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

#1 – Fyans Lake, Wimmera

A scenic lake offering good fishing for redfin and stocked salmonids.

Fyans Lake is home to various fish species such as Redfin, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, European Carp and Tench.

#2 – Toolondo Reservoir, Wimmera

A man-made storage known for excellent salmonid and redfin fishing when water levels are sufficient.

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

#3 – Wimmera River downstream of Horsham, Wimmera

A Heritage River Area with diverse fish populations and several weirs providing important fishing spots.

Wimmera River downstream of Horsham is home to various fish species such as Freshwater Catfish, Redfin, Golden Perch, Murray Cod and European Carp.

#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 Freshwater Catfish

The Freshwater catfish (Tandanus tandanus) is a native Australian fish species with unique fishing regulations in Victoria. It's known for its whisker-like barbels and smooth, scaleless skin.

How to catch Freshwater Catfish

To catch Freshwater catfish in Victoria’s Wimmera Basin, focus on fishing near the bottom in slow-moving or still waters. Use a sturdy rod and line as these fish can put up a strong fight. Bait fishing is often most effective, with worms, yabbies, or small fish pieces being popular choices. Fish during low-light conditions or at night for best results. Use a sliding sinker rig to keep your bait near the bottom where catfish feed. Be patient and wait for the distinctive tug of a catfish taking the bait before setting the hook.

#4 – 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.

#5 – 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.

#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 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.

#8 – 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.