River Blackfish Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

The River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) is a species of freshwater fish found in the cooler rivers and streams of south-eastern Australia. It has a elongated, eel-like body with a large head and mouth, and is typically dark brown to black in color with a mottled pattern. These fish prefer habitats with plenty of cover such as logs, undercut banks, and aquatic vegetation. River blackfish are primarily nocturnal feeders, preying on insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. They are relatively slow-growing and can live for up to 10 years. Anglers often target River blackfish for their fighting spirit and tasty flesh, although they can be challenging to catch due to their shy nature and preference for cover.

What restrictions are in place for River Blackfish fishing in Melbourne?

River blackfish are subject to specific fishing regulations in Victoria. The minimum legal size is 30cm, and there is a combined bag limit of 2 for one or more species of river blackfish. A closed season applies south of the Great Dividing Range from 1 September to 31 December inclusive, during which these fish cannot be taken or possessed in, on, or next to Victorian waters.

How to catch River Blackfish

To catch River blackfish, focus on fishing during dusk, night, or early morning when they are most active. Use light tackle and fish close to structure such as fallen logs, undercut banks, or dense vegetation. Bait fishing with worms or small yabbies can be effective, as can slowly retrieving small soft plastics or hard-bodied lures. Be patient and persistent, as these fish can be shy and require a delicate approach.

What should you fish with for River Blackfish?

When it comes to fishing for River Blackfish, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for River Blackfish, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Live Worms as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for River Blackfish

Bait fishing for River Blackfish offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Live Worms
• Garden Worms
• Yabbies
• Shrimp

The Top 4 Lures to Use for River Blackfish

Lure fishing for River Blackfish can be incredibly rewarding, especially when using these four top choices:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Curl Tail Grubs
• Minnow Lures

Where to catch River Blackfish in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch River Blackfish. We've compiled a diverse list of locations across Melbourne and Victoria where anglers have reported success in catching River Blackfish. From popular fishing spots to lesser-known gems, there's a variety of options to explore.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best places to cast your line for River Blackfish. Each location offers its own unique features and challenges, so be sure to research the specific conditions and best practices for each spot before your visit.

More Great Locations

Because there are so many great places to catch River Blackfish in Victoria, it is hard to give them all the attention they deserve. Here are some more locations where River Blackfish is a primary target species:

• Morwell River
• Tarago River
• Tarwin River - West Branch
• Upper Nicholson River
• Upper Yarra River
• Wilsons Promontory Streams

Other places to catch River Blackfish

While River Blackfish are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for River Blackfish in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.

Additional Secondary Locations

For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where River Blackfish might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching River Blackfish, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:

• Genoa River
• Killara
• Lerderderg River
• Macalister River
• Mitchell River
• Moorabool River
• Moyhu Riverside Park
• Pigs Point
• Tarra River Headwaters
• Thornton Beach
• Timbarra River
• Upper Kiewa River
• Wonnangatta River

FAQs about River Blackfish fishing in Melbourne