Highway. It was constructed in 1985 as a recreational area and has a mud and sand bottom. Stocked with trout by the Department when conditions are suitable. In the past, it was stocked lightly with brown trout to provide 'trophy fish'. Trout at that time averaged 1.7kg and some were in excess of 4.2kg. Redfin to 1.6kg (av. 960g) and carp were also present.

The carp were illegally introduced in the late 1990’s. The local Council has also stocked golden perch. Stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout when conditions are favourable.

Hopkins River, Warrnambool D11
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Hopkins Falls

The catchment has been highly modified by land clearing and agriculture and water level and flow vary greatly. The water is often very turbid and is becoming more saline downstream of Willaura (>1,000EC). Access is limited. Anglers can use a 6m bait net downstream from Rowans Lane to within 200 metres of the river mouth.

Above Ararat G 1

A very small river flowing through farmland. Carries only short-finned eel, redfin and an occasional trout and is seldom fished.

Ararat to Lake Bolac E 4

Flows for about 35km through hills then in flat plains. At Willaura during summer, it is a series of shallow pools (12m wide) in a 40m wide channel connected by narrow shallow riffles, mud substrate. Grass riparian vegetation and poor instream habitat. Downstream it flows through farmland, rock gravel and mud bottom. Contains predominantly redfin to 800g, abundant short-finned eel, tench, Australian smelt, goldfish, mosquitofish and flat-headed gudgeon. Reported to provide good redfin fishing at times.

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	Brown trout

Lake Bolac to Hexham D 7

Flows for 50km, at first through hills then flat farmland, mud and pebble bottom. Contains redfin, short-finned eel, tench, goldfish, flat-headed gudgeon, common galaxias, Australian smelt, southern pygmy perch and some brown trout around Hexham.

Hexham to Hopkins Falls C 12

Flows for 70km through farmland with sparse riparian vegetation of grass and scattered red gums, mud and rubble bottom. Flows through a gorge in the lower reaches (downstream of Framlingham) with some forest riparian vegetation. Channel width is 2-10m and the river is composed of riffles and pools over 150cm deep. Access is restricted with only a few cross roads. Contains the same species as upstream. Stocked annually with fin-clipped brown trout yearlings, from above the falls upstream to Framlingham

Estuary perch

Below Hopkins Falls to the River Mouth C 12

The small section of freshwater immediately below the falls contains tupong, Australian grayling, short-finned eel, river blackfish, pouched lamprey, common galaxias, flat-headed gudgeon, Australian smelt, occasional brown trout and estuary perch. The estuary extends 11km from Tooram Stones to the river mouth at Warrnambool. This is one of the best estuaries for recreational fishing west of Melbourne. Saline wedges can form in this estuary; see note at the end of this Basin. Public access for both boat and bank anglers at Warrnambool, Rowans Lane and Jubilee Park. Public boat ramp is at the end of Mahoneys Road.

All other access is through private property and permission should be obtained before entering. Contains good numbers of estuary perch to 1.7kg and trophy-sized fish exceeding 2kg above the highway bridge at Allansford. Also carries bream to 1.6kg, mulloway to 4kg, yellow-eye mullet, sea mullet and 24 other estuarine species. Popular baits include sandworms, crab, minnow, whitebait and cockles. Estuary perch can be taken on minnow, mudeye or cricket pattern wet flies fished at night on the incoming tide. Fish can be caught throughout the year.

Jubilee Lake, Skipton I 5
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Picnic facilities.

Not on the map but, a small lake in the town stocked with a small number of rainbow trout in the 3^rd term school holidays to provide fishing for local children.

Learmonth Lake, Learmonth K 3
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485ha. 7,380ML. Camping, recreation and boat launching facilities.

A shallow lake surrounded by farmland, mud bottom. Subject to high summer water temperatures and fish can be affected by red worms (Eustrongyloides) in the flesh which are not harmful to humans. In mid 2002 the lake was dry but when levels are normal, it contains mostly redfin to 2.2kg, short-finned eel, tench to 3kg, brown trout and rainbow trout to 2kg with bigger fish usually present. Subject to occasional fish deaths. Fishes well for redfin November to January. Best trout baits are worms, local minnow or bait mixtures. Stocked regularly with both species of trout and it is planned to resume stocking when water conditions are suitable.

Logans Lake, Derinallum H 7
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240ha. 5,900ML. Also called Shallow Lake.

Surrounded by farmland. Connected to and fills Deep Lake by overflow. Access can be difficult as it is surrounded by private property. Carries redfin to 1.3kg and short-finned eel.

Merri River

Merri River, Warrnambool B 11
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A rock-ramp fishway has been built at Bromfield Street Weir.

Upstream of Bromfield St Weir (also called Wollaston Weir). B 10

A short (60km) river flowing through hilly, cleared farmland. Riparian vegetation is predominantly grass except for some native forest in a deep gorge south of Woolsthorpe and willows and poplars downstream of Woodford. Its upper tributaries (upstream of Grassmere) are Spring and Drysdale Creeks. The lower reaches of Spring Creek are 1.5-4m wide with extensive areas of water 40-80cm deep providing good habitat. Drysdale Creek has pools more than 100cm deep. Becomes the Merri River downstream of Grassmere and widens to 6-12m. Pools to 150cm deep are now common with riffles 4-12cm. There is considerable deep water around Woodford, with some pools to 5m, rock, rubble and gravel substrate.

Brown trout

There is a very extensive reach of deep water upstream from the Wollaston Road, which can be reached by boat, launched down the bank at the bridge. Here the river is up to 26m in width with pools to 5m deep and abundant submerged aquatic vegetation. Accessible at a limited number of other points, but access is generally restricted by private property.

Brown trout

Carries a few brown trout to 2kg with some larger fish, tupong, short-finned eel, river blackfish, Yarra pygmy perch, Australian smelt, spotted galaxias, common galaxias, flat-headed gudgeon, tench, mosquitofish and some redfin. Stocked annually with fin-clipped brown trout yearlings.

Downstream of Bromfield St Weir B 12

The weir is located at the end of Bromfield Street. This section consists of 11km of tidal river flowing through grazing land, on the outskirts of Warrnambool, mud bottom and cleared banks. Maximum water depth is 5m. Surveys have found low levels of dissolved oxygen (40% saturation) in the bottom 2m layer of the salt wedge, near the Princes Highway Bridge, at times.

Carries abundant brown trout to 4 kg, (av. 1.3kg), redfin to 2kg, tench, tupong and short-finned eel. Also carries good numbers, at times, of estuary perch, black bream, yellow-eye mullet, sea mullet, Australian salmon and short-finned eel. This water produces some of the best quality, large brown trout in southwest Victoria. It is an excellent fly fishing water and is suitable for boating and all fishing methods. Boats can be launched upstream of the highway bridge at Dennington.

Mount Emu Creek, Darlington G 7
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Upstream from Skipton I 5

Mount Emu Creek

Flows in gentle, sloping farmland with scattered red gums along the banks. The underlying basalt rock results in riffles with rubble substrate in many areas and shallow pools. Flow during summer is low and some sections are choked with instream vegetation. The river is 10m in width with runs 40-80cm deep, and a boulder bottom. Riparian vegetation is red gum, grass and tussock.

There is abundant submerged aquatic vegetation and the upper reaches provide good habitat for small-sized native fish. The river at Skipton is up to 10m wide and flows in high banks through farmland. There are now extensive pools over 200cm deep and sand substrate. The pools are separated by narrow riffles flowing through dense beds of canegrass which have encroached into the channel. Contains some brown trout, short-finned eel, mountain galaxias, southern pygmy perch, flat-headed gudgeon, goldfish and mosquitofish.

There may be an occasional carp which has escaped from Lake Burrumbeet. Predominant angling fish in the Skipton area are brown trout and short-finned eel.

Downstream from Skipton G 9

Runs through flat farmland in a deep gully with steep banks; mud bottom with some rock. Width varies from 6-15m. Characterized by sluggish water, small pools 100-250cm deep, separated by narrow riffles choked with vegetation such as canegrass and cumbungi.

Brown trout

Mostly cleared banks but some reaches have riparian vegetation of scattered red gum or willow. Local groups are working on habitat improvement including replacement of willow with native trees and re-vegetation of the banks. Main angling access is from road crossings. Carries redfin, short-finned eel, tupong, tench, occasional carp, goldfish and some brown trout, mostly downstream from Darlington.

The lower reaches, downstream of Panmure, also carry abundant river blackfish, common galaxias, southern pygmy perch and more brown trout than upstream with occasional fish to 2.5kg. Some of the better fishing spots for brown trout are at Panmure Bridge, McKinnons Bridge and Castle Carey Bridge. Stocked annually with fin-clipped brown trout yearlings at a number of sites. `The whole length of Mount Emu Creek has salinities exceeding 1,000EC and levels of dissolved oxygen often less than 80% saturation.

Mumblin Lake, Terang E 11
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2ha. 246ML.

Located in a volcanic crater and surrounded by grazing land. Boating prohibited and bank fishing is difficult due to dense vegetation. Probably carries some redfin.

Musical Gully Reservoir, Beaufort I 2
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1.2ha.

A small deep lake surrounded by scrub. Urban water supply, closed to all fishing - no access.

Muston Creek, Penshurst C 9
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Flows through farmland, mud and rock bottom. It has abundant aquatic weed and numerous deep pools. Carries redfin av. 220g, (max. 1.3kg), river blackfish to 450g and short-finned eel to 2kg.

Norval Dam, Ararat E 1
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2.5ha. Also called Norville Dam.

Surrounded by bush, gravel and mud bottom. Carries some redfin.

Norville Dam (see Norval Dam) E1

Shallow Lake (see Logans Lake) H 7

Tea Tree Lake

Tea Tree Lake, Mortlake E 9
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Small man-made lake in the township stocked annually with rainbow trout for both the 2^nd and 3^rd term school holidays.

Winslow Lake (see Cartcarrong Lake) B 11

Saline Wedges in Estuaries
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An interesting event of some significance to anglers happens in deep estuaries such as the Hopkins River. During winter and spring, very high flows down the rivers push-out the salt water replacing it with all fresh water; or mix with any remaining seawater resulting in salinity becoming relatively uniform from the bottom to the surface.

Once the freshwater flood flow decreases, the incoming tidal seawater slides in under the fresh water and remains separate from it. The thickness of this salt wedge and its distance upstream will fluctuate depending on differences in the amount of fresh or salt water entering the estuary. The salt wedge and freshwater upper layer tend to remain intact with a very clear boundary between the two water bodies.

The location of this boundary (called the halocline) can be determined by lowering a salinity meter down from the surface to the substrate and recording the significant change in salinity as the meter passes from the less dense freshwater layer on top into the denser salt water layer on the bottom. If the estuary has some deep holes or pools, these can fill with seawater and form a stable saline wedge or salty pool which will remain there until freshwater flows increase again in the winter.

As this saline water does not easily mix with the fresh water above, it has no means of getting oxygen from the surface and over time, biological activity within the wedge will use up the available oxygen and it will become totally anaerobic. This means that, although from the surface, this stretch of estuary appears normal, healthy and productive, fish and other biota providing food for fish cannot survive in the bottom metre or so of water. The same process occurs when the estuary is closed-off from the sea by a sand bar.

The trapped seawater also becomes stagnant and eventually anaerobic. Fishing on the bottom in the deepest water, is therefore not always the best, particularly during summer. The fish will have moved into shallower water where oxygen is present, so try fishing in these areas.

The free movement of freshwater downstream and the tidal movement of seawater into an estuary not only maintains good water quality conditions but also produces different levels of salinity throughout the estuary. This influences the distribution of fish species but is particularly important during the spawning season of fish which spawn in the estuary. For example black bream prefer to spawn in water with a salinity of around 40,000EC.

Extensive flooding of rivers during the spawning period of estuarine fish or drought situations with little freshwater flow can both affect salinity in an estuary and is one reason why spawning success of a particular species can vary significantly in different years.

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