Fishing Lake Mulwala in Federation, New South Wales

• Overview

  Lake Mulwala is a Federation water, New South Wales side. It sits at 124 metres above sea level. At 35.44 sq km you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. At about 64 km of edge, most people fish a single area and learn it well. Some 4 km away sits Mulwala, the nearest settlement. The big place round here is Bendigo, 180 km distant. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Mulwala

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Public wildlife records from this area list Murray cod, golden perch, common carp and goldfish. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Lake Mulwala the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give February about 24°C and July about 8°C. The surface stays open the year round. Levels swing with the wet season, which moves the fishing about. Summer, December to February, brings heat, so fish early and late. On Lake Mulwala that shapes the whole year. As the season turns, fish follow food rather than temperature alone.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows a ramp about 980 m from the shore. A campsite is mapped about 1.2 km away, which makes an early start easier. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Cottadidda Lagoon, 22 km away. For Lake Mulwala in particular, ask before you travel.