Melbourne has a lot to offer when it comes to fishing. There are so many rivers, creeks, beaches, and rockpools to enjoy across the city and beyond. We’ve reeled in the best fishing spots around Melbourne so you never come home empty-handed.

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How to find the best fishing spots in Melbourne?

There are heaps of fishing spots in and around Melbourne, some of which have BBQ facilities where you can cook up your catch (snapper, whiting or trout, anyone?) and enjoy a day out with mates.

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However, with so many places to go and so much delicious fish to catch you’ll need a quick list of the best places to go fishing around Victoria’s most populous area. You also need to know when’s the best time to try your luck at each spot and whether you’re better off fishing from the shore, or from a kayak or boat. It’s also super important to make sure you’re on the right side of the law with permits.

Wait, I’m From Sydney! Read: 5 Great Fishing Spots in Sydney

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Best Fishing Spots in Melbourne

1. Albert Lake

Location: Middle Park
Time from CBD: 20 mins
Type of fish: Rainbow trout, Golden perch
Rules or hazards: European Carp (a noxious fish) must be removed from the lake once caught.

Spanning 5km along the golf course and the famous Grand Prix track, Albert Park Lake is a grossly underrated fishing location. It’s also only 3km away from the Melbourne CBD area. This is the perfect place for inner-city dwellers who want to fish rainbow trout and golden perch without having to go far.

 

2. Altona Pier

Location: Altona
Time from CBD: 45 mins
Type of fish: Flathead, pinkies, snapper
Rules or hazards: Watch out for the Pokemons!

In recent years, Altona Pier has jumped into the limelight for the fact that it is home to some rare Pokemon.

However, back in the real world, the recent addition of the artificial reef about 50m from the end of the pier makes this a great location for catching actual fish too. It’s also close to a natural reef and rocks that provide fishers with a huge number of snapper during the warmer months.

You’re likely to seize the largest number of fish when there’s a tide change. Pinkies are caught when there’s a huge tide coming in while flatheads are caught when the tide’s low.

3. Yarra Bend Park

Location: Kew
Time from CBD: 25 mins
Type of fish: Murray cod, redfin, Macquarie perch, carp
Rules or hazards: Always carry your Victorian fishing licence.

You’ll find great fishing experiences around the bend. Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural vegetation near the Melbourne CBD area with over 16km of riverfront bushland. In this area, you’ll get more than just get a great fishing ground as there’s also a superb view of the international fly-casting pool and the city skyline.

There’s a BBQ area where you and your family can enjoy cooking and eating your catch for the day. It’s also a great place to get away from the noise and commotion of the city, without having to venture too far.

 

Best Fishing Spots Near Melbourne

4. Anglesea Beach & Estuary

Location: Anglesea
Time from CBD: 1 hr 50 mins
Type of fish: Snapper, salmon, leather jacket, whiting, trevally
Rules or hazards: Make sure to check the size of your catch!

You’ll find great fishing spots at Angelsea, right by the entrance to the Great Ocean Road. There are clean, scenic beaches and a splendid estuary. It offers you the widest variety of fish species, both at the estuary and beach.

Even those who aren’t fishing fans can still have fun basking in the sun and swimming in the water. You can also hire a boat at the estuary entrance.

 

5. Blue Lake at Plenty Gorge Park

Location: Bundoora
Time from CBD: 40 mins
Type of fish: Tench, redfin
Rules or hazards: Bring your own bait and current fishing licence.

Plenty Gorge Park is a great fishing area near Melbourne and the best place to throw your line in is the Blue Lake, which offers a variety of fish to reel in.

Being 20km from Melbourne CBD, this secluded spot is a home away from home. It’s quiet with fresh air that’ll make you feel like you’re further away from town than you actually are.

You’ll be surrounded by native landscape and beautiful wildlife, in addition to an old quarry where you can fish as well.

 

7 Best fishing spots in and around Melbourne

Photo thanks to Julie McLennan

6. Barwon Heads Beach

Location: Barwon Heads
Time from CBD: 1 hr 45 mins
Type of fish: Whiting, trevally, squid, salmon, mulloway, snapper, flathead
Rules or hazards: Barwon Heads Bluff is now part of a marine sanctuary. Remember to check with authorities before fishing as some areas are restricted,

If you’re in Melbourne and in need of something fun to do during the cold months, consider fishing at Barwon Heads. This place has numerous fishing spots to cast a line, from the boat ramp to the golf course.

For those with families, this is an ideal spot for children. As a parent, you can fish directly on the beach so that you can keep an eye on your kids as they play around in the sand.

 

7. Jubilee Lake

Location: Daylesford
Time from CBD: 1 hr 40 mins
Type of fish: Trout, redfin, tench
Rules or hazards: Always carry your fishing licence.

This one is for those wanting to well and truly get out of the city! Located near the gorgeous Daylesford, getting to Jubilee Lake requires a bit of a drive but is well worth it. There are numerous activities to get involved in (including canoeing and hiking) and cabins to rent.

The lake is frequently stocked with trout, redfin and tench and there are BBQ facilities on offer too.

 

Top Fishing Tips

  • Fresh bait is best
  • Fish as light as possible (jighead/sinker and line) – heavier gear doesn’t always mean heavier fish
  • Use a rod, reel and line that are compatible with each other
  • Fish during turning tides – check the tides before you head out with the Tides Near Me app or the VIC tide tables
  • Burley, burley, burley!
  • Bring a net to help secure your fish when reeling it in

 

Melbourne Fishing FAQs

What fish are biting around Melbourne?

  • Australian Salmon
  • Bream
  • Garfish
  • Leatherjacket
  • Garfish
  • Redfin
  • Cod
  • Trout
  • Whiting
  • Trevally
  • Flathead
  • Mulloway
  • Tench
  • Pinkies

 

 

When’s the best time to fish around Melbourne?

The best part about fishing in Melbourne is that you can fish all year round. However, fishing is much more fun and you get to catch more fish during the warmer months of the year (November to May).

Why not make it a camping trip too? Check out: The Best Camping Near Melbourne

Do I need a licence to fish in Melbourne?

Before you consider going fishing in Melbourne, it’s likely you’ll need a recreational fishing licence (unless you’re under 18 or over 70 years old).

You can grab a one year licence for $34.95 online or if you’re just looking to fish for the weekend, a three day licence is just $10. 

You can purchase your licence online or from a registered fishing licence outlet. The Victorian fishing licence is not valid in other states or territories. 

Get a Fishing Licence

Are there limits on how much fish I can catch around Melbourne?

Absolutely!

When you catch a fish, its length will determine whether it’s a keeper and will soon become your dinner, or whether it’s just a kiss ‘n’ throwback kinda catch. 

The Victorian Fisheries Authority has specific size and bag limits for each species of fish and they say; 

‘The legal size of fish must be checked at the first available opportunity. Undersize fish must be released immediately. Measure fish from tip of snout with mouth closed, to the end of the tail.’

Don’t forget your ruler!

Freshwater Bag & Size Limits            Marine Bag & Size Limits

This article was written by Mark from Kayakguru.com – check it out for endless kayaking inspiration!

Feature photo by @mitchel3uo

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