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

#1 – Anglesea River Estuary, Otway

A coastal estuary offering a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.

Anglesea River Estuary is home to various fish species such as Bream (All Species), Mullet and Australian Salmon.

#2 – Gellibrand River, Otway

A scenic river flowing through the Otway Ranges, famous for its trophy-size river blackfish.

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

#3 – Lake Purrumbete, Otway

A large, deep volcanic lake known for excellent trout and redfin fishing.

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

#1 – The Australian Salmon

The Australian Salmon is a popular sportfish found in Victorian waters. Known for its fighting spirit, it's a favorite among local anglers.

How to catch Australian Salmon

To catch Australian Salmon in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Surf fishing from beaches is popular, especially during salmon runs. Use long rods (10-12 feet) for casting distance. Boat fishing is effective in bays and estuaries. Spin fishing with metal lures or soft plastics works well. Bait fishing with pilchards or squid can also be productive. Look for birds diving or baitfish activity to locate schools of salmon. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to fish.

#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 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.

#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 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.

#6 – 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.

#7 – 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.