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.
Jones Bay (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Prime Fishing Spot: Jones Bay
Jones Bay in Gippsland Lakes offers superb fishing. This bay is a popular destination for anglers seeking a rewarding catch.
A Concentration Point for Fish (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Jones Bay’s river mouths attract fish migrating to Lake King. This convergence of waters creates a rich and diverse ecosystem, attracting a variety of fish.
Utilizing Technology for Success
A sounder, a device that uses sonar to detect fish, can be a valuable tool for anglers fishing in Jones Bay. This technology helps anglers locate fish, identify their species, and determine their depth, increasing their chances of success. Jones Bay, with its unique location and abundant fish populations, offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers seeking a challenging and productive day on the water.
Kiewa River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Mountain River: The Kiewa
Victoria’s Kiewa River offers diverse fishing experiences. The upper section, between Mount Beauty and Dederang, is renowned for its trout fishing, while the lower section, flowing towards Wodonga, provides opportunities to catch Murray cod.
Two Branches, Two Worlds
Two main tributaries, the East Branch and the West Branch, join just downstream of the Mount Beauty Pondage. Falls Creek’s East Branch has Rocky Valley Reservoir and smaller dams. A small tributary flows near Mount Beauty, accessible by tracks.The West Branch, originating near Mount Hotham, flows through steep, forested mountains before reaching Mount Beauty, where it joins the Mount Beauty Pondage.
Regulated Flows and Challenging Access (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The flow of the upper Kiewa River system is highly regulated, impacting fishing conditions. Sixty kilometers of the river are 4WD accessible only. The section upstream of the diversion point into the power station remains unregulated, with rapids and cascades adding to its wild beauty and providing good fish habitat. While a main road runs along the Kiewa Valley, the river often flows a considerable distance from the road, limiting access to a few crossroads.
Prime Trout Fishing and Murray Cod
The 30-kilometer stretch between Mount Beauty and Gundowring is a popular trout fishing destination, boasting good numbers of trout. Access to this area is available at the Mount Beauty Pondage, Mountain Creek Road, Red Bank Road, and Gundowring Road. The lower reaches downstream of Dederang hold Murray cod, though access is limited to a few crossroads. All fishing methods, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure casting, are effective in the Kiewa River, ensuring a diverse and rewarding fishing experience.
King Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Navigable Haven: Lake King
Lake King: deep, navigable, and popular with boaters. This lake is influenced by the south-westerly and easterly winds, creating varying sea conditions.
Accessing the Rivers (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The entrances to the Tambo, Nicholson, and Mitchell rivers are easily navigable from Lake King, with clearly marked entrance beacons. These rivers offer additional fishing opportunities, with a variety of species present, depending on the season.
Diverse Fishing Opportunities
Any species found in Lake King may also enter these three rivers, expanding the fishing possibilities for anglers. Lake King, with its well-defined navigation and access to multiple rivers, provides a diverse and rewarding fishing experience for those seeking to explore the Gippsland Lakes system.
Lakes Entrance (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance, a vibrant coastal town, offers exceptional fishing opportunities, both from the beach and within the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes system. This town is a true fishing paradise, attracting anglers seeking a variety of species and fishing experiences.
Beach Fishing Opportunities
Lakes Entrance beaches offer diverse fishing opportunities. The Main Beach, accessible via a footbridge from the town center over the Cunningham Arm, is a popular spot for beachgoers. However, surf fishers often venture closer to the bar or up towards Eastern Beach, seeking more challenging fishing opportunities.
Exploring the Beaches (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Fishing towards the bar on the rocks can be productive on calmer days, but caution is advised during windy or slippery conditions. Eastern Beach, located east of Lakes Entrance, offers a more secluded fishing experience, with fewer crowds than the Main Beach. Access is easy, following Eastern Beach Road onto Hummocks, which leads to the second Eastern Beach car park. Many deep gutters can be found closer to Lake Tyers Beach, providing prime fishing spots.
A Variety of Fishing Experiences
Lakes Entrance, with its diverse fishing opportunities, caters to anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from the beach, exploring the rocks near the bar, or venturing to the more secluded Eastern Beach, anglers can find a rewarding and memorable fishing experience in this coastal paradise.
Livingstone Creek (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Contrasts: The Livingstone Creek
The Livingstone Creek, winding its way through a diverse landscape, offers a unique fishing experience. This river, wide and shallow, rises in the heart of the forest, then flows through farmland before reaching Omeo. This journey creates varied habitats, affecting the types of fish found throughout its length.
Challenging Upper Reaches (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The upper reaches of the Livingstone Creek, where it flows through the forest, offer excellent trout fishing, though access is challenging. This pristine area, untouched by human development, provides a haven for healthy trout populations.
Lower Reaches and Smaller Trout
The lower reaches of the Livingstone Creek, around Omeo, contain good numbers of smaller brown trout, particularly in the upstream sections. The river’s transformation from a wild, forested stream to a more open, cultivated waterway influences the type and size of fish that inhabit its waters. Despite the presence of smaller trout, the Livingstone Creek offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience for those willing to explore its diverse landscape.
Loch Sport (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Gateway to Adventure: Loch Sport
Loch Sport, a charming small town nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers a gateway to the beauty and adventure of the Ninety Mile Beach. Located about a 45-minute drive from Sale via Longford, Loch Sport provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.
Accommodation and Amenities
Loch Sport offers a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, caravans, and rentals, catering to diverse preferences. Camping facilities are also available in the Lakes National Park near Emu Bight, featuring toilets, BBQs, and numerous cleared sites. This tranquil setting provides a perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Accessing the Ninety Mile Beach (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Crossing the causeway over Lake Reeve, anglers will find a car park and toilet block, providing easy access to the beach. The beach is often uncrowded, even during peak holiday seasons, offering a peaceful escape. Langham Road, via Beach Road, provides the only access for a large stretch of this remote beach.
A Renowned Fishing Destination
Loch Sport is renowned for its quality salmon fishing, attracting anglers seeking a rewarding experience. Gummy sharks and occasional snapper are also caught at night, adding to the diversity of the fishery. Serious shark fishers also flock to Loch Sport, paddling out baits several hundred meters to target large bronze whaler sharks. Loch Sport, with its diverse fishing opportunities and serene surroundings, offers a memorable experience for anglers seeking a coastal adventure.
Mallacoota Inlet (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Mallacoota Inlet
Mallacoota Inlet, located on the far eastern coast of Victoria in East Gippsland, is a renowned fishing destination, attracting anglers from across the state. This picturesque inlet, accessible via a scenic drive from Melbourne, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities.
Accessing Mallacoota Inlet
To reach Mallacoota Inlet, travelers can take the Princes Highway through Orbost to Genoa, then follow Genoa Road to Mallacoota. The large estuary, adjacent to the small township of Mallacoota, has an entrance to Bass Strait that opens and closes periodically, adding to the area’s unique character.
A Haven for Anglers (Victoria Fishing Spots)
While Mallacoota is home to a significant commercial abalone fleet, it is more renowned as a secluded fishing destination, best explored by boat or kayak. However, ample opportunities exist for shore-based fishers on the western side of the inlet.
Abundant Fish Populations
Mallacoota Inlet is famous for its exceptional bream and flathead fishing. Amongst the plethora of excellent estuaries in East Gippsland, Mallacoota stands out for its fish quality and quantity. Bream, the most sought-after species in the lake, regularly weigh over a kilogram, while dusky flathead are also abundant. Mallacoota is renowned for its large dusky flathead, with fish up to a meter long on the move during the warmer months, from November to April. Fifty-centimeter fish are a common catch. The system also holds a variety of other species, including luderick, tailor, salmon, mulloway, trevally, flounder, sand whiting, estuary perch, and mullet.
Exploring the Inlet
Mallacoota Inlet includes the bottom (town end) and upper lake, separated by the Narrows. The top lake stretches upstream to the Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers, enclosed by the majestic Croajingalong National Park. The bottom lake boasts an excellent boat ramp with fish cleaning tables, a wharf, and ample parking. Both lakes are expansive, featuring countless drop-offs, deep holes, sand and weed beds, and rocky points. However, boat operators must be aware of shifting sands and mud, as it is easy to find yourself in shallow water.
Artificial Reefs: Enhancing the Fishery (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Mallacoota is also home to a network of artificial reefs, installed and maintained by Fisheries. Each reef consists of multiple smaller “patch reefs” made up of 15 purpose-built reef modules of various shapes and sizes. These concrete reef modules, with their rough surfaces, holes, and cavities, provide refuges for marine life and attract a wide range of popular estuary species, making them a drawcard for fishers. Mallacoota Inlet, with its diverse habitats, abundant fish populations, and unique features, offers a truly unforgettable fishing experience for anglers seeking a coastal adventure.
McLoughlins, Reeves, and Woodside Beaches (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Coastal Paradise: McLoughlins, Reeves, and Woodside Beaches
McLoughlins, Reeves, and Woodside Beaches mark the beginning of the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, offering visitors a variety of recreational activities. These beaches provide a serene escape, with golden sand, rolling dunes, and coastal vegetation.
McLoughlins Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination
McLoughlins Beach, accessible from the South Gippsland Highway, offers a convenient and enjoyable experience. The beach boasts a camping area and a four-wheel drive track that runs along the back of the dunes. The beach itself is a peaceful oasis, featuring a picnic shelter, playground, and toilets, catering to families seeking a relaxing getaway.
Abundant Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
McLoughlins Beach is a renowned fishing spot, attracting anglers seeking larger snapper, whiting, flathead, salmon, and gummy sharks. McGaurans Beach, a nearby hotspot, is particularly known for its big snapper. Visitors can also pump yabbies on the flats or catch beach worms in the surf, adding to the diverse fishing experiences offered in this area.
Nearby Fishing Gems: Robertsons Beach and the Tarra River
Just a short distance away, Robertsons Beach is another popular fishing spot. The Tarra River channel, at low tide, offers excellent fishing opportunities, with big flathead and King George whiting often found in these waters. These beaches, with their diverse fishing opportunities, provide a haven for anglers seeking a rewarding and memorable coastal experience.
Middle Creek (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Challenging Adventure: Middle Creek
Middle Creek, a smaller stream located near the Omeo Highway, offers a unique and challenging fishing experience for adventurous anglers. This stream boasts long runs, deep pools, and numerous large in-stream rocks that create significant eddies and pocket water, providing ideal habitat for trout.
Navigating Overgrown Terrain (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Access to Middle Creek requires traversing overgrown sections of the stream, requiring anglers to scramble over rocks and fallen trees. These obstacles make it a destination for anglers seeking a true wilderness fishing adventure. Despite the challenges, Middle Creek rewards those who persist with its remarkable trout population.
A Prime Trout Habitat
The stream’s diverse habitat, with its long runs, deep pools, and rocky features, provides a haven for trout, making it a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The challenging terrain and exceptional fishing opportunities make Middle Creek a destination for dedicated anglers seeking a memorable and rewarding experience.
Mitchell River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Diversity: The Mitchell River
The Mitchell River, a vital part of the Gippsland Lakes system, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a rewarding experience. This river, with its varied habitats and abundant fish populations, attracts anglers throughout the year.
Winter Bounty: Mullet and Bream
During the winter months, the Mitchell River is often home to a good run of mullet, with bream found along its grassy banks. These fish, attracted to the river’s rich ecosystem, provide anglers with a variety of targets.
Summer Delights: Bream and Flathead (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Down at The Cut, the river’s mouth, bream and flathead can be found in reasonable numbers during the warmer months. These fish, often found throughout the estuary, are more reliably located downstream towards the entrance. Bream, known for schooling in large numbers before spawning, offer a thrilling fishing experience.
Prime Fishing Spots
Upriver snags and overhanging vegetation provide excellent spots to target bream and estuary perch. The Mitchell River boasts many kilometers of accessible riverbank, with great road access, making it a convenient destination for anglers. Evening and morning are the best times to get a bite, as fish are more active during these periods.
Launching and Exploring
The Mitchell River Silt Jetties boat ramp, located right at the river delta, is a top spot to launch small boats and kayaks. This well-sheltered ramp provides easy access to the river’s diverse habitats. The Mitchell River, with its diverse fish populations, varied habitats, and convenient access, offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Mitta Mitta River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Wild and Scenic River: The Mitta Mitta
The Mitta Mitta River, also known as the Big River above Lake Dartmouth, descends from the Alpine National Park, carving a path through thick and steep forests. This rugged terrain makes access challenging, except for a 20-kilometer stretch downstream of Glen Valley, which is best suited for fly fishing.
A Haven for Trout (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The upper section of the Mitta Mitta provides spawning grounds for the trout that inhabit Lake Dartmouth below. This pristine river boasts classic river features, with riffles, large runs, and deeper pools, creating a dynamic environment for fish. The water can be quite powerful at times, demanding caution from anglers wading through the river.
A Variety of Fishing Techniques
Anglers can employ a variety of techniques to target the fish in the Mitta Mitta, including fly fishing, lure casting, and bait fishing. The river’s diverse habitat and challenging conditions attract anglers seeking a rewarding and adventurous fishing experience. The Mitta Mitta River offers a glimpse into the wild beauty of the Alpine National Park and a chance to connect with nature while pursuing a challenging and exciting catch.
Moroka River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Remote and Pristine River: The Moroka
The Moroka River winds through forested mountains, offering a secluded and challenging fishing experience. This small stream, relatively remote and not heavily fished, is mainly accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, attracting anglers seeking a pristine wilderness experience.
A Haven for Trout
The Moroka River boasts a population of small wild brown trout, thriving in its pristine waters. The river’s secluded nature and challenging terrain make it a destination for dedicated anglers, seeking a rewarding and memorable fishing adventure.
Fly Fishing and Finesse (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Fly fishing and finesse bait fishing are the most effective methods for targeting the trout that call this river home. The river’s narrow channels and varied habitat require anglers to use precise techniques and understanding of the river’s nuances to succeed.
A Remote Campsite: Horseyard Flat
Horseyard Flat, a remote campsite nestled along the banks of the Moroka River, is regarded as one of the best places to camp in the area. This stunning campsite offers a tranquil retreat for anglers seeking a wilderness experience, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Victorian Alps.
Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Family-Friendly Destination: Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm
Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm, nestled in the picturesque town of Harrietville, just a 20-minute drive from Bright, offers a unique and memorable experience for families and fishing enthusiasts alike. This farm, with its stunning mountain backdrop and diverse activities, provides a tranquil escape for visitors seeking a day of fun and adventure.
A Day of Fishing and Fun
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the farm, including catching fish, feeding the fish, or simply strolling through the many fish breeding ponds. The farm provides rods and bait, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of fishing without the hassle of bringing their own equipment.
A Rewarding Experience (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Visitors only pay for the fish they catch, making it a rewarding and affordable experience. The farm staff will even clean the catch for you, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Fresh Seafood Delights
The farm gate offers a variety of fresh and smoked fish, as well as pate, providing a taste of the farm’s bounty. Visitors can purchase these delicious products to enjoy at home or during their stay in the region.
A Tranquil Escape
Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm, with its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and commitment to providing a memorable experience, offers a tranquil escape for families and fishing enthusiasts alike. This farm, with its focus on sustainability and providing a rewarding experience, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and enjoyable day out.
