Barwon Basin Fishing Guide: Top Spots, Fish & Best Tackle in Victoria

#1 – Barwon River (Estuarine Section), Barwon Basin

The estuarine section of the Barwon River provides a unique fishing experience with a mix of freshwater and saltwater species.

Barwon River (Estuarine Section) is home to various fish species such as Mulloway, Bream (All Species), Estuary Perch and Mullet.

#2 – Barwon River (Freshwater Section), Barwon Basin

The freshwater reaches of the Barwon River offer diverse fishing opportunities with deep pools and varying habitats.

Barwon River (Freshwater Section) is home to various fish species such as European Carp, Redfin, Brown Trout and Short-Finned Eel.

#3 – Lake Wendouree, Barwon Basin

Lake Wendouree is a popular urban lake known for its trout fishing and family-friendly environment.

Lake Wendouree is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and European Carp.

#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.

#2 – The Estuary Perch

Estuary perch is a close relative of Australian bass, found in coastal estuaries and lower reaches of rivers in southeastern Australia. It's known for its similar appearance to Australian bass.

How to catch Estuary Perch

To catch estuary perch in Victoria, focus on estuaries and the lower reaches of coastal rivers. Use light to medium spinning gear with 4-8 lb line. Cast lures such as soft plastics, hard-bodied lures, or small surface lures around structure like jetties, rock walls, or submerged vegetation. For bait fishing, use live baits like prawns or small fish on a light running sinker rig. Dawn and dusk are often productive times for targeting estuary perch.

#3 – The European Carp

European carp is a freshwater fish species considered noxious in Victoria, Australia. Known for its adaptability and hardiness, it has become a prevalent invasive species in many waterways.

How to catch European Carp

To catch European carp in Victoria, anglers can use a variety of methods. Bait fishing is popular, using items such as corn, bread, worms, or dough baits. A simple rig with a sinker and hook baited with corn or bread can be effective. Lure fishing can also work, with soft plastics or small hard-bodied lures imitating their natural prey. Fly fishing for carp, known as ‘sight fishing’, involves spotting the fish and presenting a fly accurately. Use medium to heavy tackle as carp can grow quite large. Fish near structure or in areas with muddy bottoms where carp often feed. Early morning or late evening can be productive times for carp fishing.

#4 – The Mullet

Mullet are a family of coastal fish found in Victorian waters. They are known for their silvery bodies, forked tails, and tendency to swim in schools.

How to catch Mullet

To catch mullet in Victoria, use light tackle with small hooks (sizes 6-10) to match their small mouths. A simple running sinker rig or a float rig can be effective. Berley (chum) the area with bread or bran to attract schools of mullet. Fish close to the bottom or near the surface, depending on where you spot the fish. Patience is key, as mullet can be cautious feeders. Try fishing in estuaries, river mouths, and along sandy beaches. Early morning or late afternoon are often the best times to target mullet.

#5 – The Mulloway

Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, is a large, predatory fish found in Victorian coastal waters. Prized by anglers for its size and fighting ability, it's a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishing.

How to catch Mulloway

To catch Mulloway in Victorian waters, focus on estuaries, beaches, and offshore reefs. Use heavy tackle with 20-30 lb line to handle their size and strength. Fish during low light periods like dawn, dusk, or night for best results. When beach fishing, look for deep gutters or holes in the surf. In estuaries, target deep holes or areas around structure. Live baits like mullet or squid are highly effective. Large soft plastics (15-20 cm) in natural colors can also work well. Use a running sinker rig for bait fishing or a jighead for soft plastics. Cast your bait or lure and let it sit, as Mulloway often take their time before striking. Be patient and prepared for a strong fight when you hook one.

#6 – 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.

#7 – 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.