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

#1 – Cheshunt Bridge Fishing Area, King River

A popular fishing spot near Cheshunt Bridge, offering easy access and diverse fishing opportunities.

Cheshunt Bridge Fishing Area is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, River Blackfish and Yabby.

#2 – Edi Cutting Camping Grounds, King River

A scenic camping area with excellent access to a productive stretch of the King River.

Edi Cutting Camping Grounds is home to various fish species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Murray Cod and Macquarie Perch.

#3 – Gentle Annie River Bend, King River

A secluded fishing spot known for its challenging access but rewarding catches.

Gentle Annie River Bend is home to various fish species such as Murray Cod, Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Long-Finned Eel.

#4 – Hamiltons Bridge Fishing Spot, King River

A scenic fishing location near Hamiltons Bridge, known for its clear waters and diverse fish population.

Hamiltons Bridge Fishing Spot is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Australian Grayling and Freshwater Shrimp.

#5 – Lake William Hovell, King River

A man-made lake at the headwaters of the King River, offering both shore and boat fishing opportunities.

Lake William Hovell is home to various fish species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Redfin and Macquarie Perch.

#6 – Moyhu Riverside Park, King River

A family-friendly fishing location with picnic facilities and easy river access.

Moyhu Riverside Park is home to various fish species such as Australian Bass, Brown Trout, River Blackfish and Freshwater Shrimp.

#7 – Oxley King River Access, King River

A easily accessible fishing spot near the town of Oxley, offering both bank and kayak fishing opportunities.

Oxley King River Access is home to various fish species such as Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Redfin and Yabby.

#1 – The Australian Bass

The Australian Bass is a popular freshwater sport fish native to coastal rivers and streams in eastern Australia. Known for its fighting spirit and delicious flesh, it's a prized catch for many anglers.

How to catch Australian Bass

To catch Australian Bass in Victoria, focus on structure-rich areas in rivers and impoundments. Early mornings and evenings are often the most productive times. Casting near fallen timber, rocky outcrops, or overhanging vegetation can be effective. Both lure and bait fishing work well. When using lures, try a slow retrieve with occasional pauses to entice strikes. For bait fishing, use light tackle and small hooks. In estuaries during their winter migration, fishing with soft plastics or live baits can be successful.

#2 – The Australian Grayling

The Australian grayling is a protected freshwater fish species native to south-eastern Australia, including Victoria.

How to catch Australian Grayling

As the Australian grayling is a protected species, there are no legal fishing techniques, baits, or gear to catch them. Instead of fishing for Australian grayling, anglers in Victoria are encouraged to learn about and appreciate this unique species while focusing their fishing efforts on other permitted species. If you’re interested in observing Australian grayling, consider participating in approved scientific surveys or conservation programs that monitor the species.

#3 – 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.

#4 – The Freshwater Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp (Paratya australiensis) is a small crustacean native to Australian waterways, often used as fishing bait.

How to catch Freshwater Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp are typically caught using small, fine-meshed nets or traps in areas with aquatic vegetation or other cover. In Victoria, they can often be found in the shallows of rivers, creeks, and lakes. When collecting shrimp for bait, gently sweep the net through vegetation or along the bottom in slow-moving water. Be sure to return any non-target species and avoid over-harvesting from any one area. Alternatively, freshwater shrimp can be purchased from bait shops, which is often more convenient and helps conserve wild populations.

#5 – 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.

#6 – 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.

#7 – 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.

#8 – 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.

#9 – 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.

#10 – 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.

#11 – 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.