March 30, 2026
The school holidays are a great excuse to get the kids outdoors, enjoy some fresh air and go fishing.
Fishing is one of the best activities you can participate in with your family. It can be enjoyed by all ages, allows you to connect with nature, and is a great form of exercise. As an added bonus, if you do catch a feed, you will receive a delicious and nutritious protein-rich meal.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are some fantastic family-friendly fishing events to get involved in during the upcoming autumn school holidays including Fishcare fishing clinics and the Catch a Carp Festival at Lake Colac.
Family-Friendly Events in April
Fishcare Victoria Fishing Clinics
Fishcare Victoria is a community based not-for-profit organisation promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
Fishcare staff and volunteers will be teaching kids to fish responsibly and sustainably, while respecting our marine life and habitats. They’ll be running clinics in Mornington, Rye, Ballarat, Geelong, Ararat and Albert Park.
Fishcare typically run kids fishing clinics across the state throughout the school holidays. Visit their website for more information.
Catch a Carp Festival at Lake Colac
The Victorian Fisheries Authority along with MIXX FM and 3CS are hosting a family-friendly Catch a Carp Festival at Lake Colac on Sunday 12 April 2026.
There will be free fishing clinics, a carp competition, carp cooking demonstrations, fish biology sessions with VFA Scientist Dr Corey Green, and more.
VRFish will be attending the event. Stop by our stand to have a chat to some of our VRFish Board members, learn more about VRFish and what we’re up to, and paint a lure ready for your next fishing adventure.
Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre
The Victorian Fisheries Authority school holiday program at the Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff provides a range of hands-on activities for the whole family to get involved in.
The program will be running between 7–17 April 2026 (weekdays only). Bookings are essential. Find out more on the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website.
Tips for Family Fishing
Below we’ve added some quick tips to help you get out fishing with your family over the school holidays.
- Check the regulations: Before heading out, ensure you’re aware of Victorian fishing regulations, including bag limits and size restrictions. Visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website.
- Fishing licences: Remember that a recreational fishing license is required in Victoria (unless exempt). Purchase your recreational fishing licence online from Service Victoria.
If you go fishing in the Murray River, Lake Mulwala or any NSW managed waters, don’t forget that you will require a NSW recreational fishing licence. - Plan your trip: Before setting off on the water, it’s crucial to establish a plan to ensure a safe return. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return, just in case something does go wrong.
- Safety first: Lifejackets are always recommended. When fishing from a boat, ensure all children under 12 wear a lifejacket at all times.
- Be prepared: It’s always smart to pack a first aid kit, some extra sunscreen, insect repellent, and a torch, just in case you need them.
- BoatingVic: If you’re planning to take your boat out, check out the Boating Vic website or download the app. They have a comprehensive list of Victorian boat ramps, including some with boat ramp cameras so you can see how busy the ramp is in real time.
- Be ready for the elements: Check the weather forecast via the Bureau of Meteorology before heading out on the water so you can be prepared for the elements.
- Naturally Vic: Our Naturally Vic campaign aims to promote responsible recreation and educate recreational users, such as campers, fishers, and hikers, on best-practice guidelines to leave our great outdoors how they found it.
- Family Fishing Lakes: Victoria boasts over 60 Family Fishing Lakes across Melbourne and regional Victoria. These lakes are regularly stocked by the Victorian Fisheries Authority with rainbow trout, making them perfect for beginners and families. Rainbow trout are a fantastic target for beginners as they typically respond to a variety of baits and lures. These lakes are designed to be accessible and provide a fun and safe environment for kids to learn fishing.
VRFish Code of Conduct
VRFish have developed a Code of Conduct for recreational boat, shore, river, stream and jetty fishers in Victoria. We all have a responsibility to look after our fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations of fishers and show respect for other users of the aquatic environment. We love fishing and encourage all fishers to adopt the below guidelines.
Let’s Make Fishing Better
As the peak body for recreational fishing, we’re here to represent the interests of Victorian recreational fishers. 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! Use @VRFish and #VRFish so we can see your photos – we just love to see where the fish are biting.
