Fishing Barwon River

The Barwon River flows for 160km from the Otway and Brisbane Ranges, through Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, entering the sea at Barwon Heads.

It is part of the Murray–Darling basin and is considered to be a perennial river, but in December 2018 it ceased flowing at Walgett, being reduced to a series of pools.

There are 36 tributaries, making it a significant coastal river system in Victoria.

Much of the river runs through muddy substrates, so it is quite turbid, and also quite saline.

The freshwater section of the Barwon contains mainly redfin, carp, trout, eels and tench. There are also native fish such as Australian grayling, river blackfish, smelt, galaxias, congoli, gudgeon, lamprey, hardyhead and pigmy perch.

The river downstream of Buckleys Falls fishes well for freshwater fish such as redfin, carp, eels and brown trout.

The three associated lakes Modewarre, Murdeduke and Wendouree are stocked with brown and rainbow trout when water levels are suitable.

Carp are easily caught on baits of worms, dough or even bread, and berley works well in bringing them around. Warm weather is best.

The estuarine section of the Barwon River at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads produce plenty of whiting, flathead, bream, yelloweye mullet and salmon.

Mulloway and snapper are caught at times in the lower river. Fish at night for best results.

Estuary perch are a highlight of the Barwon River and respond well to small lures on ultralight tackle.

Barwon River fishing areas

Forrest to Birregurra – a 32km section of river with a channel averaging 5-9m in width and with pools to 220cm deep. Forrest and Birregurra have fishable areas with brown trout, redfin, river blackfish and eels.

Birregurra to Winchelsea – a 25km section of river flowing through farmland with an average width of 10-12m and pools to 150-230cm deep. Redfin, brown trout, eels and river blackfish can be caught. Access is difficult because of private property and dense vegetation.

Winchelsea to the Weir upstream of Buckleys Falls – this 35km section of river has good pools between Winchelsea and Inverleigh and between Ceres and the Weir. The width varies from 17-25m, with pools to 470cm deep. This stretch contains tench, eels, redfin, blackfish and brown trout.

Between the Weir and Buckleys Falls – this short 400m stretch of river is a deep pool surrounded by parkland. It has many eels, and a few brown trout and redfin.

Buckleys Falls to the lower breakwater 1.5km upstream of Lake Connewarre – this 18km section is up to 60m wide with pools 4-6m deep. There is good access via Queens Park in Geelong. Rushes along the banks restrict access but boardwalks through Geelong section allow fishing. Carp, eels, redfin, brown trout, tench and congoli are caught.

Lower Barwon downstream of Lake Connewarre – these are estuarine waters about 50m wide and 3-4m deep. This stretch is 10km. It shallows out to 1-2m at Barwon Heads. There is good bank and boat fishing. Expect salmon, sand mullet, yelloweye mullet, flathead, silver trevally, black bream and king george whiting. Fish an incoming tide in the early morning for best results.

Here is a list of recommended tackle for Victorian waters.

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