November 28, 2024
Victoria is renowned for its diverse fishing opportunities, offering fantastic freshwater and saltwater options suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
We know many Victorians will take the chance to spend their summer break with friends and family in the great outdoors. There is no better feeling than immersing yourself in nature, rod in hand and making special memories with your loved ones.
Below, we’ve compiled some great beginner and family-friendly fishing spots to try this summer!
Port Phillip
Firstly, one waterway that is close to home for Melburnians is Port Phillip. In the bay, you’ll be able to target a range of iconic fish species including some of Victoria’s favourites like King George whiting, snapper, flathead and squid. Port Phillip is a premier fishing destination that boasts a rich variety of fish species. The sandy bottoms and seagrass meadows make it ideal for targeting Victoria’s favourite fish, King George whiting, particularly around Sorrento and Portsea. The bay is also famous for its snapper, especially during the warmer months, with record recruitment over recent years leading to a strong fishery today. Port Phillip is a great option for families as children and beginners can fish from the shore or piers and jetties, making it an accessible option for all types of fishers.
Maribyrnong River
The Maribyrnong River in the heart of the western suburbs of Melbourne provides an urban fishing experience with plenty of accessible spots along its banks. The river’s estuarine environment allows recfishers to target a range of species such as bream, estuary perch, salmon and mulloway. The ‘Nong features various jetties providing easy access and parks nearby for families. Try Canning Reserve or Angler’s Tavern for spots with fishing platforms or Pipemakers Park or Footscray Park for bank fishing access.
Devilbend Reservoir
Mornington Peninsula’s Devilbend Reservoir offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. It has been actively stocked with brown and rainbow trout since 2010, making it a great spot to wet a line. It’s also one of few Victorian waterways stocked with estuary perch which are often active on a warm summers night. The reservoir features accessible fishing platforms, picnic areas and easy access points making it perfect for a family day out.
Queenscliff
If you’re heading along the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenscliff Pier is an excellent saltwater fishing spot known for its abundant squid population, seasonal catches of snapper and salmon as well as flathead and King George whiting. The pier allows easy access to deeper waters while providing a safe environment for families and beginners to fish. If wetting a line at the pier, the best time to fish is during the incoming tide, particularly at dawn or dusk, when the fish are active.
Lake Eildon
Lake Eildon is a favourite fishing spot for many recfishers and for good reason. The lake is well-stocked with trout, Murray cod and golden perch. Recreational fishers often head to Eildon in their search for a prized metre-plus Murray cod to tick off their fishing bucket list. It also boasts a population of redfin that are particularly active in the warmer weather. Lake Eildon offers numerous sheltered bays that are perfect for beginners to practice their skills. Facilities around the lake include camping spots and boat ramps.
While Victoria has a vast variety of fishing opportunities, these fishing spots offer a mixture of freshwater and saltwater experiences ideal for fishing this summer. Whether you’re casting a line at Port Phillip Bay or enjoying a relaxing day at Devilbend Reservoir, there are plenty of opportunities to catch fish while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Each location provides beginner-friendly access and a diverse range of fish species, making any of these spots the perfect choices for families looking to create lasting memories together on the water.
FAMILY FISHING LAKES
For a family-friendly day out, you cannot go wrong with taking your family to a family fishing lake. These lakes are located throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. When stocking the lakes prior to the school holidays, the Victorian Fisheries Authority stock ready-to-catch rainbow trout as they typically respond to a variety of baits and lures making it easy to reel in a fish. The lakes bode good access making them a great option for families looking to wet a line.
For more information on family fishing lakes, including where they are and what’s been stocked, visit school holiday trout stocking. The Victorian Fisheries Authority have also developed a handy Family Fishing Guide with further tips and tricks for fishing in Family Fishing Lakes.
LET’S MAKE FISHING BETTER
As the peak body for recreational fishing, VRFish are here to represent the interests of Victorian recfishers. Whether it’s fish habitat, water security and quality, fishing access and infrastructure or best practice, we aim to work in partnership to make sure Victoria’s fishing experiences continue to improve, be sustainable and more enjoyable for all generations of Victorians.
If you have any ideas on how we can make your fishing even better, get in contact with us! Let us know how your fishing is going, what the fishing is like at your favourite waterway, any stocking you’d like to see, and any other suggestions that can make your fishing better. You can send us an email via [email protected]
When you are sharing your photos online, don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram or send us a DM! Tag us in your photos @VRFish so we can see your photos – we just love to see where the fish are biting.
