1. Murray River

Flowing through the heart of Victoria, the mighty Murray River captivates anglers with its serene beauty and abundant fish populations. As Australia's longest river, the Murray is home to prized species like Murray cod, golden perch, and silver perch, making it a haven for freshwater enthusiasts.

What to Catch: Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), Silver Perch

How to Catch It: Cast your line near submerged structure for Murray cod using large lures or spinnerbaits. Target golden perch with bait like yabbies or worms on a running sinker rig. For silver perch, try using worms or shrimp in deeper river sections.

2. Lake Eildon

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Victorian High Country, Lake Eildon beckons anglers with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. This expansive reservoir offers a tranquil escape and boasts an array of species, including trout, Murray cod, and redfin, ensuring an unforgettable fishing experience.

What to Catch: Trout, Murray Cod, Redfin

How to Catch It: Troll with lures or bait like worms around submerged timber for trout. Target Murray cod near structure using large lures. Catch redfin using soft plastics or bait like worms around rocky points.

3. Western Port Bay

Tucked away on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Western Port Bay is a hidden gem beloved by local anglers for its diverse fishing opportunities and unspoiled natural beauty. With its sheltered waters and abundant marine life, this bay offers anglers a chance to target species like snapper, flathead, whiting, and gummy shark amidst a tranquil coastal setting.

What to Catch: Snapper, Flathead, Whiting, Gummy Shark

How to Catch It: Target snapper with fresh bait like pilchards or squid near reefs. Drift sandy flats for flathead using soft plastic lures or pilchards. Hook whiting with pipis or squid strips on a paternoster rig. Catch gummy shark using fresh bait like squid or fish fillets on a running sinker rig.

4. Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance, nestled where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, is a fishing paradise blessed with an abundance of species and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're casting from the shore or chartering a boat, this coastal gem offers opportunities to target bream, flathead, tailor, and luderick amidst serene waterways and picturesque beaches.

What to Catch: Bream, Flathead, Tailor, Luderick

How to Catch It: Use light tackle and shrimp or sandworms near structure for bream. Target flathead with soft plastic lures or pilchards near sandbanks. Lure tailor with metal lures or fresh bait near river mouths. Catch luderick using weed baits on a float rig in estuaries.

5. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula, with its stunning coastline and diverse marine habitats, offers anglers a chance to immerse themselves in coastal charm while reeling in prized catches. From the shores of Port Phillip Bay to the rugged coastline of Bass Strait, this region provides ample opportunities to target species like snapper, whiting, salmon, and squid against a backdrop of scenic beauty.

What to Catch: Snapper, Whiting, Salmon, Squid

How to Catch It: Drop fresh bait like pilchards or squid near reefs for snapper. Hook whiting with pipis or squid strips on a paternoster rig. Reel in salmon with metal lures or bait from beaches or piers. Nab squid with specialised jigs near seagrass beds.

What does the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) have to say?

We had a brief chat to the BIAV CEO - Steve Walker who weighed in on this subject, as he’s out there talking to the boating community on a daily basis across Victoria.  

Here’s what Steve Walker had to say - “Victoria is covered in amazing fishing destinations. On and around Port Phillip Bay, Bellarine Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula, Westernport Bay, or one of the many inland waterways such as Eildon, Eppalock or in East Gippsland, in a water catchment, or one of the hundreds of beautiful river settings. But if you’re a keen angler you can’t go past Lakes Entrance or Malacoota! There are so many to choose from, for every type of fishing. 

In closing I would settle for Squid in the shallows off Rye Pier, Snapper close to the mouth of Port Phillip, A nice Rainbow Trout off the back of the tinny in Lake Eildon or Goulburn River off-shoots, Bream from the Nicholson River in East Gippsland, and a prize winning Cod straight from the Murray River up in Echuca, Moama”.

Victoria's top fishing destinations promise unforgettable adventures and (hopefully) a few classic catches for Aussie anglers. So pack your gear into the KGM and get fishin'!