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

#1 – Lake Bullen Merri, Corangamite

Lake Bullen Merri is a popular fishing destination known for its trout populations and regular stocking program.

Lake Bullen Merri is home to various fish species such as Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Redfin.

#2 – Lake Colac, Corangamite

Lake Colac is a large, shallow lake known for its redfin fishing and diverse ecosystem.

Lake Colac is home to various fish species such as Redfin, European Carp and Short-Finned Eel.

#3 – Lake Tooliorook, Corangamite

Lake Tooliorook is a picturesque lake that is stocked with trout when conditions are suitable, offering seasonal fishing opportunities.

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

#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 Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is the largest species of Pacific salmon. They are prized for their size and flavor, making them popular among anglers and food enthusiasts.

How to catch Chinook Salmon

To catch Chinook salmon in Victoria:

1. Trolling: Use lures or bait behind a moving boat in rivers or bays.
2. Spin fishing: Cast and retrieve lures from the shore or a boat.
3. Fly fishing: Use flies that imitate small fish or insects in rivers.
4. Bait fishing: Use pilchards, whitebait, or other small fish as bait.
5. Focus on deeper pools in rivers or areas where rivers enter bays.
6. Fish during early morning or late evening for best results.
7. Use strong gear, including heavy line and leaders, to handle these powerful fish.

#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 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.

#5 – 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.