Exploring Victoria's cool winter fishing

VRFish Board member, Rita, with an Eildon Murray cod © VRFish

As winter settles in, recfishers gear up for winter fishing trips and the opportunity to explore our iconic Victorian waterways. With an array of rivers, lakes, and coastal spots, Victoria offers plenty of options for winter fishing adventures.

We've compiled a list of some great fishing spots to cast your line during the colder months across the state and, of course, we've included both inland and coastal areas so there is something for everyone!

Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon, located in the heart of Victoria's High Country, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Renowned for its trophy-sized Murray cod and abundant trout population, this expansive lake provides ample opportunities for both boat and land-based fishing. Anglers can expect to catch brown and rainbow trout, redfin, and the mighty Murray cod while enjoying the stunning alpine scenery.

Lake Eildon is open year-round to trout and Murray cod fishing. During the current river trout closed season, the section of the Goulburn River below Lake Eildon Pondage to Trawool Bridge and its tributaries are classified as a tailrace river and subject to the closed season and regulations.

Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes system is renowned for its diverse fishing opportunities, particularly by recfishers targeting black bream. The lakes system is fed by the Latrobe, Nicholson, Mitchell and Tambo rivers and encompasses Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria and Lake King.

During winter, these sheltered lakes and rivers offer excellent conditions for anglers seeking black bream, flathead, and estuary perch. With plenty of jetties, boat ramps, and fishing platforms scattered throughout the region, there's no shortage of accessible spots to explore.

Port Phillip

Despite the cooler temperatures, Port Phillip remains a hot spot for winter fishing in Victoria. Anglers can target some of Victoria's favourite species, including snapper, squid, whiting, flathead, and many others.

While boat fishing is popular, land-based anglers can also enjoy success from piers dotted along the coastline. If you're looking for some great land-based spots along Port Phillip, there's a range of piers and jetties that offer great fishing. In the Geelong and Bellarine region, there's Cunningham Pier and St. Helens in Geelong, Queenscliff Pier and St. Leonards Pier. In Melbourne, there's Gem Pier (Williamstown), Kerford Road Pier (Albert Park), Mordialloc Pier, Patterson River (Carrum) and Sorrento Pier, among many others.

Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

Located in Ballarat, Lake Wendouree offers a great setting for winter fishing close to the city. Regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout, as well as having redfin and carp populations, the lake attracts anglers of all skill levels.

While Ballarat can be both cold and windy during winter, the cooler temperatures can lead to more active fish, particularly early and late in the day. Whether you prefer bait fishing, lure casting, or fly fishing, Lake Wendouree provides anglers the chance to reel in a few prized catches.

Hopkins River, Warrnambool

For those craving a river fishing experience, the Hopkins River near Warrnambool is hard to beat. Winter sees the arrival of large schools of bream and estuary perch, drawing anglers from far and wide.

The river's scenic surroundings and abundant birdlife add to the appeal, creating a serene backdrop for a day of fishing. With plenty of public access points and boat ramps along its banks, the Hopkins River offers endless opportunities to explore its meandering reaches.

Tips for winter fishing success

• Plan ahead: Research your chosen fishing spot, including any regulations and access points, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

• Dress warmly: Layer up with thermal clothing, waterproof outerwear, and enclosed footwear to stay comfortable during chilly fishing sessions.

• Focus on structure: Look for underwater structures such as rocks, fallen trees, and weed beds where fish are likely to seek shelter and ambush prey.

• Be patient: Winter fishing requires patience and persistence, so don't be discouraged if the bites are slow. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of time for the fish to become active.

• Check the regulations: Before heading out, familiarise yourself with the Victorian fishing regulations via the Victorian Fisheries Authority and any seasonal closures in your chosen fishing spot to ensure you're fishing by the rules.

• VRFish code of conduct: VRFish has developed this VRFish Code of Conduct for recreational boat, shore, river, stream and jetty fishers in Victoria. We 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 guidelines.

Whether you're chasing trophy-sized trout in Eildon or battling bream in coastal rivers, Victoria offers a range of winter fishing opportunities for anglers of all interests and skill levels. With the right gear, tactics, and a sense of adventure, the colder months can provide some of the most memorable fishing experiences Victoria has to offer. So get your thermals, grab your fishing rod, and embark on a winter fishing adventure to one of Victoria's iconic waterways.