Fly Fishing Guide to Lake Wendouree

When to Fly Fish Lake Wendouree

Summer (December – February)

• Best for: Evening/night mudeye fishing.
• Where to look: Weed beds and open pockets along the shore.
• Best flies: Cupids mudeye, muddler minnow or mooching mudeye.
• Techniques: Use floating lines with dry flies or fish small streamers near structure. Fishing around dusk and into dark can provide exciting dry fly fishing.

Autumn (March – May)

• Best for: Feeding trout preparing for winter. Autumn dunn hatches.
• Where to look: Edges of reeds, drop-offs, and shallow banks.
• Best flies: Mayfly emergers, Stick Caddis, and small streamers.
• Techniques: Traditional loch style fishing works incredibly well.

Winter (June – August)

• Best for: Large brown trout hunting baitfish.
• Where to look: Along windblown shores and deeper drop-offs.
• Best flies: Black Woolly Buggers, Magoo Streamers, and large nymphs.
• Techniques: Use sinking lines to fish varied retrieves, searching different levels of the water column.

Spring (September – November)

• Best for: Hatches of mayflies and other aquatic insects.
• Where to look: Shallow areas and around the islands.
• Best flies: Mayfly dries, Damsel Nymphs, and Caddis Pupae.
• Techniques: Fish dries or emergers near the surface and nymphs under indicators. Much like autumn, fish respond well to traditional loch-style techniques.

2. Essential Gear for Lake Wendouree Fly Fishing

Fly Rods

9ft 6-weight rods for versatile lake fishing, however, when fishing loch style from a drifting boat, having a 10ft rod allows for easier management of long leaders and better control of fish around the boat. We suggest:
• Orvis Helios D (9ft, 6 weight for bank fishing. 10ft, 6 weiht for boat fishing): Excellent for precision casting and handling large fish
• Sage Sonic (9ft, 6 weight for bank fishing. 10ft 6 weight for boat fishing): Great for long-distance casting in windy conditions.

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Orvis Helios D Fly Rods

Fly Reels

A smooth drag system with a large arbor for fast retrieve speeds and to keep the coils out of your line. We recommend:
• Lamson Liquid S: A budget-friendly, durable option.
• Orvis Mirage LT: Lightweight with a high-quality drag system.

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Orvis Mirage LT Fly Reels

Fly Lines

For fishing on or near the surface, choose floating and intermediate sinking lines, such as:
• Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Indicator: A long-bellied flyline that allows excellent aerialised line control at greater distances.
• Rio InTouch Camolux: A clear, slow-sinking line ideal for shallow water.


For deeper water streamer fishing, choose fast-sinking lines, like the:
• Scientific Anglers Sonar Sink I/2/3: A triple-density sinking line that provides excellent depth control and smooth casting. Perfect for punching streamers through wind.

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Rio Elite Sub-Surface Camolux Clear Camo Fly Line

3. Best Lake Wendouree Fly Fishing Locations

Botanical Gardens Shoreline

• Best for: Dry fly and nymph fishing in the evenings.
• Conditions: Shallow, weedy areas with lots of insect activity.
• Tactics: Fish mayfly emergers and dries on calm evenings.

Windblown Shores

• Best for: Targeting large trout hunting baitfish.
• Conditions: Areas where wind pushes food into the shallows.
• Tactics: Strip streamers and Woolly Buggers with sinking lines.

Lake Islands and Reed Beds

• Best for: Sight-fishing opportunities in clear water.
• Conditions: Sheltered areas where fish hold and feed actively.
• Tactics: Use long leaders and natural presentations with small nymphs and emergers.

4. Tips for Fly Fishing Success in Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree offers an exceptional year-round trout fishery for flyfishers of all skill levels. With its diverse aquatic life, varied fishing conditions, and strong fish populations, it remains one of Victoria’s most rewarding destinations.

Keep these tips front of mind when you're on the water:
1. Fish early and late: Avoid the midday lull by focusing on dawn and dusk.
2. Match the hatch: Watch for rising fish and adjust your fly selection accordingly.
3. Use long leaders: The lake’s clear water demands stealthy presentations.
4. Be adaptable: Change techniques and flies based on conditions and fish behaviour.
5. Wind advantage: Use wind-blown areas to find feeding trout.

5. Plan Your Lake Wendouree Adventure with The Flyfisher

Whether you’re casting mayfly dries in spring, stripping streamers through winter, or chasing evening mudeye hatches in summer, Lake Wendouree delivers year-round fly fishing that rewards skill, patience and local knowledge. Its mix of shallow margins, weed beds and deeper drop-offs creates a dynamic fishery with strong populations of brown and rainbow trout ready to test your technique.

To make the most of your time on the water, gear up with the right fly rods, lines and seasonal fly patterns from The Flyfisher. Our team of experts in South Melbourne are here to help you prepare with the latest advice and proven gear. Whether you’re fishing from the bank or drifting loch-style in a boat, we’ll make sure you’re equipped for success at one of Victoria’s most iconic stillwaters.