Lake Nillahcootie

Lake Nillahcootie Fishing

Lake Nillahcootie Fishing Guide

Lake Nillahcootie is a smaller inland lake in the Broken River catchment and can hold up to 40,000 megalitres of water. The main fish you’ll find are golden perch (yellowbelly), Murray cod, redfin, and carp. Focusing on these species helps you pick the right bait and techniques. Fishing conditions change a lot as water levels rise and fall. When the lake is full, the best fishing is usually along the edges, where fresh water covers grassy margins and shallow flats. At these times, fishing from the bank works well, and you don’t need to take a boat or kayak far from shore to find good spots.

A good starting place is the boat ramp. Because it’s easy to get to and a bit deeper than other spots, it also tends to be the clearest part of the lake in terms of water clarity.

Water Clarity

At Lake Nillahcootie, water clarity can be murky, but you can usually see about 40-50 cm down, so fishing is still good. Brightly coloured lures like chartreuse, orange, or pink, or natural colours like gold and silver, stand out better when the water isn’t clear. Worms and yabbies are good bait, and adding a small rattle or scent can help attract fish in cloudy water. The water near the ramp is usually clearer than the upper end because sediment settles in the deeper parts.

Spring Fishing

One of the best times to fish here is Spring. The water begins to warm up, and fresh inflows get the fish moving.

If it’s been a wet winter and spring, the lake fills over dry ground, creating new shallow feeding spots around regrown grass and flooded edges. Before you fish, make sure to first check for seasonal rules or closed seasons, especially for Murray cod, since they are sometimes protected during spawning. Knowing the rules helps you avoid breaking them by accident. Murray Cod season closure in Victoria is usually between September 1st and December 1st each year. This can change, so keep up to date with Vic Fisheries rules on their website.

Land-Based Fishing

Try fishing along the new edges; it usually works better than heading straight for deeper water.

If you’re fishing from the bank, use simple baits over the flooded ground. In a boat or kayak, anchor close to the bank and fish in water less than 2 metres deep. You don’t always need long casts; sometimes just dropping your bait right below the boat works well when fish are in the shallows. Grass is important because it gives fish food and cover, but it can also tangle your gear. Lures that go too deep often get stuck in the grass, so it’s better to use shallow-running, short-bodied trolling lures or lipless crankbaits that stay just above the bottom.

Tackle Tips

Basic tackle is all you will need to fish here. If you’re starting, a basic 6-7 foot spinning rod and a simple spinning reel with 6-10 lb monofilament line will work for most fish you’ll find in Lake Nillahcootie.

This is simple, easy-to-use tackle from the bank or a boat, and it’s more than enough for golden perch, redfin, and even smaller Murray cod. A basic tackle kit with a few hooks, sinkers, and some bright or natural lures is also a good way to get started.

• For bank fishing, use a paternoster rig with worms or a small yabby. Make sure your bait stays above the bottom so it doesn’t get buried.
• If you’re fishing from a boat or kayak, try a running sinker down to the hook or a paternoster rig. Use a gentle lift-and-drop motion to keep the bait above the bottom. Keep your tackle simple and easy to handle near the flooded grass. If one spot is too tangled or quiet, move along the edge and try somewhere else.

Before you head out, make sure you have a valid Victorian fishing license, as most anglers need one here.e.