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

#1 – Buffalo Lake, Ovens Basin

An artificial lake on the Buffalo River, stocked with native fish species.

Buffalo Lake is home to various fish species such as Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Redfin.

#2 – King River, Ovens Basin

A picturesque river offering different fishing experiences in its upper and lower sections.

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

#3 – Lake Mulwala, Ovens Basin

A large artificial lake on the Murray River, known for its excellent native fish populations.

Lake Mulwala is home to various fish species such as Murray Cod, Golden Perch and European Carp.

#4 – Ovens River, Ovens Basin

A major river in the basin, offering diverse fishing experiences from its upper reaches to its lower sections.

Ovens River is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Murray Cod and Golden Perch.

#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 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.

#3 – 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.

#4 – 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.

#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.