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Eildon Lake

  • Surface area: 13,830 ha
  • Capacity: 3,390,100 MI
  • Catchment area: 3,885 km2
  • Shoreline: 515 km

A deep RWC storage (maximum depth 79m, average depth 24m) surrounded by forested country except around the Delatite Arm and Bonnie Doon, which are cleared. Large fluctuations of water level,. Lake has relatively few shallow areas. Popular angling water. The lake is naturally stocked with trout from abundant spawning in inflowing rivers. Occasional releases of trout by the Department. Carp were first taken in 1981 during Departmental surveys. The suitability of much of the lake for carp and other cyprinid fishes is shown by carp forming 29% of total catch and 48% of total weight of fish taken in the 1990 survey, and the equally dramatic rise in the abundance of roach. Most common angling fish is redfin commonly 1 kg or better. Brown trout are plentiful to 2.6 kg, with lesser numbers of rainbow trout which rarely exceed 1.5 kg. Large numbers of goldfish, possibly an occasional Macquarie perch, increasingly abundant tench, some river blackfish, and an occasional Murray cod in the Delatite, Big and Goulburn River arms. The Department stocks Murray cod into the lower Delatite River and occasionally into the lake. Macquarie perch were once abundant in the lake and inflowing rivers, but declined dramatically in the 1960's. The Department is currently translocating mature Macquarie perch from Lake Dartmouth in an attempt to restore the species. Generally rainbow trout are caught in the central section of the lake, well away from the inflowing rivers. Brown trout however, are usually taken close to the rivers. Bank fishing for trout on the river flats can be quite productive in winter and spring. Redfin fishing is best in summer, particularly in the shallower northern half of the storage, and best fishing is from boats. Camping is not permitted on the foreshore. Boat launching is possible at several locations around the lake. Recent surveys indicate mercury levels in fish (redfin particularly) from the Goulburn and Big River Arms are such that continuous monitoring is required for public health reasons. The Health Department has recommended against eating more than one meal a week of fish taken from these areas of the lake.

Recent Stockings:

Date Qty Type
24/10/2008 14,300 R. Trout
31/10/2008 9,130 R. Trout
     

Current Water Levels:

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We would like to thank: "A Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria, 4th Edition 1991" (Dept of Conservation & Environment) and our users for their input.