There is a kiosk and amenities, plus a serviceable boat ramp even during periods of low water. There is a boom gate fee to access these facilities.
Available species in Lake Lyell include rainbow trout, brown trout and Australian bass. A varying population of crucian carp or large goldfish (not European carp) also exists. Due to its size and available facilities this dam is popular with boating anglers and their families. Bank-side fishing can also be accessed around most of the south western side of the dam and adjacent to the extensive bush camping area.
Methods of angling.
Trolling is ever popular and while towing a lure around will catch you fish, with some thought, better results should follow if you apply some of these other methods.
Leadcore line trolling is a great way to keep chosen lures down deep. This method is a year round method that produces great results.
Down rigging is becoming more popular as seasons go by and this method of being able to troll lures at exacting depths is fast proving to be the best trolling method in this dam at any given time of the year for these popular native sport fish. Similarly bank side casting also works well on these fish where these locations can be accessed by foot. A generally welcomed by-catch of both rainbow and brown trout is often experienced by anglers chasing bass with these methods.
Casting lures and setting baits for trout from the bank still gathers perhaps the greatest following for bank bound anglers in this dam. Lures that can be cast greater distances are popular, allowing the anglers to cover more water and greater depths in search of the fish. Best bait for the local rainbow trout is Powerbait trout nuggets by Berkely. Live worms are also a popular bait, having an uncanny ability to entice the less common brown trout when fished close to or on the bottom. Bass are also very receptive to this live bait.
Fly fishing has strong patronage from both local and visiting anglers. The late evening and after dark fly fishing can be equal to any where on the Australian mainland.
Shore based winter polaroiding for cruising brown trout can be truly heart racing while fishing the warm summer months with sinking lines can see anglers mixing it with fast and feisty rainbows. Late evening bank fishing with traditional wet fly patterns is also productive and makes for simple and leisurely fishing.
By watching your sounder to locate fish and their depth you can then act on this information by using your down rigger to set you lures at the depth the are holding.
Lure casting is gaining popularity as the stocked Australian bass make their presents felt.
Casting surface lures, diving lures, spinnerbaits, metal blades and soft plastics from a boat in towards any of the plunging rocky banks is a good way to start your search.