Laanecoorie Reservoir

Laanecoorie Reservoir is a beautiful natural resource. You can help care for the reservoir so it can be enjoyed now and into the future.

• camping and campfires are prohibited in GMW reserves and on foreshore and lakebed areas
• electric barbecues are available at some reserves (see map below)
• refer to your local council for landfill services and consider the environment when disposing of your litter. Penalties apply for illegal dumping of rubbish
• don’t take plants from the foreshore, or bring any in
• don’t feed the animals or wildlife, or interfere with their habitats
• boat wash can cause erosion, keep to 5 knots within 50 metres of the water’s edge
• vehicles and trail bikes are only allowed on public roads within the reserve
• all vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and users must be licenced
• keep the waterway healthy by not using soap, toothpaste or detergent in the lake
• dogs must be on a lead and/or under control at all times. Please clean up after your pets.

View the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 

Local boating rules are posted at all public boat ramps.

1. Launching and retrieving vessels must occur from the designated boat ramp/s.
2. To avoid congestion, complete any preparation prior to launching, or when returning from the water, away from the ramp.
3. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
4. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vessel and operational, and that lifejackets are always worn.
5. Be aware and comply with all waterway vessel operating zones.
6. Always keep a lookout for waterway hazards and operate your vessel in line with weather and waterway conditions.
7. Ensure no one is in or on the vessel when moving to and from the ramp.
8. Shade structures are not permitted within 50 metres of either side of boat ramps.
9. Stay clear of dam infrastructure.

Learn about Water Smarts

The Loddon River is home to many varieties of fish, including Redfin and Carp. The reservoir is also regularly stocked with Golden Perch and Brown Trout, meaning there is always a healthy supply. You can try your luck for Murray Cod in shallow areas.

Handy hint: try fishing for Murray Cod at night with surface lures.

For the latest information on fishing in Victoria, contact Fisheries Victoria on  136 186, and don’t forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!

Laanecoorie is a popular spot for power boating, jet skiing, rowing and canoeing.

The southern end of the reservoir is often quite shallow with aquatic water weed so a speed limit of 5 knots applies. High speed boating is allowed at the northern end of the reservoir. 

Vessels can be launched from public boat ramps around the reservoir with locations noted on the map below.

A 5 knot speed limit applies at any level within 50 metres of the water's edge; other vessels, navigation aids, swimmers and fixed or floating structures; and within 100 metres of vessels displaying a dive flag.

Keep a lookout at all times for hazards and other vessels.

Refer to the  Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook at the transport Victoria website.

GMW encourages boaters to be vigilant at all times while boating on storages. Changes in water levels may result in debris or submerged hazards to high speed boating. GMW advises boat operators to wear personal floatation devises, maintain a lookout for hazards at all times and to use only designated boat ramps.

Any changes to local boating restrictions are signposted at boat ramps and around the storages.

Laanecoorie Reservoir has two zoning Trigger Levels:

• Level 1: When the storage level is at or above 158.400 AHD (30% capacity) normal boat zoning rules apply 
• Level 2: When the storage level falls below 158.400 AHD (30% capacity) the whole of the waters of Laanecoorie Reservoir are subject to a 5-knot speed restriction with the exception of areas which are prohibited to boating and remain prohibited to boating.

You can find recent storage level information at our Storage Levels page.

GMW's customers use the water in our storages to produce food and fibre, supply towns and businesses, and protect and improve waterway health.

In dry conditions the reservoir may have very low inflows. At the same time, customers will need more water and as a result the water level of Laanecoorie Reservoir may decrease. 

The reservoir can still be enjoyed, but reduced water levels mean that you need to stay vigilant about your safety and the safety of others in your care.

Find out more about   current water level information.

At times, the level of blue-green algae in storages can exceed safe limits. When this happens you should avoid direct contact with the water as the algae can cause;

• skin rashes
• itchiness
• sore eyes, ears and nose
• nausea.

If unsafe levels occur, warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas.

Online Blue-green algae warnings are available or by calling the 24 hour GMW blue-green algae hotline on  (03) 5826 3785.

 Camping at Laanecoorie Reservoir is only allowed in commercial caravan parks located around the lake. 

The Laanecoorie Reservoir Recreational Area Management Plan (the plan) provides operational guidelines for managing recreational activities at Laanecoorie Reservoir while minimising impacts on water quality, the environment, cultural heritage values, and GMW assets and operations.

Laanecoorie Reservoir Recreational Area Management Plan

GMW’s lakes, dams and reservoirs are ideal places for events. Find out more about hosting an  event at one of our storages.