Greens Lake is the sleeper of the district: a 65 hectare lake in open country east of Corop, about 40 minutes from Nagambie off the Midland Highway, with two things going for it that rarely come together: honest redfin fishing and free lakeside camping.
01The fishing
The VFA's angling guide describes abundant redfin, generally around a kilogram and occasionally to 2.5, alongside carp, tench and goldfish, with the lake regularly stocked with golden perch and Murray cod. It fishes best from spring through autumn, and the VFA's advice matches local experience: a boat gets the best of it, finding the redfin schools over open water, though the bank near the ramp produces fish too. The usual Nagambie rules apply: current licence (see the licence guide) and VFA limits for anything you keep.
02The free camping
Goulburn-Murray Water permits free camping on the western foreshore above the full supply level, for up to seven consecutive days, with the onsite signage marking the area. Facilities are better than free usually buys: boat ramp, toilets, a shower block, barbecue area and a large grassed foreshore. The trade is a carry-in, carry-out rubbish policy and respecting the signage, and GMW closes the lake periodically for grounds maintenance, so check their Greens Lake page before building a weekend around it.
03Boating rules
Speed limits shift with water level: when the lake sits at or above 99.231 metres AHD the blanket 5 knot limit lifts (edges excepted), and below that level 5 knots applies across the whole lake. No-boating zones sit near the ramp and pump house. Like Waranga, this is managed water storage, so levels move; low water means shallow hazards.
04Making the trip
Greens Lake works as the budget overnighter that Lake Nagambie's shoreline cannot offer: camp by the water, fish redfin at dawn, and you are still only 40 minutes from a Nagambie winery lunch. Pair it with Waranga Basin twenty minutes away for a two-water redfin weekend, and see the camping guide for the Goulburn riverside alternatives closer to town.
05Common questions
Is camping free at Greens Lake? Yes, on the western foreshore above full supply level, for up to seven consecutive days, under GMW's rules and signage. Carry your rubbish out.
What fish are in Greens Lake? Redfin in numbers (typically around a kilogram), plus stocked golden perch and Murray cod, with carp and tench alongside, per the VFA's angling guide.
Do you need a boat at Greens Lake? The VFA notes a boat gets the best results, finding the schools over open water, but the bank near the ramp fishes honestly, which makes it workable for a family camp without a boat.