Fishing at Lake Pakenham — Rules, Species & Tips

Q: What fish can I catch at Lake Pakenham?

The lake holds populations of Short-finned Eel, Common Galaxias, Flathead Gudgeon, and occasionally Redfin Perch. Stocking programs have introduced some Golden Perch in nearby connected waterways.

Regulations

⚠ Important Rules

Licence required: A current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is mandatory for anyone 18+. Purchase online at vfa.vic.gov.au or at local tackle shops.
Bag limits: Follow VFA bag and size limits for each species. Check the current Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for details.
No motorised boats: Only non-motorised watercraft (kayaks, canoes) permitted.
No camping: The lake reserve closes at dusk. No overnight stays or campfires.
Catch and release: Encouraged where possible, especially for native species.
Noxious species: If you catch Carp or Redfin, do not return them to the water. It is illegal to release noxious species in Victoria.

What You Might Catch

🐟

Short-finned Eel

Size: Up to 1.1 m
Best bait: Worms, scrub worms
When: Night and overcast days
Notes: Most common catch. Set up near reeds on the bottom. Use a running sinker rig with circle hooks to reduce gut-hooking.

🐟

Common Galaxias

Size: 10-16 cm
Best bait: Small worms, maggots
When: Dawn and dusk
Notes: Native species. Tiny but fun to catch on ultra-light gear. Handle gently and release. Found in the shallows near vegetated edges.

🐟

Flathead Gudgeon

Size: 6-10 cm
Best bait: Small worms
When: Year-round
Notes: Common native bottom-dweller. Not a target species but often caught while eeling. Release all gudgeons.

Best Spots & Tackle Tips

Where to Fish

Southern bank (near the lookout): Deeper water, best for eels at night. Cast towards the centre.
Eastern reed line: Shallow, weedy. Good for galaxias and gudgeons on light gear. Walk past the boardwalk to find quieter spots.
North-western inlet: Where stormwater enters the lake. Can attract fish after rain as food washes in.

What to Bring

Rod: A 7-foot medium-action spinning rod is versatile enough for everything here.
Line: 4-6 lb monofilament. Heavier for eels (8 lb).
Terminal: Running sinker rig (1/4 oz ball sinker, swivel, 40 cm leader, size 4 circle hook).
Bait: Scrub worms from any servo or tackle shop. Garden worms work fine too.
Extras: Torch (if night fishing), pliers, rag (eels are slimy), bucket for noxious species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Pakenham?

Yes. A current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is required for anyone aged 18 and over. Children under 18 can fish without a licence. Licences can be purchased online at vfa.vic.gov.au, at most tackle shops, or at the Pakenham Kmart service desk.

What fish can I catch at Lake Pakenham?

The lake holds Short-finned Eels, Common Galaxias, and Flathead Gudgeons as the main species. Occasionally Redfin Perch turn up — remember these are noxious and must not be returned to the water.

Can I use a boat on Lake Pakenham?

No motorised boats are permitted. Small non-motorised craft like kayaks and canoes may be used, but check current signage for any seasonal restrictions related to wildlife nesting.

Is night fishing allowed?

The reserve officially closes at dusk, so extended night fishing may not be permitted depending on local council rules. Check signage at the car park. If you do fish at twilight, ensure you have a torch and let someone know where you are.

Can I use lures instead of bait?

Yes, lure fishing is allowed. Small soft plastics (2-3 inch) and blade spinners can work for Redfin if they're present. However, bait is far more productive in this lake given the species mix.

Where can I buy bait nearby?

The closest tackle shops are Pakenham Outdoors on Main Street and BCF Pakenham at the Homemaker Centre. Most petrol stations also stock basic worms and frozen bait.