Lake Gilman in Lockhart: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lake Gilman is a Lockhart water, in New South Wales. This is oak and grass country. The water covers some 92 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The closest town, The Rock, is 11 km away. Canberra is the closest city, 193 km away. Near neighbours include: Lake Albert out at 37 km, Lake Cullivel just 50 km and Lake Uranagong out at 60 km. No regional boundary comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lake Gilman

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On Lake Gilman the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort. After a blow, the windward bank is the one to try.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, February reads 24°C and July reads 8°C. It fishes twelve months of the year. Spring runs September to November and autumn March to May, and both fish well. Summer, December to February, brings heat, so fish early and late. It holds true on Lake Gilman more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Public mapping marks it as seasonal water rather than permanent. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Lake Albert at 37 km is the sensible second choice. For Lake Gilman in particular, ask before you travel.