The dusky flathead pictured was released, it was in fact originally caught and tagged as part of the NSW DPI tagging program and recaptured by this lucky young fisher and released once again.

A fisher wonderland – Lake Macquarie

June 22, 2023

At around 1.5 hours’ drive from Sydney and only 20 minutes from Newcastle city centre, Lake Macquarie makes for a perfect one-day fishing trip or quick weekend getaway to escape the city.

This is one of the 30 Recreational Fishing Havens along the NSW coastline and is renowned for some great fishing, whether just a casual day on the water with the family or a serious outing looking for that fish of a lifetime!

The lake is home to all manner of estuary species including whiting, bream, luderick, mullet, snapper, dusky flathead, tailor, salmon, and mulloway, even the odd tropical visitor is encountered such as cobia, juvenile giant and bigeye trevallies and queenfish.

It is the largest saltwater lagoon in the southern hemisphere, at around twice the size of Sydney Harbour. With a surface area of about 110 sq km, there’s enough fishy water in Lake Macquarie to spend a lifetime exploring it!

The Lake is part of DPI’s Marine Stocking Program and has been stocked with juvenile dusky flathead and mulloway over the past few years.

With many accommodation options from camping, caravans, cabins and holiday houses, ample foreshore access, numerous boat ramps and diverse angling opportunities, Lake Macquarie certainly is a fishing wonderland.

Grab the gear, a boat or kayak, a mate or the family and plan a trip to check out Lake Macquarie – you won’t be disappointed!

Be sure to check the link for a handy ‘Go Fishing’ guide to the area, simply just download the PDF to your smartphone, android, or tablet.

Featured fishing location: Lake Macquarie, on the NSW Central Coast.

Note: The dusky flathead pictured was released, it was in fact originally caught and tagged as part of the NSW DPI tagging program and recaptured by this lucky young fisher and released once again.