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

#1 – Kiewa Bridge, Kiewa River

Kiewa Bridge offers excellent access to the river and is a popular spot for local anglers.

Kiewa Bridge is home to various fish species such as Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Macquarie Perch.

#2 – Killara, Kiewa River

Killara is a serene spot along the Kiewa River, offering easy access for anglers.

Killara is home to various fish species such as Murray Cod, Brown Trout and River Blackfish.

#3 – Mt Beauty Pondage, Kiewa River

Mt Beauty Pondage is a man-made lake offering diverse fishing opportunities in a scenic alpine setting.

Mt Beauty Pondage is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yabby.

#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 Macquarie Perch

Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) is a protected freshwater fish species native to Victoria, Australia. It is currently the focus of conservation efforts due to its declining population.

How to catch Macquarie Perch

Fishing for Macquarie perch is prohibited in Victoria due to their protected status. Instead of providing fishing techniques, anglers are encouraged to learn about and support conservation efforts for this species. If you accidentally catch a Macquarie perch, handle it gently and release it immediately to ensure its survival.

#3 – 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.

#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.

#6 – The River Blackfish

The River blackfish is a freshwater fish native to south-eastern Australia, known for its dark coloration and elongated body.

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.

#7 – The Yabby

Yabbies (Cherax spp.) are freshwater crayfish native to Australia. They are popular for both recreational fishing and as a food source.

How to catch Yabby

In Victoria, yabbies are typically caught using baited traps or nets. Opera house nets are popular but may be restricted in some areas due to their potential impact on platypus and water rats. Hoop nets or pyramid nets are often recommended alternatives. Place traps in areas with plenty of cover, such as near submerged logs or vegetation. Check traps regularly and remove any bycatch promptly. Hand fishing or ‘yabby pumping’ in shallow waters can also be effective. Always check local regulations before fishing, as rules may vary between waterways.