Despite being one of the smallest states in Australia, Victoria is genuinely punching above its weight when it comes to fishing opportunities. Not only does it offer a truly breathtaking backdrop to your angling adventures, but it also offers anglers spectacular fresh and saltwater fishing with various delicious and hard-fighting fish species.
Regardless of what type of fishing you enjoy, offshore for Tuna and Marlin, inshore for Flathead, Salmon, and Bream, or fly fishing for Trout, Victoria has something to offer all anglers.
In the following guide to fishing in Victoria, we’ll cover:
While you’re in Victoria for your fishing adventure of a lifetime, you should definitely check out Melbourne. To learn more about Melbourne fishing, check out our Melbourne Fishing: Your Comprehensive Guide, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about fishing in Melbourne, Victoria.
The Fishbox is a premium Fishing Forecasting app that gives you access to advanced technology, including the best time to go fishing in Victoria and when you’re better off relaxing at home with your family or getting the boat and tackle ready for your next fishing adventure.
Fishing Seasons in Victoria
One of the biggest advantages anglers in Australia and Victoria enjoy is that you can fish year-round. Sure, some seasons are better than others, but for the most part, the only thing that will prevent you from getting out on the water in Victoria is your availability and the weather. Apart from that, there’s pretty much year-round fishing available if you’re enthusiastic enough to get out there.
However, for freshwater anglers, you need to be aware of certain closures. Rivers and streams across Victoria are closed from the Queen’s Birthday weekend, usually the second weekend in June, through to the first weekend in September. However, if you are a Trout or Salmon enthusiast, you can fish for both species year-round.
You can learn more about the Victorian Freshwater Fishing seasons and regulations here.
It’s saltwater fishing opportunities where Victoria really stands out. Despite being cooler than northern states such as Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, there are still a lot of opportunities for saltwater fishing enthusiasts.
If you’re planning a holiday around saltwater fishing, the warmer summer period beginning in October and running through to April will give you the most opportunity and variety in the species you target.
Inshore fishing during this period offers excellent table fish such as Flathead, King George Whiting, and Snapper. If you hire a charter boat or have access to a boat capable of heading offshore, you can chase Tuna, Salmon, Gummy Sharks, Marlin, and much more.
Below, we’ll do a fishing season breakdown for one of the most popular fishing locations in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay:
- Summer – Snapper, King George Whiting, Flathead, Garfish, and Squid.
- Autumn – Squid, Whiting, Garfish, and Flathead.
- Winter – Pinkies (small Snapper), Australian Salmon, Garfish, Flathead, Whiting, and Squid.
Best Fishing Spots in Victoria
The hardest decision you’re going to have to make when you’re planning your Victorian fishing adventure is where to start. With almost year-round fishing and so many different target species, choosing a fishing location is always the most challenging decision facing Victorian anglers. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered.
In the section below, we’re going to cover the best fishing spots in Victoria, including the species that you should be focusing on.
Melbourne
We have to start the list with the capital city of Melbourne. It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing near shore or heading out into deeper water chasing large Tuna offshore. Melbourne has something to offer anglers of all experience levels. From Flathead and Whiting inshore to Tuna and Gummy Shark offshore, there’s a fish with your name on it.
Port Phillip Bay
As we mentioned above, Port Phillip Bay is one of Victoria’s most legendary fishing locations, thanks to the inshore fishing and quick access to abundant offshore fishing grounds. The king of Port Phillip Bay is undeniably the Snapper, and when they’re biting, the bay will be packed with fellow anglers all hunting these delicious fish.
The Bass Strait
It may not look like it, but the Bass Strait, which separates mainland Australia and Victoria from Tasmania, is one of the roughest stretches of water in Australia, so don’t venture out into it too far without an adequate boat or experience. Despite being rough at times, Bass Strait offers excellent Snapper, Whiting, and Yellowtail Kingfish fishing, along with larger species such as Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Swordfish.
Portland
If you’re all about that game fishing lifestyle, then head to Portland’s blue water. 50 kilometers from land, you’ll run straight into the continental shelf where massive Bluefin Tuna lurk in the cold, deep water that runs along this sudden drop-off.
The Yarra River
Freshwater anglers, we haven’t forgotten about you either. If you love freshwater fishing, head to the Yarra River, one of Victoria’s premium freshwater fishing destinations. Not only will you be able to catch Mulloway, but it’s also got a healthy Trout population.
Lake Eildon
Lake Eildon, sometimes referred to as the Eildon Pondage, this is a family-friendly destination for freshwater angling enthusiasts. It can get a little crowded on weekends and holidays, but the Trout fishing is excellent and there’s also Perch on offer too.
Warrnambool
If you head along the Great Ocean Road, well worth the drive just for the scenery alone, you’ll encounter the city of Warrnambool. It offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing in the rivers and estuaries, and popular species on offer include Mulloway, Bream, Estuary Perch, and Trout.
Freshwater Fishing in Victoria
While there’s a lot of saltwater fishing and it sometimes overshadows the freshwater fishing, there’s still a lot of freshwater angling fun to be had, especially if you’re willing to move around the state to find it. Throughout the Garden State, you have a network of freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes which are packed with popular freshwater species.
One of the many lakes will be your first choice for a family-friendly lake such as Lake Eildon. Most of the lakes in the state offer camping or accommodation options, so plan ahead and book a few days so you can explore the whole area. Trout, Perch, and Salmon are all regular target species in these lakes with larger Salmon typically stocked.
If you like fly fishing or casting lures and soft plastics, the rivers and streams throughout Victoria are full of Trout, Perch, Redfin, and Murray Cod. If you haven’t fished before, it can have a steep learning curve and an expensive initial investment, but once you master it, it can provide a lifetime of fun and relaxation.
Saltwater Fishing in Victoria
Saltwater fishing enthusiasts strap in because the fishing opportunities in Victoria offer endless opportunities regardless of whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore. In this section, we’ll break down the most popular saltwater species, including how to catch them so you can plan ahead for your Victorian fishing adventure.
Pink Snapper
Easily, one of the most sought-after saltwater species is the Pink Snapper. Not only do they fight well because of their large size, but they also taste delicious too. You get the best of both worlds when you catch a big Snapper, and the best place in Victoria to catch them is in Port Phillip Bay.
Small Snapper under 40 cm in length are referred to by the locals as Pinkies, and only fish over that size are considered grown-up Snapper. Typically weighing in between 1 to 8 kgs, any fish that make it double digits are trophy-worthy, so make sure you take a picture.
While it’s not uncommon to catch Snapper during the day, experienced local anglers will tell you that to take advantage of the peak Snapper time, you need to be on the water before dawn or just before sunset. Live bait fishing close to the bottom is exceptional, but they’ll also eat Pilchards and chicken livers. If you don’t like bait fishing, large soft plastics can also be effective.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
When the cold winter months roll in, it’s time to head offshore in pursuit of the mighty and majestic Southern Bluefin Tuna. Anglers from across the country head to the cold, deep waters of the continental shelf, all with one objective, hooking and landing one of these mighty monster fish.
The cooler months, starting in May through August will see the Bluefin arrive, ranging in size from 10 to 80kgs. If you find the birds, you’ll find the bait schools, and lurking below them, you’ll generally find the Tuna schools.
The most effective way to hook a Bluefin Tuna is trolling a pattern of lures up to around 10 knots, and don’t be scared to experiment with different colored lures and patterns.
King George Whiting
If you prefer sticking close to the shore and you’re looking for a delicious feed, then King George Whiting is where it’s at. While they may not have the same screaming run of a Bluefin Tuna or the weight of a Snapper, these fish are fun to catch and fantastic to eat.
Whiting normally weighs around 1-2kgs, but larger specimens are out there, especially in deeper water. Available from the shore or close to shore in a boat, Whiting preferred fairly sheltered water with sandy bottoms and vegetation.
Live bait and lighter gear are the go if you want to hook a Whiting. Sandworms, Yabbies, Small Crabs, Prawns, and strip baits are typically the baits of choice for catching your limit of Whiting.
Mulloway
Mulloway, or Jewfish as they’re commonly referred to, translates to ‘great one,’ and there’s a reason for it. These mighty fish with many names are anything but easy to catch, so you’ll need all your wits and experience backing you up before you head out after one of these monsters.
Their impressive size and largemouth make these big fish the largest predators in their small world, and they can often be found lurking around brackish water closer to river mouths, estuaries, bridges, and bays.
Despite their bulk, these elusive fish deserve their nickname, the Silver Ghost. They can weigh in excess of 50 kgs and fight dirty, heading for every snag in an attempt to tangle your line and cut you off. Fishing at night or on low-visibility days with live bait is the method of choice.
Sharks
There are over 100 different species of Sharks living in Australia, so just consider that fact the next time you’re splashing around in the water at the beach! Starting in Victoria, there are almost a dozen varieties of Sharks that are easily accessible.
Gummy Sharks are the most popular and abundant, and they will eat just about anything they come across, especially if your bait spends too long in the water. They aren’t particularly dangerous but do taste good if handled properly, bled, and iced.
Other popular Shark species include Mako Sharks, Bronze Whalers, School Sharks, and Tiger Sharks. If you don’t have a lot of experience catching Sharks, your best bet is to head out with a charter boat that specializes in Sharks.
Read also: Land-Based Shark Fishing: Tips and Tricks to Catch Bigger Sharks from the Beach
Fishing Techniques and Tips
Fortunately, Victoria offers anglers a lot of different options when it comes to how they prefer to fish. In this section, we’re going to cover some of the most popular fishing techniques in Victoria.
Victoria Charter Fishing
If you’re new to Victoria, just visiting, or want to head deep offshore and don’t have a large offshore boat of your own, then a charter is your best option. It also means that you can arrive for a day of fishing and don’t have to invest in a rod and reel or fishing equipment of your own if you’re traveling.
Now, if you’re planning to fish during the peak summer season and chase species that are in high demand, such as Sharks, Southern Bluefin Tuna, or Swordfish, you must book early.
Most charter trips last a full day, with some multi-day options, and there are also a few inshore charters that are half-day trips with less travel time. There are also shared trip options where you can jump on board with a group made up of smaller groups, which can cut down the cost considerably.
Before you book your fishing charter in Victoria, speak to the captain, find out what you’re required to bring, how long you’ll be on the water, and what amenities are available.
Offshore Fishing | Boat Fishing
If you have access to a boat, even a small boat, your options are endless in Victoria, with thousands of miles of coastline, bays, and estuaries to explore. If your boat is on the smaller side, stick closer to shore, where it’s safer. Inshore species you’ll encounter include Snapper, Jewfish,
For those with access to a larger boat, heading off the coast of Victoria allows you to chase after larger game fish such as Southern Bluefin Tuna, Sharks, Yellowfin Tuna, Swordfish, large Snapper, and much more.
Inshore Land-Based Fishing
For anglers that are limited to the shore, don’t feel like you’re missing out. You may not be able to catch gamefish like Tuna or Swordfish, but Gummy Sharks, Mulloway, Snapper, Flathead, King George Whiting, Bream, Yellowtail Kingfish, Australian Salmon, and many more. You have the opportunity to fish from the beach, bays, piers, structures, jetties, and much more, and the only thing limiting you is the time to explore them all.
Fly Fishing
With so many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Victoria, it’s no surprise they have such a popping fly fishing scene. The larger freshwater areas close to the city of Melbourne will be quite busy, but if you take the time to travel out into the countryside a little further, you’ll be able to find some pristine waterways, and there’s a good chance you’ll have them to yourself.
The main target species for fly fishing enthusiasts in Victoria would have to be Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. The larger lakes are typically kept well stocked by the fisheries department, but the smaller rivers and streams contain a lot of wild Trout.
Fishing Regulations in Victoria
Before you go fishing anywhere In Victoria, it’s essential to check in and make sure that you not only have the appropriate fishing license but are also fully aware of season, size, and bag limits for your target species or fish species you’re likely to encounter while fishing.
Any anglers in Victoria over the age of 18 are required to purchase a recreational fishing license from the Victorian Fisheries Authority website. They have 4 options, 3-day, 28-day, 1-year, and 3-year licenses. If you can’t purchase a license online, there are also licensed agents located throughout the state and at Service Vic offices during business hours.
If you’re going out chasing Tuna, it’s important to note that you’re not allowed to clean your catch at sea. All Tuna must be cleaned and filleted on dry land and not while you’re out on your boat or the charter boat, along with size and bag limits. However, an experienced charter captain will be well versed in all the rules and regulations.
Fishing in Victoria: The Ultimate Guide | Conclusion
Before you start your Victorian fishing adventure, be sure to read our ultimate guide to fishing in Victoria so that you don’t miss out on any of the best fishing spots in Vic, Australia. Finding new fishing spots when you’re new to town or on a destination fishing trip isn’t always easy, but if you want to go it alone, the information above will point you in the right direction and give you the fishing information you need.
Thanks to the premium fish forecasting application Fishbox App, you’ll be in the perfect position to catch some great fish by analyzing local weather and water conditions along with input from local anglers. The Fishbox App utilizes accurate weather, tide, and fishing conditions to predict the best time to get out on the water to catch your target species.
Do you have some top fishing spots in Victoria that you’d like to share with other anglers? Drop a comment below! We love hearing your thoughts and feedback, and we’re sure new anglers will appreciate the advice.
