If you’re the type of person who loves to sit by a river with a line in the water you’ll love Dirrawarra / Wangaratta. There are fishing spots perfect for a quick cast, or a day-long fishing sesh.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Bpangerang Nation, the traditional Country of the Bpangerang people who have occupied and cared for this land and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Where to Chuck in a Line Around Wang

Want to stick close to town? Easy done. Want to escape to bubbling river rapids that make you feel like you’re about to see salmon leap out of the water with Alaskan bears swiping their paws at them? Sure, Wang has that, minus the bears.

As we’re a bunch of fishing novices, we called up local YouTube sensation Robbie from Robbie Fishing to give us the inside scoop and show us the best spots to fish in Wangaratta. Let’s run through them;

 

Fishing Spots in Wangaratta, Henry Brydon. Fishing, Wangaratta, VIC

1. Frank Garth Reserve

Location: In the heart of Wangaratta
Type of fish: Murray cod and trout cod

We started fishing right in Wangaratta at Frank Garth Reserve. This beauty of a spot is where the Torryong / Ovens and Poodumbia / King Rivers meet and is a significant meeting place for the Pangerang people.

As far as fishing spots Wangaratta go, it’s central to town and is a great location to chuck the line in if you’re staying in Wang. If you’ve got kids or family wanting to give fishing a try, this is a beaut spot to introduce them to what is sure to be their newest obsession.

Read more: How To Get Your Kids Into Fishing (While Avoiding Disaster)

 

2. The Northern Beaches

Location: Close to town but secluded
Type of fish: Murray cod and trout cod

If you venture 600 metres north of Wangaratta you’ll find yourself at the Northern Beaches. This section of bank is also the Torryong / Ovens River, but is a bit more scenic and has a great spot for swimming too.

If you can get your hands on a rod, fly fishing is recommended in these parts. Cod are lazy buggers and will sit in their homes under logs or in undercut banks and wait for their prey to land on top of them.

Read more: Best Fishing Spots Near Melbourne

Nearby Accommodation

3. Poodumbia / King River

Location: All through the King Valley
Type of fish: Murray cod, brown trout, two spine blackfish, rainbow trout, trout cod, mountain galaxias, Murray spiny crayfish, redfin, European carp, golden perch

If you have the time, fishing in the King Valley is a must. This is where you will find the grey stones and boulders, crystal clear alpine waters and be graced with a stunning mountainous backdrop. There’s over 100km of river to choose from, so you’ll be hard-pressed running into another fisher.

Psssst! Not a bad spot for a dip either!

Wangaratta Fishing Spots Essential Gear

  • Fly fishing rod
  • Fishing flies
  • Beer!
  • Lunch
  • A chair to sit in
  • Coupla mates

Read more: How To Cook a Fish on a Campfire

Fishing License

You can grab a three-day Victorian fishing licence for just $10 buckaroos!

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

See Event Details See More Events
Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

Best Time of Year

You can get lucky fishing all year round, but as May comes around and the water temperature drops the fish are less active.

Be sure to check when open season is for the different species. Generally the trout cod season is closed June to September and the Murray cod season is closed September to November inclusive. You can check this on the Victorian Fisheries Authority before you head out.

FAQs Fishing in Wangaratta

Can I go fishing right in Wangaratta, or do I need to drive further out?

You don’t need to go far! The Ovens and King Rivers flow right through Wangaratta, so you can cast a line almost anywhere within town limits. If you feel like venturing further, Lake William Hovell is just a short drive away and is full of trout and red fin waiting to be caught.

What’s the best time of year to fish in Wangaratta?

Spring and early summer are prime times of the year for fishing in Wangaratta. The rivers run clearer, and fish like trout and cod are more active. If you’re a morning person, get out at sunrise when the fish are biting the most, or stick around until dusk for that golden hour magic. Make sure you observe fishing season dates as these allow fish populations to recover, which means more good fishin’ later on.

Best Fishing Spots Wangaratta & Beyond

 

Why not make it a whole week in Wangaratta? There’s plenty more to explore across this stunning region. Dig in!

Take Me To Wangaratta

 

Photos thanks to @henry_brydon and @bee_pinkydooney

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.