Lake Mulwala

When the lake was first created, the river red gum forest that inhabited the area remained. Today, the silver trunks of the gums glisten in the sunlight, slowly falling as time goes by. The river red gums provide a highly productive breeding ground for fish, attracting dedicated fishing fanatics year round in pursuit of the elusive Murray cod and cray, red fin and yellow belly.

The trees also act to prevent erosion of the lake’s floor and foreshore, and they create a natural windbreak which helps to minimise erosion of the lake’s edge.

Lake Mulwala is far more than an irrigation storage. The lake is a recreational haven for water-based activities. A cruise on Lake Mulwala will take you on a journey through the flooded red gums that now provide wonderful nesting sites for cockatoos, galahs, pelicans, ibis, eagles and a variety of other birds that call this region their home.

Fishing

Popular areas to fish in Yarrawonga Mulwala include Drain Lake, Kyffins Reserve and the Everglades.

Opportunities to fish are plentiful in the region. Some of the species in the area include:

MURRAY COD

Protected during September, October and November (their breeding season) and if caught must be returned to the water unharmed. Best bait: bardi grubs, yabbies, shrimps and scrubworms.

TROUT COD

A protected species and, therefore, taking or attempting to take them is prohibited.

GOLDEN PERCH (YELLOW BELLY)

Can still be found in large numbers in some locations. Best bait: crayfish, shrimp, yabbies and scrubworms. Not usually caught on bardi grubs.

SILVER PERCH

An endangered species that may only be caught in Lake Mulwala within limits. Best bait: shrimp or scrubworms. Must catch and release in the Murray River.

MURRAY CRAYFISH

Found in the Murray River, and open to fish May to August. Crayfish carrying eggs or young under their tail are protected and must be returned to the water. Best bait: carp, bullock liver and ox heart.

For recreational fishers over the age of 18, you must pay a NSW fishing fee to be eligible to fish in the region’s waters. Recreational fishers also need to be aware of the fishing rules and regulations that apply such as bag and size limits, methods, the use of traps and nets, and other regulations. For more information on fees, and rules and regulations, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au