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Fishing

There is a diverse range of fishing options throughout Victoria. Freshwater rivers and streams offer the opportunity to catch species such as trout, perch and Murray cod. Snapper, whiting and flathead are often caught at beach and offshore areas.

Freshwater fishing

Suitable spots for freshwater fishing near Melbourne are the Yarra River at Warburton and the Steavenson River near Marysville. Both have good stocks of trout.

In the state's east, the rivers and estuaries around Marlo, Bemm River and Mallacoota, are where you can find bream, flathead and trevally.

Victoria's High Country provides good fishing opportunities. Some of the best spots are the Kiewa, Mitta Mitta and Ovens Rivers, where both brown and rainbow trout are found. Another good place for trout fishing is Lake Eildon.

Within central Victoria, trout can be found in many lakes including Cairn Curran, Lauriston and Tullaroop. The lakes of the Grampians area, such as Bellfield, Fyans and Wartook, are also good choices. Many of these lakes are also good locations for catching other species, such as perch, redfin, blackfish and Murray cod. Another good lake to try for Murray cod and golden perch is Lake Eppalock, between Bendigo and Heathcote.

Some of Victoria's best rivers for fishing include the Campaspe, Goulburn and Murray Rivers, all of which have a variety of species.

Saltwater fishing

There are many places along Victoria's coast suitable for saltwater fishing.

In the Melbourne area, Port Phillip and Western Port Bays are ideal spots. Anglers can throw a line in from the many piers around the bays or fish from boats. The area is good for whiting, small sharks, flathead and snapper, amongst others. For beach fishing, try the Mornington Peninsula beaches of Gunnamatta, Point Leo or Rye Back Beach. Corio Bay, at Geelong, is a good location for catching snapper.

In Gippsland, Port Albert provides good snapper fishing during the warmer months, while the Ninety Mile Beach is a good place for surf fishing.

Along the Great Ocean Road, a variety of species including Australian salmon, barracouta, flathead, garfish, mullet, sharks, snapper, trevally and whiting are found. The Hopkins River estuary, near Warrnambool, is good for bream, while the Glenelg River estuary has a number of different varieties. For beach fishing in the west, Narrawong, near Portland, is ideal.

Fishing charters & tours

For anglers who prefer the challenge of reeling in larger fish, or those who want to participate in an organised fishing expedition, join one of the many fishing charters available in Victorian waters.

	Able Fishing & Charters	Departing from Gem Pier at Williamstown, join a fishing charter with a friendly and experienced crew
	Angling Expeditions	Specialising in fly fishing for trout in the rivers and streams of the Kiewa Valley around Mount Beauty. A great adventure for first timers through to experienced anglers.
	Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours	Let the experts take you on an adventure from the Apollo Bay marina. View a local seal colony from the sea vessel, take a spectacular sunset cruise to the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse, join the crew for an inshore fishing adventure or go deep sea shark fishing off the Apollo Bay coast.
	Bay Fish N Trips	Bay Fish N Trips is the latest word in comfort and quality for a fishing and/or cruising charter boat. Located at Mornington Pier, our classic Australian workboat "Plover" has been completely refitted and will change your expectations of what a charter boat should be.
	Big Red Fishing Charters	Offering fishing trips for the discerning angler departing from Queenscliff or Portsea and out to the Port Phillip Heads and waters of Bass Strait
	BigTime Fishing Charters	Offering a personal style of fishing charter, catering for those of all abilities, with high quality rods and reels. In-shore bay charters offer fishing in the tidal reaches of Western Port, with departures from Hastings, or try some spectacular sport fishing with an off-shore Bass Strait charter departing from Sorrento or Rhyll.
	Bluefin II Fishing Charters	Deep sea and reef fishing with morning, afternoon, or full day charters available from Portland
	Calypso Charters	Departing from Queenscliff, Sorrento or Hastings, experience a fishing trip through the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port Bay or ocean fishing in Bass Strait aboard a 38' sports cruiser, or make your next event something to remember with a private or corporate sightseeing cruise
	Cohuna Fishing Adventures	Take a guided fishing tour of the Murray River and Gunbower Creek from Cohuna, using new and innovative equipment as you search for iconic Australian fish including the Murray Cod
	Far Out Charters	The specialists for off-shore fishing charters in Lakes Entrance with an expert skipper, fishing gear and refreshments
	Game & Recreational Fishing Charters	You'll be taken on your ultimate fishing trip around Queenscliff and Bass Strait with crew that have years of local experience and knowledge, giving you the chance to hook the fight of your life
	Gone Fishing Charters	Half and full day fishing adventure trips on Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, departing from either Queenscliff or Portsea, with the very best in fishing gear and tackle supplied
	Jillian Fishing Trips	Join the crew on the classic fishing boat "The Jillian" for a relaxing half day fishing charter or summer twilight fishing trip on the fantastic aquatic playground of the southern waters of Port Phillip Bay, departing from Rosebud
	Magnet Fishing Charters	Get on board for an awesome fishing adventure! You'll be taken to the best areas by experienced fishermen that have an intimate knowledge of all local species. A range of charters are available, departing from either Werribee South, Altona or Newport in Port Phillip Bay, or Hastings in Western Port Bay.
	Mako Fishing Charters	Offering both ocean and lake fishing from Lakes Entrance on a purpose-built 35 foot vessel with fishing gear and bait supplied
	Mallacoota Fishing Charters & Tours	Offering a range of unique off-shore boating experiences at Mallacoota including fishing charters, tours of Gabo Island, transport to and from Gabo Island for overnight guests and day trippers, whale and seal watching tours and a local water taxi service.
	Matthew Hunt Fishing Services	Our fishing charters operate out of Portland from February to August. We aim to provide an enjoyable and safe fishing experience for all anglers. Charters target specific species including yellow tail king fish, mako and southern blue fin tuna.
	Melbourne Fishing Charters	Departing from St Kilda Pier, we offer a personalised fishing experiences for individuals, families and groups aboard our fast and spacious vessels
	Mornington Fishing Charters	Operating from the Mornington Pier and offering fishing charters at the best snapper spots with all equipment supplied and a complimentary BBQ
	Peninsula Fishing Charters	Catering for individuals, families, groups and clubs, experience an enjoyable day out fishing aboard a 12 metre vessel with state of the art equipment. A variety of charter options in Western Port Bay and Bass Strait available, with departure from Hastings.
	Port Fairy Boat Charter	Offering half hour informative bay tours around Port Fairy, a 4 hour cruise to Lady Julia Percy Island with its seal colony, day fishing trips and general charters
	Portland Fishing Charters	Step aboard one of our boats at Portland with an experienced skipper at the helm for a half or full day fishing charter or a private whale watching or scenic cruise
	Proline Fishing Charters	The fishing and sightseeing specialists offer sport fishing, reef fishing or shark fishing with all equipment supplied and a sausage sizzle BBQ. Bay cruises for individuals and groups also available. Based at Sorrento Pier.
	Queenscliff Fishing Charters & Scenic Tours	Join us for a fun, personalised and affordable bay fishing charter or scenic tour at Queenscliff, inside the safe sheltered waters of Port Phillip Heads. We offer fully equipped fishing trips aboard our boat "Kyena". Or take in the sights and beautiful scenery inside the lovely sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay on daytime or sunset cruise with a friendly host and skipper who will share with you an abundance of local knowledge.
	Red Hot Fishing Charters	Come on-board for a day's fishing at Portland, learning local knowledge on how to catch fish such as snapper, blue fin tuna through to the mighty mako sharks. Your local skipper has been fishing the waters of Port Phillip, Western Port and Bass Strait for almost 30 years.
	Reel Obsession Fishing Charters	Departing from San Remo pier and offering fishing charters in Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, suitable for beginners or experienced anglers
	Reeltime Fishing Charters	Year-round fishing charters, from the beginner to the advanced angler, offering an experience you'll never forget with trips departing from Hastings for fishing in Western Port Bay and Carrum for Port Phillip Bay adventures
	Relax, Go Fishing!	Providing affordable and enjoyable fishing charters departing from the Mornington Pier, with morning, afternoon and twilight trips
	Rip Charters	Be part of a unique fishing adventure as you depart from Sorrento Pier and are taken to some of Victoria's premier fishing spots
	Saltwater Fishing Charters	A dedicated fishing charter and guide service operating from Williamstown, Docklands and Portland. Offering personalised service with a professional approach, ensuring a great day out on the water.
	San Remo Fish & Dive	Cast off from San Remo jetty on a fishing charter of Western Port Bay or Bass Strait with all fishing equipment supplied
	Sea Spray Charters	Based in Portland, we offer an amazing fishing experience on a charter, or simply enjoy a whale, dolphin and seal watching cruise
	Southern Coast Charters	Operating deep sea and reef fishing charters from Warrnambool. Whale watching cruises during the calving season off Logan's Beach also available.
	St Kilda Charters	Relax on board with a bit of fishing as you depart from the St Kilda Marina and fish the top end of Port Phillip Bay, or if you're looking for an exciting way to celebrate a special event with a group, consider our catered party cruises
	T-Cat Charters	Operating two vessels from Rhyll, we offer fishing charters and personalised sightseeing cruises

Fishing licences

A licence is required for recreational fishing in Victoria. People who are under 18 or who are 70 years of age or over are exempt from requiring a licence. Fishing licences can be obtained online or in person from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or from selected retail businesses in Victoria. For further information or to buy your licence online, see DPI.