Being a relatively cool state with areas of reasonably consistent rainfall, Victoria has some great trout fishing, but with seasonal fluctuations in fishing quality.
Successive dry years cause a decline in fishing quality, with cool, wet years creating better fishing opportunities.
Some of Victoria’s rivers and lakes support natural recruitment of trout, while others are stocked with trout and other salmonids.
The annual stocking regime includes thousands of fingerlings as well as “school holiday fish” that are big enough to be caught immediately.
See this link for the latest school holiday stocking schedule.
Trout were introduced into Victoria in the 1860s and stocking continues today. For example …
2019 Salmonid Stockings
Brown trout 412,502
Rainbow trout 536,390
Chinook salmon 50,000
Cheetah trout 2,450
Total 1,001,342
Brown trout are the main salmonid species caught, along with rainbow trout and a small resource of chinook and Atlantic salmon.
Brook trout were stocked in Lake Purrumbete in 2016 as part of a two-year trial stocking.
A hybrid between brook and rainbow trout, dubbed “cheetah trout”, were stocked in Lake Purrumbete in 2019.
Redfin and native Australian fish are caught alongside trout in most Victorian trout waters.
The best Victorian trout waters are Goulburn River (between Eildon and Molesworth), Rubicon River, Acheron River, Steavenson River, Tanjil River, King River, Ovens River, Kiewa River, Mitta Mitta River, Lake Catani, Lake Eildon, Lake Purrumbete, Lauriston Reservoir, Hepburn Lagoon, Newlyn Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir, Lake Toolondo, Lake Hume, Lake Bullen Merri, Lake Wendouree, Eildon Pondage and Lake Dartmouth.
For a full list of Victorian waters recently stocked with trout visit here.
There are also many privately stocked dams.
Trout stocks in some waters are periodically assessed by fisheries staff and report cards are released.
Wild Trout Health Report Cards
Summary of wild trout streams (2015-2018) (PDF – 502.9 KB)
Buckland River
(PDF – 1.4 MB)
Howqua River
(PDF – 1.4 MB)
Jamieson River
(PDF – 1.4 MB)
Upper Goulburn River (above Lake Eildon)
(PDF – 1.4 MB)
Traralgon Creek
(PDF – 1.4 MB)
When choosing a trout fishing location it pays to assess various destinations to determine which are fishing well.
Fishing quality varies with the vagaries of the seasons, both on the short and long term.
Localised rain events provide fish with food as water levels rise and this produces fatter, healthier fish.
Rain can discolour water in otherwise clear streams and lakes.
A general rule is to fish using lure or fly in clear water, with bait more productive in discoloured water.
Consecutive years of good rain bring on the best overall trout fishing.
Here’s a summary of Victoria’s trout fishing regions.
Victoria’s north-eastern trout rivers
The high country rivers hold naturally spawned brown and rainbow trout.
Spots to try include the upper Yarra and Goulburn River catchments, the upper Ovens and King Rivers, and the Nariel and upper Murray River catchment streams.
The Mitta Mitta River is well regarded.
Any cold clear-water creeks flowing into these systems are likely to hold fish.
Try fishing just before and after the closed seasons for best results.
Victoria’s crater lake trout fishing spots
The state has unusual volcanic crater lakes that are deep and fertile and produce big fish.
Lakes Bullen Merri and Purrumbete are famous for producing trophy brown trout, with fish to 5kg caught each year, along with rainbow trout and chinook salmon.
The trout caught in these lakes are few, probably because the big fish are cautious, but their size makes it worth the effort.
Try casting lures near the shorelines in mornings and afternoons.
Deep trolling can work well on chinooks and rainbows.
Victoria’s southern trout rivers
These coastal rivers are stocked annually.
The Hopkins, Merri and Moyne Rivers all have good fishing at times, with sea runners in late winter/spring.
Try casting lures while walking the banks when the water is dirty, or use a fly rod when the water is clear.
Other mostly smaller coastal rivers and creeks, such as the Barham (near Apollo Bay), Aire and Gellibrand also turn on good fishing and all may produce occasional sea runners.
Victoria’s highland lakes trout fishing spots
Moorabool, Wendouree, Newlyns, Hepburn, Bostock and Tullaroop impoundments are places worth fishing in the Ballarat region.
Winter fishing can be good in these locations when big trout are chasing smelt and feeding on mudeyes.
Look for deep water near flats or weedbeds and the fish won’t be far away.
Victoria’s western lakes trout fishing spots
Tooliorook, Deep Lake, Toolondo and Lake Bolac are stocked and have good trout fishing, but with season variations.
Trout fishing tips
Studies show that Victoria’s stream-dwelling trout tend to head far upstream during hot weather, possibly because there is more shade and cooler water in the upper reaches of rivers.
Use the lightest possible tackle for best results in clear water.
Tiny soft plastic lures are often successful on trout, but bigger fish will take minnow lures.
If you hike into a remote section of stream you may find better fishing.
Pay attention to the weather, and river and lake levels, and don’t expect instant results if this is your first shot at trout fishing.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for freshwater fishing, including within stocked dams.
Victorian trout fishing spots stocked for school holidays
Recently stocked Victorian trout fishing spots
Victorian dam levels
Melbourne dam levels
VIC fishing regulations
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