Some Interesting Fishing Locations in Victoria (Australia)
Victoria Fishing Spots – Looking to cast a line in the beautiful state of Victoria? Crystal-clear mountain streams and serene lakes offer many excellent fishing spots. Here are a few great sportfishing spots in Victoria.
South West & Grampians (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Victoria’s Southwest and Grampians
Victoria’s southwest and the spectacular Grampians offer a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a rewarding experience. This region, with its unique ecosystems and abundant fish populations, attracts anglers from across the state and beyond.
A Variety of Species
Native fish, including Murray cod and trout species, flourish here. This diverse range of species provides anglers with a variety of targets and fishing experiences.
Trophy Fish Destinations (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Several of the southwest’s lakes attract anglers from interstate, seeking a chance to catch a truly trophy fish. These lakes, with their unique ecosystems that support large populations of baitfish, offer exceptional fishing opportunities.
The Crater Lakes: A World-Class Destination
The Crater Lakes, comprising Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri, provide world-class fishing in extinct volcanoes. These lakes are renowned for their big trout and salmon. Lake Purrumbete also offers excellent redfin fishing, while Lake Bullen Merri is home to large bass, challenging even the most experienced anglers.
Diverse Fishing Opportunities in the Grampians
The Grampians’ lakes vary in character, with some around Halls Gap exhibiting almost alpine characteristics, with clear, cold, and deep water. Others are shallow and snaggy waterways, better suited to native fish. Rocklands Reservoir, with its established trout and redfin fishing, is rapidly gaining a reputation for its golden perch and Murray cod. This reservoir, with its record stockings in recent years, is poised to rival Lake Eildon as a premier fishing destination.
Still-Water Fishing in the Grampians
Lakes Wartook, Bellfield, Lonsdale, and Fyans offer still-water fishing for a mix of Murray cod, golden perch, and stocked trout.Redfin and yabbies thrive, offering great fishing. The Grampians provide rewarding angling.
Sunset Country (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Land of Sunsets: Victoria’s Sunset Country
Victoria’s Sunset Country, located in the far northwest of the state, offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and tranquil serenity. This region, with its semi-arid and wide-open landscapes, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and starry nights.
A Fishing Paradise
Sunset Country is a haven for anglers seeking a rewarding experience. The region is home to excellent fishing for Murray cod and golden perch, with fishing being an integral part of the local community. Anglers can explore the diverse waterways, seeking out the perfect spot to cast a line.
The Mighty Murray River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The star of the show is the mighty Murray River, a river rich in history and cultural significance, recognized as Australia’s most iconic waterway. This river, with its diverse habitats and abundant fish populations, attracts anglers from across the country.
A Variety of Fishing Opportunities
The Murray River is not the only fishing destination in Sunset Country. Anabranch tributaries, with redgum forests and billabongs, create a warm-water habitat for Murray cod, golden perch, and redfin. Anglers find tranquil fishing and scenic beauty here.
Tambo River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Abundance: The Tambo
The Tambo River estuary, flowing through open farmland, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a rewarding experience. The river’s accessible location and abundant fish populations make it a popular destination.
Accessing the Tambo River
The Tambo River is accessible along the Metung Road for shore-based fishing. However, the best access is by boat, with a boat ramp at Johnsonville offering excellent facilities. This convenient access allows anglers to explore the river’s diverse habitats and target a variety of fish species.
A Diverse Fishery (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The predominant species in the Tambo River are black bream, yellow-eye mullet, and estuary perch. Keen anglers, using specialized techniques, can also target luderick and sea mullet. The estuary is heavily fished for bream, often providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Prime Fishing Spots
Estuary perch are abundant, particularly upstream of the Princes Highway bridge, making this area a popular spot for shore-based fishers. Punthouse Point, the Three Gums, down to the river mouth, and including the Snags, are all popular fishing spots. The Tambo River, with its diverse fish populations, varied habitats, and convenient access, offers a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Toolondo Reservoir (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Trophy Trout Fishery: Toolondo Reservoir
Toolondo Reservoir, located in Victoria, is renowned as an outstanding stocked recreational trout fishery. This reservoir, with its diverse habitats and abundant trout populations, attracts anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.
Fluctuating Water Levels
However, as a secondary water storage facility, Toolondo Reservoir’s water levels have fluctuated considerably over the last few decades. These fluctuations, caused by historically low rainfall, have impacted the reservoir’s ability to sustain a healthy trout population.
A Commitment to Conservation (Victoria Fishing Spots)
In 2010/11, when Toolondo last filled, the Victorian Fisheries Authority stocked the reservoir with brown and rainbow trout. These trout grew quickly, leading to exceptional trophy trout fishing. Recognizing the importance of this fishery, the State Government, through its Target One Million Policy, established a local advisory group to address minimum water levels.
Securing Water for the Fishery
In January 2015, 5,000 megalitres of water were transferred to Toolondo Reservoir to protect the fishery. This initiative, preserving and extending the fishery for at least 12 months, created exceptional trout fishing opportunities. In 2015, the Toolondo Reservoir Recreational Fishing Advisory Group formed. It included government and fishing representatives.
A Collaborative Effort
The TRRFAG met on five occasions, completed four technical studies, made twenty key findings, and ten key recommendations to the State Government. The group examined sixteen options to secure water levels, ranging from water-saving infrastructure to the purchase of water, use of environmental water, and changes to water storage and transfer arrangements.
Challenges and Solutions (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Low rainfall and competing water needs challenged efforts to increase Toolondo Reservoir’s water. However, the government adopted all recommendations to protect this valuable and rewarding fishery.
Top Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Bream Paradise: The Top Lake
The Top Lake, a vast expanse of water within Mallacoota Inlet, is renowned for its abundant bream population, attracting anglers throughout the year. During the winter and spring months, a significant number of bream move upstream to spawn, creating a prime fishing opportunity.
Finding the Fish
Locating these bream often relies on the angler’s ability to read a sounder, especially in the deeper stretches of the lake and the rivers above. This technology helps anglers identify fish locations and depths, increasing their chances of success.
Trophy Flathead and Diverse Species (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Flathead are also present in the Top Lake, with some of the largest specimens in the Mallacoota system residing in these waters. While the quantity of fish may decrease as you move further up the lake, the quality of the catch often increases. Shallow flats, the ends of points, and the openings to backwaters are prime spots for targeting trophy flathead.
Exploring the Arms and Backwaters
The arms on both sides of the Top Lake offer excellent opportunities to find your own patch of fish, with less boat traffic than the Bottom Lake. As you approach Gypsy Point, the shoreline becomes snaggy, with more structure and backwaters, offering the possibility of catching estuary perch, in addition to flathead and bream.
Navigating the Top Lake
However, anglers should be aware of the shallow, unmarked reef stretches in the Top Lake. These reefs, while providing habitat for fish, can pose a hazard to boat operators. The Top Lake, with its diverse habitats, abundant fish populations, and challenging fishing opportunities, offers a rewarding experience for anglers seeking a unique and memorable adventure.
Victoria Lake and Paynesville (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Boating Paradise: Lake Victoria and Paynesville
Lake Victoria, a significant part of the Gippsland Lakes system, lies between Lake Wellington to the west, Lake King to the east, and Ninety Mile Beach to the south. This expansive lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and scenic beauty.
A Boating Hub: Paynesville
Paynesville, nestled on the banks of Lake Victoria, is known as Gippsland’s boating capital. The town boasts a plethora of moorings and canals filled with boats of all sizes, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the excellent launching facilities available at Paynesville or nearby Sunset Cove.
Exploring the Lake’s Shores (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The region surrounding Lake Victoria offers a wide range of places to explore, including Bunga and Newlands Arm, Sperm Whale Head, Banksia Peninsula, Ocean Grange, Barrier Landing, Lazy Bay, and Duck Arm. Most of these areas are accessible only by boat, providing a unique and adventurous experience.
Fishing Opportunities
Lake Victoria, near Loch Sport, is easily navigated; it averages five meters deep, though it shallows near McLellan Strait. Bream are plentiful; tailor are common, and flathead are found near drop-offs in warmer weather. The lake’s diverse fish populations and varied habitats attract anglers seeking a rewarding fishing experience.
Wellington Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Shallow Haven: Lake Wellington
Lake Wellington, the largest lake in the Gippsland Lakes system, is fed by the Avon, Perry, and LaTrobe rivers. Its shallow waters and sandy bottom create an ideal environment for foraging bream, with mullet, flathead, and some estuary perch also present. However, the lake’s shallow depth can pose a challenge for larger vessels.
Navigating the Lake
The shallow depth, combined with ever-changing weather conditions, can quickly alter the state of the sea, creating a hazard for small craft. Anglers should exercise caution when navigating Lake Wellington, especially during periods of strong winds or changing tides.
Access and Fishing Opportunities (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Marley Point offers the best access to Lake Wellington, with a boat ramp, free camping, a sandy bank, and a jetty suitable for shore-based fishing. While some four-wheel drive tracks provide access to the lake from either side, the shallow and swampy margins can make shore fishing challenging. The lake is better suited for boats, allowing anglers to explore the Avon River and its abundant bream and large carp.
Exploring the Lake’s Shores
The passage across Lake Wellington is well-defined, as is the entrance to the Latrobe River. On the east side of Lake Wellington, via the McLellan Strait, visitors can fish from the bank or launch boats at Hollands Landing. This area is a prime spot for bream fishers, with some flathead found around Blonde Bay and Storm Point. The rock groynes along the southern shore also offer promising fishing opportunities.
Connecting the Lakes: McLellan Strait
McLellan Strait, with an average depth of four meters, connects Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington. This narrow channel provides a passage for boats and a unique fishing experience, with diverse fish populations and varied habitats. Lake Wellington, with its diverse fishing opportunities and scenic beauty, offers a rewarding experience for anglers seeking a tranquil escape in the Gippsland Lakes system.
Wendouree Lake (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Lake of Recreation: Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree, a popular local recreational area for over 150 years, attracts a constant stream of visitors seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous getaway. This lake, with its stunning scenery and diverse activities, offers a memorable experience for all.
Picnics and Lakeside Delights
Pack a picnic and make the most of the great picnic spots and barbecue facilities surrounding Lake Wendouree. Arrive early in the summer to snag a good spot. Alternatively, enjoy the views from lakeside spots, such as The Lake View Hotel and Pipers by the Lake, while someone else handles the catering.
A Historic Tram Ride (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Take a scenic ride on a historic tram through the Botanic Gardens and part of the way around the lake, courtesy of the Ballarat Tramway Museum on the west side of the lake. Note that during May 2022, tram rides will not be operating as part of the track is being replaced.
Walking, Running, and Cycling
Feel the local athletic history and hit the six-kilometer trail circling the lake, named after local Olympic marathon runner Steve Moneghetti. Join countless locals running, strolling, and cycling the track year-round. Bicycles are available for hire at the lake from nearby Welcome Nugget Bike Hire.
Water Sports and Recreation
Make a splash canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on Lake Wendouree. The site of the canoeing, kayaking, and rowing events of the 1956 Olympics, the lake continues to host major rowing regattas and is a favorite spot for water sport enthusiasts.
Fishing and Birdwatching (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Join keen anglers casting a line from purpose-built fishing platforms around the lake. Local catches include rainbow trout and redfin. Bring your binoculars and watch the lake’s reed beds, home to an abundant range of water birds, including swans, ducks, gulls, and cormorants.
Family Fun and Local Markets
Take the smallest family members to explore the two lakeside playgrounds, suitable for toddlers and up. Time your visit with the weekend to stock up on local produce and products at the Lakeside Farmers Market, held on the second and fourth Saturday morning of each month. Lake Wendouree, with its diverse recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous getaway.
Werribee River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of History and Nature: The Werribee River
The Werribee River, known as the “backbone” of Werribee, is a vital waterway in Victoria, flowing for about 110 kilometers southeast from the Wombat State Forest on the Great Dividing Range to Port Phillip Bay. This river, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers a unique and rewarding experience for visitors.
A River’s History
The Werribee River forms the natural boundary between the lands of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples. Numerous fish traps, artifacts, and burial sites found along the river’s banks provide evidence of large campsites, showcasing the region’s rich Indigenous history. The river has had at least four names: “Arndell,” named in 1834 by explorers Hume and Hovell; “Peel” and then “the Ex,” named by surveyor John Helder Wedgeb; and its current name, derived from the Aboriginal words “Weariby” (spine) and “Yallock” (stream).
European Settlement and Conflict (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Europeans settled in the area in the mid-1830s. Within a decade, the river became a scene of conflict between the colonizers and the Wathaurung people. In 1836, a squatter and shepherd were speared to death near Mount Cottrell, leading to John Batman leading a punitive party that killed at least 10 Aboriginal people. The village that later became Werribee was proclaimed in 1850 and declared a municipality in 1862. Farmers moved into the area in the 1890s, establishing dairying and agriculture, and an irrigation scheme was established around 1910 to produce vegetables.
A Diverse Ecosystem
The Werribee River estuary forms the eastern boundary of a large wetland, listed as significant under the Ramsar convention. This wetland supports a diverse range of plants and animals, especially waterbirds, and holds cultural, educational, tourism, and scientific significance. The catchment’s geology is dominated by basalt plains, forming part of Victoria’s western volcanic plains grassland ecosystem. These plains, located in the rain shadow of the Otway Ranges, are the driest area south of the Great Divide in Victoria, with annual rainfall of about 450 millimeters.
A Haven for Wildlife
The Werribee River and its surrounds are considered a haven for birdwatching, with at least 190 species found throughout the year. A plethora of native plants and animals inhabit the river and its banks, with wildlife flourishing thanks to revegetation projects and the introduction of conservation areas. The river supports a rich and diverse group of fish, including black bream, King George whiting, yellow-eye mullet, and trevally, though overfishing remains a key threat.
A Tapestry of Life (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The river is home to a diverse population of native and migratory birds, including the mighty wedge-tailed eagle and the splendid peregrine falcon. The nearby Western Treatment Plant provides a haven for up to 65,000 birds at any one time, including more than one-third of Australia’s species and migratory birds traveling from as far as Alaska, Siberia, China, and Japan. The river’s diverse habitats support a variety of frog species, with some residing in the water, others dividing their time between water, wetlands, and land, and others spending most of their lives burrowing underground.
A Rich Ecosystem
The river is home to six species of bats, including Gould’s wattled bat and the white-striped freetail bat, which roost in tree hollows during the day. Other iconic mammals include the black wallaby, common wombat, and platypus, classified as a regionally significant species. About 10 reptile species inhabit the river, including skinks, dragons, geckos, blue-tongue and legless lizards, and the common long-necked turtle. Three protected snake species known to the area are the little whip snake, eastern brown snake, and tiger snake.
A Vital Ecosystem
The many species of aquatic insects found in the river are influenced by the region’s geology, which affects water chemistry and stream bed material. Over 130 species of flora are found along the river, including black, gold dust, and narrow-leaf wattle, tree violet, and native grasses. These plants play a vital role in maintaining the river’s vast ecology, providing homes and nesting places for birds and mammals, as well as an important food source. The Werribee River, with its rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and rewarding experience for those seeking a connection with nature.
West Coast (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Fishing Paradise: Victoria’s West Coast
Victoria’s west coast, stretching from Warrnambool to Portland, offers anglers unparalleled access to the ocean, providing opportunities to pursue giant southern bluefin tuna and a variety of other prized species. This region, with its nutrient-rich waters, concentrations of baitfish, and predatory game fish, is a true fishing paradise.
A Bounty of Species
Portland, known as the bluefin tuna capital of Australia, attracts anglers seeking these prized fish. However, bluefin tuna can be found anywhere along the west coast, including Port Fairy, Warrnambool, and Apollo Bay. These fish range in size from enormous “barrels” to more modest “schoolies” weighing 10 to 25 kilograms.
Deep Dropping and Inshore Adventures (Victoria Fishing Spots)
When offshore conditions permit, anglers venture to the Continental Shelf and beyond in search of delicious table fish. These “deep droppers” deploy baits into the abyss, targeting prized species such as blue-eyed trevalla, hapuku, and gemfish. During warmer months, the region offers one of Victoria’s most prestigious sportfish, yellowtail kingfish, often found inshore, accessible to boaters and even kayakers.
A Welcoming Destination
The west coast boasts excellent facilities at most ports, ample boat-friendly accommodation to suit all budgets, and a thriving seasonal charter fleet catering to anglers without boats. This region, with its diverse fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, offers a memorable experience for anglers seeking a coastal adventure.
Wimmera River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Beauty: The Wimmera River
The Wimmera River, flowing through Horsham and Dimboola, eventually drains into Lake Hindmarsh, a short distance beyond Jeparit. This river, the longest land-locked river in Victoria, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a connection with nature.
A River for Recreation
The Wimmera River, with its peaceful waters and diverse landscapes, is a popular destination for canoeing and fishing. Parts of the river are also popular with water skiers, providing a variety of recreational opportunities. The area is abundant with birds, plants, and wildlife, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Several great walking tracks wind through the region, offering scenic views and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
A Tranquil Escape: Dimboola (Victoria Fishing Spots)
Dimboola, a charming town located along the Wimmera River, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The town features a camping ground and bush walks at Horseshoe and Ackle Bend, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking a connection with nature. Nominal camping fees apply.
A Unique Phenomenon: Pink Lake
Pink Lake, situated on the Western Highway near Dimboola, often glows pink, particularly towards the end of summer. This unique phenomenon, caused by the presence of algae, attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of nature’s beauty. The town also features the Dimboola Imaginarium, a whimsical living room filled with curios, collectables, toys, books, plants, and other unique gifts. The historic Victoria Hotel is highly recommended for its charm and hospitality.
Exploring the Waterways: Jeparit
Jeparit, located north of Dimboola, offers an extensive network of waterways ideal for kayaking. The Jeparit Caravan Park, a low-cost council-run site, provides excellent toilets and showers. Nearby, the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. The Wimmera River, with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and charming towns, offers a memorable experience for those seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous journey.
Wongungarra River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A Mountain River’s Majesty: The Wongungarra
The Wongungarra River flows through a picturesque landscape of forested mountains, creating a challenging yet rewarding fishing experience for anglers. This river, with its rocky bottom of boulders and rocks, features numerous deep pools, offering a diverse habitat for fish.
A Wild and Powerful River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
The Wongungarra River, ranging in width from 10 to 20 meters, can flow powerfully after rainfall, making wading dangerous. This challenging terrain demands careful navigation and experience from anglers seeking to explore its depths.
Access and Diverse Fishing
Access to the upper reaches of the Wongungarra River is limited to four-wheel drive vehicles, requiring a certain level of expertise and preparation. The river is home to wild brown trout, and anglers can use all methods, including fly fishing, lure casting, and bait fishing, to target these elusive fish. Despite its challenging nature, the Wongungarra River, with its stunning scenery and diverse fish population, attracts anglers seeking a true wilderness fishing experience.
Wonnangatta River (Victoria Fishing Spots)
A River of Beauty and Challenge: The Wonnangatta
The Wonnangatta River, known for its beauty and wild character, descends from forested mountainous country, accessible only by four-wheel drive during the drier months, due to seasonal track closures. This rugged terrain creates a challenging environment for anglers, but one that is rewarded with diverse fishing opportunities.
From Gorge to Gorge
The river flows through a forested gorge, with cleared river flats in the middle reaches near Talbotville, creating a varied landscape. The Wonnangatta River, averaging approximately 10 meters wide, features shallow pools. During the summer, drier years can cause low water flow, making the river very shallow. However, the river is abundant with small brown trout, offering a unique fishing experience.
A Diversified Landscape (Victoria Fishing Spots)
From the Wonnangatta River junction to Lindenow, the river flows for 60 kilometers, traversing forested mountains. Most of this length is characterized by a wide, steep-sided valley, ultimately leading into the Mitchell River Gorge. This dramatic landscape offers diverse fishing opportunities, with extensive deep pools separated by long riffles. Submerged logs and deep pools provide essential habitat for fish, adding to the richness of the river’s ecosystem.
Accessing the Wonnangatta
The Mitchell River Gorge boasts a series of rapids and pools, with boulder and rock bottoms and fast-flowing water. This section of the river is accessible by conventional vehicle to Tabberabbera and the Mitchell River National Park, where walking tracks lead to the river. Access along the river is challenging upstream from Glenaladale. In these middle reaches, anglers encounter larger brown trout, with some good rainbow trout, making this section a prime fishing destination.
Diverse Fishing Techniques
All fishing methods, including fly fishing, lure casting, and bait fishing, are suitable in the Wonnangatta River. The river’s diverse habitat, with its rapids, pools, and varied terrain, provides a rewarding fishing experience for anglers seeking a true adventure in the heart of the Victorian Alps.