Epic Victoria Fishing Spots: Local Secrets Revealed – 4

Victoria Fishing Locations
Top Fishing Gadgets – Victoria Fishing Locations

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.

Mulwala Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Tranquil Escape: Lake Mulwala

Lake Mulwala, a stunning body of water located north of the Murray River, offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking a diverse range of recreational activities. This lake, with its majestic and ghostly river red gums, provides a picturesque backdrop for a memorable experience.

A Boating Paradise

The bustling country town of Mulwala, located three hours from Melbourne, is a hub for water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lessons are available for beginners, while competitions cater to experts. For a unique experience, board a paddle steamer cruise or try out a barbeque boat with friends and family.

Fishing Adventures (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Anglers can book a guided fishing tour with experts or set up camp along the banks with their fishing gear to catch the famed Murray cod. The lake’s diverse fish populations, including Murray cod, trout cod, golden perch (yellow belly), silver perch, and Murray crayfish, attract anglers seeking a rewarding catch. For recreational fishing in the Murray River, a NSW recreational fishing license is required.

A Family-Friendly Destination

Both sides of the lake boast attractive foreshores, providing a year-round recreation area. Visitors can enjoy picnic and barbecue facilities, walking tracks, waterslides, playgrounds, a skate park, swimming pools, and a splash park. Lake Mulwala, with its diverse recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, offers a memorable experience for families and individuals alike.

Murray River (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A River of History and Adventure: The Murray River

The mighty Murray River, one of the world’s longest navigable rivers, stretches 2,700 kilometers from the mountains of the Great Dividing Range in northeastern Victoria to near Adelaide in South Australia. This iconic river, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers a unique and rewarding experience for visitors.

A River’s Transformation

A mountain stream in its upper reaches, the Murray River transforms into a meandering river lined with magnificent forests of red gum and sandy beaches in its lower reaches. This diverse landscape, with its abundant wildlife, supports over 350 varieties of birds, as well as many species of mammals, reptiles, and fish.

A River’s Spirit (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Aboriginal people have inhabited the region for thousands of years, living in harmony with the river’s ecosystem. After European settlement, the Murray River became a vital trading route, with boats carrying supplies and transporting wool from the region’s stations and homesteads. This river, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to play a vital role in the lives of those who live along its banks.

Exploring the Murray River

Visitors can delve into Indigenous history with an Aboriginal tour guide, board a historic paddle steamer, or visit museums and the river towns of Albury Wodonga, Echuca Moama, Swan Hill, or Mildura. These experiences offer a glimpse into the river’s past and present, showcasing its cultural significance and natural beauty.

A Variety of Activities

Visitors can explore the Murray River at their own pace, hiring a houseboat to cruise along at a leisurely pace or renting a boat for a day’s fishing. Four inspiring Murray River canoe trails offer the chance to explore the red gum forests and secluded creeks of the Murray Valley and Barmah National Parks. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, waterskiing on Lake Hume, Lake Mulwala, or wider sections of the Murray River provides an exhilarating challenge. The Murray River, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and abundant recreational opportunities, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous journey.

Narrawong Beach (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Coastal Gem: Narrawong

Narrawong, a charming coastal town nestled at the mouth of the Surry River, offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous getaway. This town, with its stunning natural beauty and rich history, attracts those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

A Family-Friendly Beach

Narrawong Beach, patrolled during the summer months, provides a safe and enjoyable experience for families. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, or simply walking their dog along the sandy shores. Access to the beach from the reserve area is via a footbridge over the Surry River. Keep an eye out for the Hooded Plover, a species that calls this beach home. A kids’ playground, located right at the edge of the beach, offers a combination of beach fun and slides for younger visitors.

Exploring the Surry River (Victoria Fishing Spots)

The Surry River, flowing through Narrawong, offers a variety of recreational opportunities. A boat ramp, located along the river, provides easy access for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. A nearby dock offers an excellent spot for fishing. The river continues to flow until it terminates at Narrawong Beach, where a bridge crosses the river, allowing visitors to stroll on the beach or swim in the ocean. Note that strong currents may be present, especially when the river mouth is open.

Art, Gardens, and Lavender

Narrawong is home to a variety of artistic and natural attractions. The Bay of Whales Gallery & Coffee House, open to the public every weekend or by appointment, showcases stunning works of art by local artists and offers a delicious cup of coffee. Timandra by the Sea Garden, a privately owned garden surrounded by tall trees, is a testament to sustainable gardening practices. Visitors can also experience the sweet aromas of Narrawong Lavender, where locally made soaps, creams, and pure oils are handcrafted using traditional methods.

Outdoor Recreation and History

Narrawong also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as those found at the Sawpit Recreation Area. This area, suitable for day visitors or free camping, features walking and mountain bike trails, as well as an amazing viewing area overlooking Portland Town and Bay. For those interested in history, the Whalers Lookout at the Sawpit Recreation Area provides an opportunity to learn about whaling in the region, dating back to a time even before European arrival.

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Nearby, a historic cemetery marks the burial site of Captain William Dutton, one of the first European settlers to the area, and three whalers who drowned in the rescue of the Julia shipwreck in 1863. Narrawong, with its diverse attractions, stunning scenery, and rich history, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a coastal escape.

Narrows (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Narrow Passage: The Narrows

The Narrows, a unique stretch of Mallacoota Inlet, connects the Bottom Lake and the Upper Lake. As its name suggests, this narrow channel is deep, with steep sides that create a sheltered environment from most winds. While not known for its abundance of fish, The Narrows is renowned for producing mammoth flathead and mulloway.

Targeting Giants

To increase the chances of hooking one of these giants, anglers must anchor up and fish deep. The Narrows’ unique depth and currents create a challenging but rewarding fishing experience for those seeking a trophy catch.

Shore-Based and Kayak Fishing

Shore-based fishers frequently target bream and flathead in the shallow margins on the west side of The Narrows, using the bush tracks for access. The Narrows is also a popular destination for kayakers, who launch from Karbethong, allowing them to explore the channel’s depths and diverse habitats. The Narrows, with its unique features and challenging fishing opportunities, attracts anglers seeking a memorable and rewarding experience.

Nicholson River (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A River of Convenience: The Nicholson

The Nicholson River, flowing through cleared farmland, offers a convenient and accessible fishing experience for anglers. The river’s diverse habitat, with its jetties, fish cleaning tables, and fishing platforms around the Nicholson boat ramp, provides a welcoming environment for anglers.

Easy Access and Diverse Fishing

The Nicholson River boasts extensive bank access for shore-based fishers, making it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing fishing experience. The river is also a favorite among kayak fishers, with the area between the two bridges considered the best spot to target bream. The Swimming Hole and the area down to the river mouth are also popular fishing spots.

Prime Fishing Locations (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Most fishing effort occurs downstream of the Railway Bridge, where anglers can find success. Good fishing can also be had around boats moored along the river, offering a unique and rewarding experience. Despite its popularity, the Nicholson estuary is considered the least productive of the three rivers flowing into Jones Bay.

A Variety of Fishing Opportunities

The Nicholson River, with its convenient access, diverse habitats, and abundant fish populations, offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from the bank, exploring the river by kayak, or casting a line from a boat, the Nicholson River provides a tranquil and enjoyable escape for those seeking a day on the water.

Ninety Mile Beach (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Coastal Paradise: Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach, stretching as far as the eye can see, runs from east of Wilsons Promontory near McLoughlins Beach to Lake Tyers. This vast expanse of unspoiled golden sands, flanked by dunes and coastal vegetation, offers a serene and calming retreat.

A Fishing Haven

Ninety Mile Beach is a renowned surf fishing destination, offering opportunities to catch a variety of species, including salmon, tailor, snapper, sand whiting, flathead, trevally, mullet, and even mulloway. This enormous stretch of coastline is known for its diverse marine life, and it is also a popular spot for fishing in the Gippsland Lakes system behind the beach.

A Diverse Range of Fish (Victoria Fishing Spots)

However, the beach is most famous for its diverse shark population, ranging from gummy and school sharks to larger species, such as whalers, seven-gills, and even hammerheads. Anglers can choose from numerous popular fishing spots, including McLoughlins Beach, Seaspray, Golden Beach, Woodside Beach, Loch Sport, Lake Tyers, and Lakes Entrance. For those seeking a more remote and adventurous fishing experience, McGaurans Beach and Pettmans Beach near Lake Tyers offer seclusion.

Techniques for Success

Fishing Ninety Mile Beach is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. However, for increased success and enjoyment, anglers should cast a long distance and fish during suitable conditions. Avoid fishing during strong side currents or when weed is rampant. A northerly wind, which flattens the sea and aids casting, is ideal. A rising tide also works to the angler’s advantage.

Essential Gear and Techniques

A surf rod is essential for long casts, reaching productive waters, such as gutters with decent depth. A rod measuring at least 12 or 14 feet in length is recommended. A paternoster dropper rig, which allows for long casts and catches a variety of fish, is an effective choice. For a more family-friendly fishing experience, opt for lighter gear with a standard running sinker rig and fish in the shallows of the wash near the beach, using small squid strips or sandworms as bait. Berley can attract mullet, flathead, or salmon, especially near the shore break.

Ovens River (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A River of Two Sections: The Ovens River

The Ovens River, the largest river in this region, flows majestically towards Lake Mulwala, offering anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. This scenic river can be divided into two main sections: upstream and downstream of Myrtleford, each with its unique character and fishing potential.

The Upper Ovens: A Trout Paradise

Upstream of Myrtleford, the Ovens River is a clear, fast-flowing stream with a coarse substrate, providing ideal habitat for trout. The river rises near Harrietville and flows for 35 kilometers through patches of forest, unimproved farmland, and pine plantations, creating a varied and picturesque landscape. The upper reaches boast clear, fast-flowing water, perfect for small brown and rainbow trout. The river flows close to the road in this zone, making access convenient for anglers.

Between Bright and Myrtleford: A Shift in Character

Between Bright and Myrtleford, the Ovens River widens and deepens slightly, but retains its numerous riffles and runs. Access is good at Porepunkah, but more limited downstream as the river flows through farmland. The extensive riffles and runs at Porepunkah, along with pools up to a meter deep, create excellent habitat for trout. Around Myrtleford, the river deepens considerably, providing a home for larger brown trout, as well as rainbow trout, trout cod, and Murray cod.

Prime Trout Fishing and Native Species

The stretches of the Ovens River in Bright and upstream offer some of Victoria’s best trout fishing. The clear, flowing water with abundant in-stream habitat provides a haven for brown and rainbow trout. All techniques, including fly fishing, lure casting, and bait fishing, are effective in these waters. Downstream, the river becomes more turbid and deeper, creating suitable habitat for native fish, adding to the diversity of the Ovens River’s fishery.

Phillip Island (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Sanctuary of Wildlife: Phillip Island

Phillip Island, a tiny island sanctuary off the coast of Victoria, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Time seems to move a bit slower on this island, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

A Haven for Wildlife

Phillip Island is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, including seals, migratory whales, koalas, and brilliant birdlife. These animals, thriving in the island’s diverse habitats, create a captivating experience for visitors. The island’s dramatic cliffs and sheltered bays offer stunning views and a glimpse into the island’s natural beauty.

A Penguin Parade: A Must-See (Victoria Fishing Spots)

One of the island’s most popular attractions is the nightly penguin parade, where visitors can silently observe as the cutest little penguins emerge from the sea at dusk and waddle back to their burrows. This heartwarming spectacle, showcasing the island’s unique wildlife, is a must-see for visitors.

Family Fun and Coastal Delights

Phillip Island offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including chocolate factories, mazes, mini-golf, coastal walks, and the famous MotoGP. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood, often accompanied by inquisitive pelicans, adding to the island’s charm. Phillip Island, with its diverse attractions, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous getaway.

Port Phillip (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Coastal Gem: Port Phillip

Port Phillip, a stunning bay located in Victoria, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. This bay, with its varied habitats and abundant fish populations, attracts anglers seeking a rewarding and memorable experience.

A Fishing Paradise

Port Phillip, with its numerous piers and boat ramps, provides easy access for boat, kayak, and land-based fishers. The bay, encompassing Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne, and the state’s second-largest city, Geelong, offers a convenient and accessible fishing destination.

A Variety of Species (Victoria Fishing Spots)

From Point Lonsdale in the southwest to St Kilda on Melbourne’s doorstep, Port Phillip is home to a diverse range of fish species, including snapper, King George whiting, calamari, flathead, gummy shark, and scallops. This abundance of fish attracts anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding catch.

Beyond Fishing: A Coastal Escape

Port Phillip offers more than just fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens on the Mornington Peninsula, indulge in world-class restaurants and major sporting events in Melbourne, or take a boat tour to swim with dolphins and seals departing from Queenscliff or Sorrento during the warmer months.

A Destination for All

Port Phillip, with its diverse attractions and welcoming atmosphere, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a coastal escape. Whether fishing, exploring the region’s natural beauty, or enjoying the vibrant city life, Port Phillip provides a unique and rewarding experience for all.

Pretty Valley Reservoir (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Stark Beauty: Pretty Valley Reservoir

Pretty Valley Reservoir, nestled just a few kilometers from Rocky Valley, offers a different kind of alpine experience. Located at a higher elevation, the reservoir is more exposed to the elements, creating a stark and open landscape. The water, slightly stained and stable, is more fertile than Rocky Valley, with abundant weed growth and tussock-lined edges providing ideal habitat for well-conditioned trout.

A Lake for Exploration

Pretty Valley Reservoir, a stunning lake in a breathtaking alpine setting, is not accessible by boat, encouraging anglers to explore its shores on foot. At approximately one kilometer long, the reservoir is the perfect size for a leisurely walk, allowing anglers to cover a variety of fishing spots. Lure casting and fly fishing are popular methods for targeting the trout that call this reservoir home.

A Thriving Trout Population

Both brown and rainbow trout thrive in Pretty Valley Reservoir, though brown trout are significantly more abundant. The reservoir’s unique environment, with its slightly stained, fertile water and diverse habitat, provides a haven for these prized fish. Anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience can find it in the beautiful and pristine waters of Pretty Valley Reservoir.

Rocky Valley Reservoir (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Hidden Gem: Rocky Valley Reservoir

Rocky Valley Reservoir, though relatively small at approximately 9 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide, boasts a significant fishery that should not be underestimated. This alpine reservoir offers a unique fishing experience, thanks to its large snowmelt catchment, creating pristine waters.

A Champion’s Destination

Located a short distance from the Falls Creek village, Rocky Valley Reservoir is frequently chosen as the venue for the National Fly-Fishing Championships, attracting anglers seeking a challenge. This reservoir is one of the few places where catching a wild trout exceeding four kilograms is a real possibility, making it a top destination for experienced anglers.

Access and Diverse Habitat (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Access to Rocky Valley Reservoir is excellent, with picnic facilities and two boat ramps suitable for small craft located on the eastern and western sides of the dam wall. Anglers can choose between bank fishing and boat fishing, with both methods proving successful. The northern and eastern banks, accessible from Bogong High Plains Road, offer diverse habitats, including shallow margins, rocky outcrops, and deep drop-offs, providing a range of fishing opportunities.

Successful Fishing Methods

From the shoreline, bait fishing is effective, as the main diet of trout in the lake consists of mudeyes, terrestrial insects, and smaller trout. Fly fishers enjoy great success east of the dam wall and on the southern side. Boat-based anglers primarily troll or drift the shoreline and cast lures, exploring the diverse depths of the reservoir. Rocky Valley Reservoir offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels, with its diverse habitats, abundant fish, and stunning alpine scenery.

Rose River (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A River of Diversity: The Rose River

The Rose River, also known as Dandongadale, flows through a diverse landscape, beginning in mountainous forests and then winding through farmland. This river, with its gravel and rock bed, offers a unique and challenging fishing experience.

Navigating the River

The river’s channel can become a series of pools during dry years, due to sedimentation. Anglers can access the river along its length from a nearby road, making it a popular fishing destination. However, dense bank vegetation, including blackberry, can make access to the water difficult.

A Thriving Fishery (Victoria Fishing Spots)

The Rose River is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout up to 2 kilograms and rainbow trout up to 1 kilogram in the headwaters, with some larger fish found downstream. The river also supports two-spined blackfish, redfin, and mountain galaxias.

Stocking and Sustainability

The Rose River was stocked with Macquarie perch and trout cod fingerlings prior to 1995. The last stocking of brown trout occurred in 1995. Despite these past stocking efforts, a self-sustaining population of fish now thrives in the river, showcasing the river’s resilience and the success of conservation efforts. The Rose River, with its diverse fish populations, challenging terrain, and stunning scenery, offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers seeking a unique and memorable adventure.

Seaspray (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Victoria Fishing Spots

A Coastal Haven: Seaspray

Seaspray, a charming small town nestled directly on the renowned Ninety Mile Beach, provides visitors with easy access to the sand and surf. Located 32 kilometers south of Sale, Seaspray offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking relaxation and coastal adventures.

Amenities and Accessibility

Seaspray boasts a general store and a large park with top-notch facilities, stretching the entire length of Foreshore Road. Multiple access points along the coast lead to the beach, including the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, perched atop the sand dunes, featuring a large viewing deck and ramps leading down to the sand. Visitors can also explore smaller beaches such as Flamingo, Glomar, Delray, and Honeysuckles, many of which have wooden ramps and staircases over the dunes leading right down to the sand.

Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)

Elevated viewing decks along the coast help anglers locate gutters, allowing them to choose the best spots to set up. Merriman Creek, skirting around Seaspray’s western edge, opens up to a wide waterway as it meets Ninety Mile Beach. Near the creek’s mouth, a fishing platform and shelter await visitors, offering good beach fishing opportunities as well as a chance to target estuary species upstream, especially in a kayak.

Serene Coastal Retreat

Seaspray’s location on the beach, with its serene environment and abundance of recreational options, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing escape. The town offers a mix of coastal charm and fishing opportunities, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.








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