By Archer Hume
Campaspe River Fishing Guide
A long river flowing through varied landscapes, offering diverse fishing spots from its upper reaches to its confluence with the Murray River.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Ovens River, Ovens Basin: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
A major river in the basin, offering diverse fishing experiences from its upper reaches to its lower sections.
Source: www.holidayparkbright.com.au
table of contents
Introduction
The Ovens River is a significant waterway in the Ovens Basin, stretching from the mountains to Lake Mulwala. In its upper reaches above Myrtleford, the river is characterized by clear, fast-flowing waters with coarse substrates, ideal for trout fishing. The section upstream of Myrtleford is particularly noted for its brown and rainbow trout populations. As the river progresses downstream of Myrtleford towards Lake Mulwala, the character changes, and it becomes home to native species such as Murray cod and golden perch. The river has experienced drought conditions in recent years, but its structure and instream habitat are known to recover quickly once normal flow regimes return. Anglers can find good access points along much of the river, making it a popular destination for both trout and native fish enthusiasts.
About Ovens Basin
The Ovens Basin extends from high-altitude forested mountains in the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River at Lake Mulwala. It features diverse landscapes, including steep mountains, hills, and wide valleys with cleared farmland. The basin is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly in rivers and lakes, with a mix of native and introduced fish species.
You can find more information about Ovens Basin in our Ovens Basin region guide post.
What should you fish with at Ovens River?
When it comes to fishing at Ovens River, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Ovens River you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
For the best chances of success, try using Small Fish as bait or fishing with a Spinnerbaits. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Ovens River.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Ovens River
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Ovens River:
- Scrubworms
- Minnows
- Small Fish
- Live Worms
- Garden Worms
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Ovens River
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Ovens River:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Surface Lures
- Minnow Lures
What You'll Catch at Ovens River
When fishing at Ovens River, you're likely to reel in:
Source: flystream.com
#1 – The Brown Trout
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its fighting spirit and delicious taste.
How to catch Brown Trout
In Victoria, Brown trout can be caught using various techniques. Fly fishing is popular, especially with wet flies imitating aquatic insects or dry flies during insect hatches. Lure fishing with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can also be effective. Bait fishing using worms, maggots, or small fish can work well in some areas. Early morning or late evening fishing often yields the best results. Focus on deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with cover in rivers and streams. In lakes, target drop-offs and weed beds.
To learn more about catching Brown Trout, read more here.
Source: vfa.vic.gov.au
#2 – The Murray Cod
Murray cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish species, known for its impressive size and powerful fighting ability.
How to catch Murray Cod
To catch Murray cod in Victoria, focus on fishing in rivers and impoundments within the Murray-Darling Basin. Use heavy tackle with 20-30lb line and strong leaders to handle their power. Cast near structure like sunken logs, rocky outcrops, or deep holes. Lure fishing is popular, with large hard-bodied lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics being effective. For bait fishing, use yabbies, shrimp, or large bardi grubs. Trolling with deep-diving lures can also be productive in larger waterways. Fish during low light periods or at night for best results, especially in summer. Always handle Murray cod with care and release any outside the legal size limit quickly and gently.
To learn more about catching Murray Cod, read more here.
Source: vrfish.com.au
#3 – The Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its colorful appearance and fighting spirit.
How to catch Rainbow Trout
To catch rainbow trout in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Fly fishing with wet or dry flies is popular in rivers and streams. Lure casting with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can be effective in both flowing and still waters. Bait fishing with worms, maggots, or PowerBait is often successful, especially in stocked lakes. When fishing in rivers, focus on pools, eddies, and undercut banks where trout may hold. In lakes, try fishing near drop-offs, weed beds, or submerged structures. Early morning and late evening are generally the best times to target rainbow trout.
To learn more about catching Rainbow Trout, read more here.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
Source: fishesofaustralia.net.au
#4 – The Golden Perch
The Golden perch, also known as yellowbelly, is a popular freshwater fish found in Victorian waters. It's known for its golden-bronze coloration and is a prized catch for many anglers.
How to catch Golden Perch
To catch Golden perch in Victoria, anglers can employ various techniques. Bait fishing is effective, using worms, yabbies, or small fish on a standard hook and sinker rig. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and hard-bodied lures all proven effective. When fishing in rivers, target areas around snags, deep holes, and undercut banks. In lakes, focus on drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged timber. Trolling can be productive in both environments. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to fish for Golden perch.
To learn more about catching Golden Perch, read more here.FAQs about Ovens River
Where is Ovens River?
Ovens River is situated in the beautiful Ovens Basin region. This area is known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The region's unique geography and climate contribute to the rich variety of fish species found in its waters, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.
What fish can I catch at Ovens River?
Ovens River offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include brown trout, rainbow trout, and murray cod. Additionally, golden perch are also commonly found in the area. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Remember to check local regulations and seasons for each species before your fishing trip.
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