Go Fishing - Lake Windamere
Lake Windamere is situated along the Cudgegong River about 30km south-east of Mudgee in the NSW Central Tablelands. At around 3.5 hours’ drive from the fast-paced life of Sydney and taking you through some scenic country dating back to the gold rush days, it is ideal for a short trip away from the city.
The best access is via Cudgegong Waters Park located just off the Castlereagh Hwy and 13 kilometres south of the dam wall. An entry fee of $6 applies at the 24 hr boom gate and accommodation is also available. Contact the office to arrange access prior to arrival (02 6358 8462). Cabins, powered and unpowered campsites are available but booking ahead is recommended as during peak times it can be busy. Services include a boat ramp, toilet, showers, BBQs and there is also a small shop with limited food supplies and some fishing tackle.
Windamere boasts a reputation as one of the best, if not the best, stocked NSW impoundment for trophy-sized golden perch. The perch are regularly caught over 60 cm and can reach astonishing weights exceeding 7 kg for this length as they flourish in the lake’s ideal water and food supply.
Spring has always been the prime time to target these gargantuan perch after a cold winter. Depending on the season, the shallower margins of the lake boast new weed growth and all manner of bait including smelt, mudeyes, galaxiids and yabbies, which seek food and cover along these edges. On those idyllic calm and clear days common during spring, it is not uncommon to see numbers of large goldens searching the shallow weed edges looking for a yabby or fish meal.
Golden perch aside, the lake is also home to silver perch, Murray cod and some very large eel tailed catfish! The lake has been stocked with rainbow and brown trout, however these are rarely encountered. Local speculation is that the trout migrated to the flowing waters in the Cudgegong River at times of good rainfall.
The lake margins often have many kangaroos, wallabies, goats, water dragons and an amazing array of bird life which will keep you or the family entertained while waiting for a fish to bite. If the fishing is slow or you want a break, take a canoe or kayak up the river arm of the lake and enjoy the feeling of being a million miles from anywhere.
Of an evening you can duck up the highway to Mudgee for a nice pub or restaurant meal or just stoke up a campfire and enjoy the ambience along the lake shores while gazing at the amazing night sky.
This guide to fishing in Lake Windamere is part of a series of Go Fishing handbooks produced by NSW DPI Fisheries. Keep an eye out for existing and upcoming editions covering a range of fresh and saltwater locations around the State.
