Fishing in Victoria's parks

 

Victoria's parks and reserves with their many beaches, lakes, rivers and streams provide some amazing fishing destinations. Fishing is a relaxing sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and is a great way to enjoy being in the great outdoors whilst developing an appreciation for nature and the natural environment.

Before you go

Victoria's network of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries border many great fishing places. It is important to remember that fishing or the removal of marine life (including bait) or artefacts is not allowed within these marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. Make sure you check the boundaries before you go.
 
 

 

Fishing Licences

A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is required for all forms of recreational fishing in Victoria's marine, estuarine and freshwater environments. The RFL applies to all methods of taking or attempting to take fish by any method. This includes line fishing, bait collection, shellfish gathering, yabbie fishing and spear fishing.

Interstate and international visitors also require a licence if planning to fish in Victoria. However if you are under 18 years or over 70 years of age, you don't require a fishing license. Fishing licences are issued by the Department of Primary Industries; their website www.dpi.vic.gov.au has more information.

Licenses can be purchased for periods of 48 hours, 28 days or for one or three years and are available from over 900 businesses throughout Victoria including most bait and tackle stores. Your fishing licence must be signed, and cannot be loaned or transferred to another person.

Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct

Recreational fishers have a responsibility to help look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations of fishers. VRFish, the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body, has prepared a Code of Conduct for recreational fishing in Victoria. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines on how to ensure sustainable fishing practices so that the environment is protected and important fisheries resources are maintained for the future. All recreational fishers should observe and follow the code.

Some good places to go freshwater fishing

Victoria's parks and reserves are wonderful places for freshwater fishing. Here are some suggested locations to get you started.

Excellent trout fishing can be found in lakes such as Toolondo, Wartook and Fyans in the Grampians National Park . The region contains a third of Victoria's lakes and few inland areas in Australia boast a greater variety of fish.

The Alpine National Park provides great opportunities along the King and Rose Rivers and at Lake William Hovell. During the cooler months, brown trout, blackfish and eels can be found in the Dargo River.

Anglers keen to tackle one of Australia 's most prized inland species, the Murray cod have their best chance of doing so in the magnificent Murray River system with its 112-kilometre stretch of water.

Some good places to go saltwater fishing.

One of the best known and favoured saltwater fishing spots in Victoria is Port Phillip Bay . Drop a line at one of our many piers including those at Middle Park, Mordialloc, Mornington, Rye, Sorrento, Geelong, Altona or Williamstown .

Serious anglers can make their way to the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and Croajingolong National Park for a variety of fishing including surf fishing, beach or lake fishing.

Minimal Impact Guidelines

When fishing, it is important for you to play your part in protecting our environment by following minimal impact guidelines. Remember to take all rubbish home with you. Litter can harm or kill marine wildlife and make the environment appear unsightly. Walk on formed tracks wherever possible and walk below the high-tide mark when on the beach to avoid tramping bird nests in the soft sand higher up the beach.

 

 

 

 



  
Want to Know More?

For information on fishing licences, bag limits, catching bait or any other fishing issues, call the Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au