Boating & Fishing

Great Recreation

THE LAKE
Lake Eildon is Victoria's inland waterway Mecca for boating. With over 540 km's of shoreline, ranging from Bonnie Doon at the Northern end to Jamieson 63 km's away (by water) in the Southern region, the lake caters for a vast variety of boats.

BOAT TYPES
There are 760 permanent houseboats moored on Lake Eildon. Speedboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft (power skis) and canoes are frequent users of our lake. Trailer sailers are occasional visitors but the sometimes gusty conditions are not ideal.

FACILITIES
Public boat launch ramps are available at Jerusalem Creek, Goughs Bay, Howqua and Bonnie Doon. Launch ramps are also at the "Fraser" area of Lake Eildon National Park.

The Jerusalem Creek ramp is operational to 31 Metres below full supply of the lake, and  "Fraser" to 28M below full supply.

Fuel is available at Jerusalem Creek, Lake Eildon Marina, Howqua, Peppin Point, Lakeside Caravan Park (Bonnie Doon), and the Lake Eildon Country Club (Ford Inlet).

Lakeside shops are available Jerusalem Creek, Peppin Point and Howqua. A Lakeside restaurant can be found at the Macs Cove Howqua. With normal water levels, hotels can be reached by boat at both Jamieson and Bonnie Doon.

MOBILE PHONES
Digital phones drop 'in and out' but cover possibly 60% of the lake. It may be necessary to travel for signal.

LAKE CONDITIONS
Vary from mirror finish (ideal ski conditions) to, 1/2 metre waves. Fogs occur during winter months, and with it very busy during the summer season, it is not only wise, but a requirement to understand and comply with boating regulations.

PRIVATE BOAT CLUBS
Private boat clubs at  Eildon are the Eildon Boat Club at Anderson inlet , Lake Eildon Marina , and the Darlingford Boat Club at Jerusalem Creek. Members enjoy an active social calendar, club facilities and moorings for houseboats.

FISHING
Lake Eildon and district is one of Australia's most popular freshwater fishing destinations. It's proximity to Melbourne also make it a preferred location for Angling Club Competitions.

Brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin, perch, Murray cod, roach, tench, and carp are some of the species that can be caught around Lake Eildon and local rivers.

Whether you are a fly fisherman, or prefer bait or lure fishing, the major rivers and tributaries provide much enjoyment for the serious sportsperson or annual holiday angler. Others may prefer fishing on Lake Eildon itself either using a hire boat, or of course, their own boat.

The pondage at the Eildon township has the prime function of regulating the water releases between Lake Eildon and the Goulburn River, but over the years has become a favourite fishing spot for many, including families. The pondage is located in the township, and surrounded by parkland and grassed areas. A pier has been built by the Lions Club, and provides safe and easy fishing access for people in wheelchairs or those who may have difficulties accessing traditional riverbanks. The pier is believed to be the only one in Australia built for this purpose.

The Snobs Creek Hatchery, (MAFRI) regularly stocks the pondage with trout. Thousands of these fish are released each year; and caught. It is not unusual to have a youngster to catch his first trout here, and to be the envy of all onlookers when it weighs in at 3 to 5 kilograms.

If fishing in the traditional style is not for you, and you want to take trout home to show your friends, you will find several "Catch your Own" trout fishing venues in the area. Fishing in these locations is also particularly popular with families and youngsters. Life can be too easy sometimes, particularly when all equipment is provided. Paying for what you catch, at some centres, the fish will also be cleaned and packed for travel.

Don't have your rod with you? You can hire rods and equipment at some of the bait and tackle outlets. A temporary or an annual Victorian Fishing License can be also purchased at these outlets.

Local guides are available to teach Fly fishing, Course fishing or conventional bait and lure fishing, and of course boats are available for hire on Lake Eildon itself. Many fish are caught from the banks of the Lake, the rivers, and pondage.

Want to know the current 'hotspots'? You can check the LAKE EILDON - FISHING FORUM MESSAGE /DISCUSSION BOARD on this website.

Fishing is alive and well all year round in Eildon. The season is closed for rivers and streams during winter, however fishing in Lake Eildon itself, and the Eildon Pondage Dam is permitted all year round. The closed season now sees another reason to make Eildon a holiday destination.

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BOATING & FISHING
BUSINESS DIRECTORY