By Archer Hume
Oxley King River Access Fishing Guide
A easily accessible fishing spot near the town of Oxley, offering both bank and kayak fishing opportunities.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in The Needles, Upper Murray: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
The Needles is a scenic spot along the Upper Murray River, characterized by its unique rock formations and deep pools.
Source: chilby.com.au
table of contents
Introduction
The Needles is a remarkable location in the Upper Murray region, featuring distinctive rock formations that create a series of deep pools and fast-flowing sections. These varied habitats provide excellent fishing opportunities for both native and introduced species. The deep pools are ideal for targeting larger fish, while the faster sections offer great spots for fly fishing. Anglers should be cautious of the sometimes swift currents and slippery rocks. Best fishing times are typically early morning or late evening, and using local knowledge to identify the most productive spots can greatly improve your chances of success.
About Upper Murray
The Upper Murray region is a picturesque area in northeastern Victoria, known for its pristine rivers and excellent fishing opportunities. This region offers diverse aquatic habitats, from cool mountain streams to warmer lowland river sections. Anglers can enjoy targeting a variety of freshwater species, with trout fishing being particularly popular in the cooler upper reaches.
You can find more information about Upper Murray in our Upper Murray region guide post.
What should you fish with at The Needles?
When it comes to fishing at The Needles, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at The Needles 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 Minnow Lures. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at The Needles.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at The Needles
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at The Needles:
- Scrubworms
- Minnows
- Small Fish
- Live Worms
- Garden Worms
The Top 5 Lures to Use at The Needles
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at The Needles:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Minnow Lures
- Surface Lures
What You'll Catch at The Needles
When fishing at The Needles, 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.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
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.
Source: www.nativefish.asn.au
#4 – The Redfin
Redfin, also known as English perch, is an introduced species in Victoria's freshwater systems. It's a popular target for anglers but considered a pest due to its impact on native fish populations.
How to catch Redfin
Redfin can be caught using a variety of methods in Victoria. Bait fishing with worms, yabbies, or small fish is effective, especially when fishing near structure or drop-offs. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and spinners all proving successful. When lure fishing, try retrieving with short, sharp movements to trigger the Redfin’s predatory instincts. Fishing from boats can be particularly effective, allowing anglers to target deeper water and cover more ground. In warmer months, focus on early mornings or evenings when Redfin are most active.
To learn more about catching Redfin, read more here.FAQs about The Needles
Where is The Needles?
The Needles is situated in the beautiful Upper Murray 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 The Needles?
The Needles offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include murray cod and brown trout. Additionally, rainbow trout and redfin 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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