Some Interesting Fishing Locations in Victoria (Australia)
Victoria Fishing Spots – Looking to cast a line in the beautiful state of Victoria? From crystal-clear mountain streams to serene lakes, there are plenty of excellent fishing spots waiting to be discovered. Here are a few great sportfishing spots in Victoria.
Apollo Bay (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay, a picturesque coastal town, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. This town, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, attracts visitors seeking a memorable fishing experience.
Land-Based Fishing Opportunities
The rivers, streams, and surf beaches surrounding Apollo Bay provide ideal locations for land-based fishing. Anglers can target trout, native blackfish, and salmon, especially during the winter months. However, the most popular fishing spot in Apollo Bay is the local pier.
Prime Fishing Spots (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Two popular beaches for lure casting are Marengo Surf Beach and the Barham River mouth. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, a fishing boat can provide access to deeper waters, where larger salmon, shark, pike, and barracuda can be found. Anglers without boats can opt for a fishing charter departing from Apollo Bay.
A Variety of Species
Off the local beaches or harbor wall, anglers can target trevally, squid, or flathead. Further out, the occasional salmon can be caught. The diverse marine life and varied habitats surrounding Apollo Bay offer a rewarding fishing experience.
A Bustling Harbor
Apollo Bay Harbor, home to a local fishing industry and commercial fleet, including trawlers, crayfish boats, and charter boats, is a hub of activity. The harbor, enclosed by two large breakwaters, features a main wharf with marina berths and a public boat ramp. Fishing is popular off the wharf or breakwater, with designated areas for anglers holding a Victorian recreational fishing license.
A Family-Friendly Destination (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The harbor is often abuzz with activity, especially during the summer months. Visitors can watch fishing trawlers returning with their catch, enjoy charter tours, or simply relax with a walk on the wharf. The view looking back over Apollo Bay, with its surrounding hills, is breathtaking. A small beach, protected within the breakwater walls, provides a safe and ideal spot for families with small children to swim.
Fresh Seafood Delights
Visitors can purchase fresh crayfish, fish, lobster, crayfish, squid, prawns, and scallops directly from the fishermen’s co-op in Apollo Bay. The co-op also offers delicious fish and chips, overlooking the harbor, providing a taste of the region’s bounty. Apollo Bay, with its diverse fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, offers a memorable experience for anglers and visitors alike.
Aussie Bass Trail (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Trophy Fish: Australian Bass
Australian bass, an iconic trophy sport fish, epitomize the thrill of the chase. These beautiful native species, found exclusively in coastal rivers and creeks in southeastern Australia, offer some of the best fishing experiences in the region.
A Thriving Fishery
Substantial stocking efforts have successfully recovered bass fisheries throughout their natural range, including the Snowy and Mitchell rivers. These efforts have ensured the continued health and abundance of this prized species.
New Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Exciting new fisheries have also emerged, such as Lake Glenmaggie and Blue Rock Lake, expanding fishing opportunities for a wider range of enthusiasts, especially those in small boats and kayaks. These new destinations provide a diverse range of fishing experiences, attracting anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure.
An Exhilarating Challenge
Australian bass, known for their spirited fight, provide an exhilarating challenge for adventurous anglers. The beautiful Aussie bass fisheries of Victoria offer a unique and rewarding experience, attracting anglers seeking a connection with nature and a chance to test their skills against a formidable opponent.
Avon River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Adventure: The Avon
The Avon River, a vital waterway in Western Australia, is renowned for its challenging rapids and scenic beauty. This river, flowing through diverse landscapes, attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Avon Descent: A Thrilling Challenge
The Avon River is famous for hosting the annual Avon Descent, an international whitewater rafting event. Each year, hundreds of canoeists and power boaters tackle the grueling rapids and rock pools of this 133-kilometer course, stretching from the picturesque farming township of Northam to Perth. Bell’s Rapid, a notorious section of the river, tests even the most experienced whitewater rafters.
A Tranquil Beginning (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Avon River begins as a tranquil waterway, flowing through Northam. This peaceful section of the river offers a serene escape, with opportunities for picnicking and relaxation. The pedestrian suspension bridge, spanning the river, is the longest in Australia, providing a unique vantage point for photographs and a chance to observe Northam’s white swan colony.
A River’s Transformation
Downstream, the Avon River picks up its pace, especially during the winter months. The Avon Descent, held each year in August, showcases the river’s power and beauty. The river flows through the Avon Valley, eventually joining the Swan River, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
Accessing the Avon River
The Avon River is easily accessible from Northam, located about an hour’s drive east of Perth. This convenient location allows visitors to explore the river’s diverse landscapes and experience its unique charm. The Avon River, with its challenging rapids, tranquil stretches, and diverse wildlife, offers a memorable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Bellfield Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Scenic Retreat: Lake Bellfield
Lake Bellfield, nestled five kilometers from the main shops in Halls Gap, offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking a scenic retreat. This lake, with its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reflective waters, provides a picturesque backdrop for a variety of activities.
A Popular Destination
Lake Bellfield is a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lake’s serene beauty and diverse recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for families and individuals alike.
Recreational Activities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The lake is used for a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters, explore the lake by boat, cast a line for a rewarding catch, or simply relax with a picnic amidst the stunning scenery.
Protecting the Lake’s Resources
The lake serves as the local water supply, so only electric motors are permitted on the water. This regulation helps protect the lake’s water quality and ensure its continued use as a valuable resource for the community. Lake Bellfield, with its stunning beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and commitment to environmental protection, offers a memorable experience for all visitors.
Big River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Wild Descent: The Big River
The Big River carves a dramatic path through a steep, narrow, and heavily forested valley, ultimately emptying into Lake Eildon. This rugged landscape shapes the river’s character, creating a dynamic environment of fast-flowing riffles and deep, slow-moving pools, depending on the water flow.
Upper Reaches: Rapids and Cascades
The upper reaches of the Big River are punctuated by cascades and rapids, showcasing the river’s raw power. These turbulent waters contribute to the river’s unique beauty and attract anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.
Downstream Transformation: Pools and Snags (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Downstream of Enoch’s Point, the Big River widens significantly, reaching an average width of 10 meters. Deep pools form along its course, offering sanctuary for fish. Instream snags, fallen trees submerged in the water, provide excellent habitat for trout, creating prime fishing spots.
Accessible Adventure
Anglers can access the Big River via Enoch Point Road and forestry tracks, navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles in dry weather. Enoch Point also features a camping ground, providing convenient accommodation for those seeking a longer fishing adventure. The lower reaches of the Big River are accessible by road and by boat from Lake Eildon, allowing anglers to work their way upstream.
A Thriving Fishery
The Big River is a popular trout stream and a vital nursery stream for trout from Lake Eildon. Brown and rainbow trout spawn in its upper reaches, contributing to the abundance of fish in the river. Murray cod inhabit the lower reaches as the river approaches Lake Eildon, adding diversity to the fishing opportunities.
Blue Rock Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Bass Fishing Paradise: Blue Rock Lake
Blue Rock Lake, a picturesque reservoir located in Gippsland near the township of Willow Grove, is a premier destination for Australian bass fishing. This lake, with its abundant bass populations and diverse habitats, attracts anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.
Recreation Facilities and Hours of Operation
Blue Rock Lake offers a variety of recreational facilities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, and walking trails. These facilities are open between 8 am and 8 pm, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the lake’s beauty and recreational opportunities.
Access and Restrictions (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The pontoon to the right of the boat ramp at the Old Tanjil Road facility is currently closed for maintenance. Anglers are advised to use the left-hand side pontoon or the Spillway Road facility until further notice. While visiting the lake, visitors are not permitted to camp overnight, have fires, leave rubbish, reserve picnic areas, drive or ride motorbikes along the shoreline, enter prohibited areas, vandalize facilities, hunt, carry or discharge firearms, ride or walk horses, use the park or picnic areas outside of opening hours, or undertake dangerous activities such as abseiling, paraflying, shooting, or archery. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Event Permits
Visitors wishing to hold events at the lake’s recreational facilities, including festivals, birthday parties, and weddings, must obtain permission. The lake’s facilities cannot be closed for private events, and sites cannot be booked. Organized entertainment, rallies, boating events, festivals, public meetings, training classes, demonstrations, weddings, or similar ceremonies, or private functions for 30 or more people require a permit. Blue Rock Lake, with its diverse recreational opportunities and commitment to environmental protection, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a tranquil escape.
Bottom Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Vast and Varied Lake: The Bottom Lake
The Bottom Lake, a vast expanse of water within Mallacoota Inlet, can be choppy at times, especially during periods of strong winds. However, sheltered spots can be found in manageable conditions, offering a tranquil fishing experience.
Targeting Specific Species
Anglers seeking trevally, salmon, and tailor should head towards the mouth of the lake, where deeper channels are particularly productive when the tide is running. These species, often found in these areas, even when the entrance to the sea is closed, provide a rewarding catch. Around the boat ramp and wharf, anglers can also target luderick, adding to the diversity of fishing opportunities.
Shore-Based Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Shore-based fishers can easily access a variety of areas, with dedicated fishing platforms available through to Stingray Point and beyond at Robertsons Bight via Karbethong Way. The sand flats opposite the boat ramp, as well as the shallows around Horse, Goat Islands, and Rabbit Island, are excellent places to target flathead or sand whiting with lures.
Bait Fishing and Diverse Species
For those using bait, the marked channel from Rabbit Island through to the John Bull light is a popular spot to target flathead and bream. The Fairhaven area, with its secluded location, is a favorite among flathead and bream fishers. Estuary perch can sometimes be caught deep in these arms, and large schools of mullet are often encountered. From Goodwin Sands all the way to the Narrows, numerous banks and drop-offs offer productive fishing spots for flathead and bream, with the possibility of catching tailor or salmon in the open water. The Bottom Lake, with its diverse habitats, abundant fish populations, and varied fishing opportunities, provides a rewarding experience for anglers seeking a coastal adventure.
Buckland River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Diverse Landscape: The Buckland River
The Buckland River carves its way through a picturesque landscape, flowing through forests in its upper reaches and transitioning into farmland downstream. This change in scenery reflects the river’s character, offering diverse fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.
Upstream Finesse: Shallow Waters and Deep Channels
The upper reaches of the Buckland River are characterized by a width ranging from five to eight meters, with extensive shallow areas less than 20 centimeters deep. These shallow waters require finesse fishing techniques to successfully target the fish. However, the river also features channels up to 50 centimeters deep and occasional pools, a meter across, nestled among rocks and gravel.
Lower Reaches and Middle Ground (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Buckland River widens and shallows in its lower reaches. While the river’s upper sections are known for smaller brown and rainbow trout, larger brown trout reside in the deeper waters of the middle reaches, making this section a popular destination for trout anglers.
Optimal Timing: Evening and Morning
The best catches are often made during the late evening and early morning hours, when the fish are most active. These times provide the best conditions for anglers to target the elusive trout hiding in the depths of the Buckland River.
Buffalo Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Family-Friendly Fishing Destination: Lake Buffalo
Lake Buffalo, located 20 kilometers south of Myrtleford on the scenic Buffalo River, offers an ideal fishing experience for anglers of all ages. Stunning views of Mount Buffalo provide a picturesque backdrop for a day on the water. The lake boasts toilet facilities, barbeques, and park amenities, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
Diverse Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Lake Buffalo has been stocked with brown trout, golden perch, Macquarie perch, and Murray cod, creating a vibrant mixed species fishery. Trout can be caught effectively by trolling or by casting bait, such as worms or mudeyes under a float, from the bank. Anglers seeking a challenge can target Murray cod among the dead timber by trolling, bait fishing, or lure casting.
A Variety of Fishing Methods
The lake’s varied fish population and diverse habitat cater to a range of fishing styles. Anglers can choose their preferred method, whether it’s trolling for trout, casting bait from the bank, or targeting Murray cod with lures. Lake Buffalo provides an enjoyable fishing experience for all skill levels, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family.
Buffalo River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Scenic River: The Buffalo
The Buffalo River meanders through a landscape of forests and cleared farmland, offering anglers easy access from a road that runs along the valley. This scenic river is home to a diverse range of fish species, attracting anglers seeking a varied and rewarding fishing experience.
A Mixed Fishery
The Buffalo River primarily features brown trout, with some rainbow trout adding diversity to the catch. Trout cod and Murray cod also inhabit the deeper pools, providing exciting fishing opportunities. Since 2002, golden perch have been stocked in Lake Buffalo, and some have made their way upstream into the Buffalo River, expanding the fishing possibilities.
Challenges and Rewards (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Buffalo River can be waded in some sections, but anglers should be aware of the extensive deep pools that lie hidden beneath the surface. These deeper pools offer prime habitat for Murray cod. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques, including fly fishing, lure casting, and bait fishing, to successfully target the diverse fish population.
Upstream and Downstream Opportunities
The Buffalo River offers excellent fishing opportunities both upstream and downstream from Lake Buffalo. Anglers can explore the upper reaches, where the river flows through pristine forests, or fish the lower sections, where the river widens and deepens, providing diverse fishing opportunities.
Bundara River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Contrasts: The Bundara
The Bundara River, with its diverse terrain and abundant fish populations, presents anglers with a unique and rewarding fishing experience. The river’s lower reaches are accessible by road from Anglers Rest, via a gravel road that runs alongside it for approximately three kilometers.
From Mountains to Farmland
The Bundara River originates in forested mountains, before flowing through steep farmland. This transition from rugged wilderness to cultivated land shapes the river’s character, creating a variety of fishing opportunities. The river is characterized by numerous riffles and deeper pools, providing diverse habitat for fish.
A Thriving Fishery
The Bundara River boasts abundant cover, thanks to undercut banks and instream rocks, offering excellent habitat for healthy brown trout and some rainbow trout. This diverse habitat ensures a robust fish population, attracting anglers seeking a rewarding and scenic fishing experience.
Burnanga Trail (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Legacy of Fishing: The Burnanga Trail
The word “Burnanga,” meaning “cod” in the traditional language of the Yorta Yorta people, reflects the rich fishing heritage of this region. These Indigenous people have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years, preserving its natural beauty and abundant fish populations.
A Diverse Fishing Destination
The historic Burnanga Trail, encompassing lowland rivers and lakes, attracts freshwater anglers from across the state, seeking a rewarding fishing experience. This trail offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, with excellent river fishing for golden perch and Murray cod in the Murray, Ovens, Broken, and Goulburn rivers.
Still-Water Fishing and More (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Burnanga Trail also boasts fantastic still-water fishing in lakes Hume and Mulwala. Anglers can target a variety of species, including Murray spiny crays, redfin, yabbies, trout cod, and Macquarie perch, ensuring a diverse and rewarding experience for fishers of all skill levels and experience.
A Tranquil Escape
For those who love the great outdoors and camping under the stars, the Burnanga Trail offers a tranquil escape. This region, with its diverse fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage, provides a memorable experience for anglers seeking a connection with nature.
Cairn Curran Reservoir (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Reservoir of Recreation: Cairn Curran Reservoir
Cairn Curran Reservoir, located on the Loddon River, about 10 kilometers west of Maldon, offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. This reservoir, with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, attracts anglers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts alike.
A Reservoir’s History
Cairn Curran Reservoir was constructed between 1947 and 1956, serving as a vital water source for irrigation and domestic and stock use along the Loddon River. The reservoir features a primary spillway and a secondary spillway, located 2 kilometers southwest of the main structure, which will spill before the embankment is overtopped.
Water Supply and Recreation (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Cairn Curran Reservoir provides supplemental water to the Goulburn supply system when resources are abundant. A wide range of recreational activities are permitted at the reservoir, including boating (power and sail), skiing, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and canoeing. The reservoir offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, toilet facilities, boat ramps, electric and wood barbeques, rubbish bins, and shelters. Two caravan parks rely on the reservoir for their patronage.
Navigating the Reservoir
Operating levels have been introduced at Cairn Curran Reservoir to adjust boat zoning rules as needed, ensuring public safety. Visitors are advised to be aware of the dangers associated with low water levels and exercise caution. All recreation areas and toilet facilities are accessible to the public, except for the Spillway recreation area, which has no water. As the season progresses, access to recreation areas and toilet facilities may become increasingly difficult if water supply is limited.
A Diverse Destination
Cairn Curran Reservoir, with its diverse recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and commitment to environmental protection, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Whether fishing, boating, picnicking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region, Cairn Curran Reservoir provides a rewarding experience for all.
Central Highlands (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Victoria’s Central Highlands
Victoria’s Central Highlands offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a rewarding experience. This region, with its picturesque reservoirs, streams, and meandering rivers, attracts anglers seeking a tranquil escape.
Abundant Fish Populations
The Central Highlands boasts excellent fishing for trout, redfin, golden perch, and Murray cod. These diverse fish populations, thriving in the region’s varied waterways, provide anglers with a variety of targets and fishing experiences.
A Year-Round Destination (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Central Highlands, with its tranquil rolling farmland and beautiful eucalypt forests, offers a picturesque setting for a fishing adventure. This region, with its diverse fishing opportunities and stunning scenery, is a year-round destination, attracting anglers seeking a memorable escape.
Improved Access and Amenities
Improved on-water access for kayaks, canoes, and electric-powered boats has unlocked the true potential of the Central Highlands’ lake fisheries. These improvements, along with the region’s proximity to Melbourne, make it an easy day trip for anglers seeking a convenient and rewarding fishing experience.
A Welcoming Destination
The Central Highlands, renowned for its bed and breakfast options, world-class accommodation and restaurants, day spas, and bushwalks, offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. This region, with its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of activities, provides a memorable experience for all.