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

#1 – Deep Creek, Maribyrnong

Deep Creek is an unregulated waterway in the Maribyrnong region, offering natural fishing conditions and diverse habitats.

Deep Creek is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Short-Finned Eel and Australian Bass.

#2 – Jacksons Creek, Maribyrnong

Jacksons Creek is a popular fishing spot in the Maribyrnong region, known for its diverse fish population and year-round accessibility.

Jacksons Creek is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Redfin and Tench.

#3 – Maribyrnong River Estuary, Maribyrnong

The estuarine section of the Maribyrnong River, downstream of Solomons Ford, is a prime location for targeting estuarine fish species.

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

#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 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.

#3 – 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.

#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 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 Tench

The Tench (Tinca tinca) is a freshwater fish species known for its adaptability and hardy nature. It's considered an introduced species in Victoria, Australia.

How to catch Tench

To catch Tench in Victoria, use light to medium tackle with small hooks (sizes 8-12). Fish close to the bottom in areas with vegetation or near structures. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times. Use a sensitive rod tip to detect their subtle bites. Patience is key, as Tench can be cautious feeders. Ground baiting the area beforehand can attract Tench to your fishing spot.