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

#1 – Bannockburn Lagoon, Moorabool

A small water body part of the Family Fishing Lakes Program, ideal for junior and disabled anglers.

Bannockburn Lagoon is home to various fish species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Redfin.

#2 – Bostock Reservoir, Moorabool

A significant reservoir in the upper reaches of the Moorabool River, known for its diverse fish population.

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

#3 – Lal Lal Reservoir, Moorabool

Also known as Bungal Dam, this reservoir is another significant water body in the upper Moorabool catchment.

Lal Lal Reservoir is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Short-Finned Eel, Redfin and European Carp.

#4 – Moorabool River, Moorabool

The main waterway of the region, flowing southeast from the Great Dividing Range to join the Barwon River near Geelong.

Moorabool River is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, River Blackfish, Short-Finned Eel and Australian Grayling.

#1 – 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.

#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 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.

#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.