Lake Yampitcha Fishing in West Wimmera, Victoria

• Overview

  West Wimmera in Victoria is where Lake Yampitcha sits. This is open plain country. The water covers some 47 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Naracoorte sits 49 km from the bank. Penola lies 59 km off, Casterton another 68 km. Other water within reach: Lake Sheepwash 1.7 km off, Lake Wallace at 4.6 km, Lake Kemi Kemi 9.4 km off, Lake Yallakar at 9.5 km and Lake Awonga 10 km off. Rules here are straightforward: one set of state rules.

• Where to Fish on Lake Yampitcha

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include perch, tench, brown trout and Murray cod. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Fish Lake Yampitcha to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 20°C, the coldest about 9°C. Winter here means light layers, not lost months. Spring runs September to November and autumn March to May, and both fish well. Early spring brings the water on quickly here. The season on Lake Yampitcha follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Lake Yampitcha Wildlife Reserve (hunting) runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Lake Sheepwash is 1.7 km off. Treat Lake Yampitcha as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.