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

#1 – Bonang River, Snowy

The Bonang River is part of the Snowy River catchment, known for its trout fishing opportunities.

Bonang River is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and River Blackfish.

#2 – Buchan River, Snowy

The Buchan River is a significant tributary of the Snowy River, offering diverse fishing opportunities.

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

#3 – Snowy River, Snowy

The Snowy River is the main waterway in the region, flowing from the NSW border through various landscapes to Orbost.

Snowy River is home to various fish species such as Australian Grayling, Brown Trout, Estuary Perch, Australian Bass and Black Cod.

#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 Black Cod

The Black cod (Epinephelus daemelii) is a protected species found in Australian waters. It is a large, dark-colored grouper known for its long lifespan and slow growth rate.

How to catch Black Cod

As Black cod is a protected species, there are no legal fishing techniques, bait, or gear to catch them in Victoria or anywhere in Australia. Instead of trying to catch Black cod, anglers are encouraged to learn about conservation efforts, participate in marine life observation activities, or focus on fishing for non-protected species. If you accidentally hook a Black cod while fishing for other species, it’s crucial to release it immediately with minimal handling to ensure its survival.

#4 – 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.

#5 – 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.

#6 – 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.

#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.