You're in luck if you're seeking some great fishing sites in Melbourne. Small freshwater creeks and vast ocean bays and everything in between can be found within the greater metro region. Casting a fly. To cast a line from a pier. To cast a fishing rod from the beach. Everything is within easy driving distance. The best saltwater fishing can be had in a real rockpool, not at the Rockpool Bar & Grill.
If you do a mobile search for "best fishing near me," and it takes you to one of Melbourne's freshwater hot spots, you may fish for trout and perch till your line dries. Fishing in saltwater, on the other hand, opens up a whole new world of possibilities, including salmon, flathead, bream, whiting, snapper, and many more. Even while catch-and-release fishing is strongly recommended, a barbeque is usually not far away.
We have compiled all of Melbourne's top fishing places in one easy-to-access location to save you time and energy. Although we have included many popular destinations, we have also included several lesser-known sites that are perfect for anglers. Let's get right down to business.
When it comes to fishing, Melbourne is a fantastic destination. Throughout the city and its surrounding areas, you can find numerous rivers, streams, beaches, and rock pools to explore. If you're looking for a good fishing site around Melbourne, we've got you covered so you never go home empty-handed.
Fishing Spot In Melbourne
Many locations in and around Melbourne are ideal for a day of fishing, and some even have BBQs so you can eat your catch (snapper, whiting, or trout, anyone?) with friends.
With so many options and so many tasty fish to catch, though, you'll want a handy list of the top fishing spots around Victoria's most populous area. You should also know if you have greater luck fishing from the shore or a kayak or boat, and when the optimum time to try your luck at each area is. Staying on the up-and-up with permissions is crucially vital, too.
Victoria's lockdown conditions have been relaxed slightly, allowing us to engage in some fishing. Now is as good a time as any to begin your search for an ideal fishing location, after all.
These are the top places in and around Melbourne for novice anglers to try their hand at catching some fish. Still, if none of those options appeal to you, you may always visit Port Phillip Bay and locate a peaceful area on a pier.
Brimbank Park
A portion of the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands, this area is a popular hangout. In addition to fishing, it is also a great place to go for beautiful hikes, canoe trips, bird viewing, kite flying, or a picnic. However, if you go fishing, you can expect to catch carp, brown trout, and short-finned eel.
Bostock Reservoir
There is no use in trying to keep a hidden fishing site in Melbourne or Victoria a secret if everyone knows about it. Bostock Reservoir, though not precisely off the beaten path, could be the greatest alternative. This hidden gem is a great place to spend time with the family and catch some fish.
No boats or waders allowed; catch-and-release of all native species is recommended; European carp may not be released; snakes should be avoided; shore fishing only.
Yarra River
If you were to ask folks on the street in Melbourne, "Where is the best place to go fishing around me?" you would likely be told about Yarra River. As far as waterways go, this one is huge, stretching for nearly 250 kilometres and becoming something of a national symbol for Australia. Some of the best fishing in the area, as well as boat cruises, a casino, nightlife, events, parks, and more, can be found along this route.
This river passes past a number of parks and recreational areas, including Punt Road Bridge, Warrandyte State Park, and Yarra Bend Park, all of which would be good starting points for your adventure. Believe me, you won't regret it. Even though you're limited to using just two lines, catch-and-release is strongly advised. There may be additional regulations or bans in place for fishing in particular locations.
Yarra Bend Park
Yarra Bend Park is well-known for its gorgeous bathing area, but it's also a popular fishing site for locals in Melbourne. With almost 16 kilometres of river frontage and breathtaking panoramas of the city and the Dandenong Ranges, this is must-see.
You can sit back, relax, and wait for the fish to come to you in one of the city's most tranquil settings, but you can also hone your casting skills at the park's northern international fly-casting pool. Be sure to verify fishing regulations in the area before you cast.
It is the Wurundjeri People's traditional territory, and Yarra Bend Park is an important element of their cultural landscape. Parks Victoria acknowledges the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners' continued responsibility for the care of the Country and their profound connection to these lands and waters. Yarra Bend Park is the largest natural bushland park in Melbourne. Explore the park's many paths on foot or by bike while taking in the sights of the diverse flora and fauna. Have a picnic, go for a walk, or hit the links. You can see flying foxes if you rent a canoe from the old Studley Park Boathouse and paddle upstream.
Visit Yarra Bend Park with its natural river cliffs, open forests, formal parklands, and sports fields. Take a stroll along the Dights Falls Walk and learn about the history of the area, including the former asylum, the river red gum that once covered Galatea Point, Deep Rock, the site of the Deep Rock Swimming Club, and Dights Falls itself.
The artificial weir, a prominent landmark in the park, was constructed in the 1840s to service the pioneering Ceres Flour Mill. Dights Falls was the name given to the waterfalls after the mill's original proprietors. Considering the uncontrolled nature of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, potential dangers should be taken into account. Make sure your day at Yarra Bend Park is safe and fun by following our water safety tips.
Sorrento Pier
Built in 1870, this pier is still used by fishermen in quest of whiting, salmon, squid, snapper,and other species. The area is rich in history and culture, and it's worth a visit even if fishing isn't your thing.
This includes activities such as snorkelling, boating, kayaking, and golfing at night, as well as observing swarms of migrating spider crabs in the fall. Wineries, mazes, playgrounds, lighthouses, and more may all be found in the vicinity of Mornington Peninsula.
You can count on catching whiting, squid, snappers, salmon, trevally, flathead, and leatherjackets. The pier is usually quite busy, so exercise caution.
Albert Lake Park
Albert Lake Park is one of Melbourne's best kept fishing secrets, despite its undeniable popularity among dog walkers and city dwellers. Positioned adjacent to the Grand Prix circuit and golf course, this suburban retreat is conveniently near to the heart of the city. Cast your line into the thicket anyway, and you could be pleasantly surprised by what bites.
The 5 kilometres of Albert Park Lake, which runs alongside the golf course and the world-famous Grand Prix track, is a fantastic spot for anglers who want to get away from it all. And the distance to Melbourne's central business district is merely three kilometres. For city people interested in fishing for rainbow trout and golden perch, this is an ideal location.
Station Pier, Port Melbourne
Beach Street in Port Melbourne is home to Station Pier, better known as the Spirit of Tasmania's port of call. It can be difficult to catch anything if any huge ships are docked, but if you head to the smaller pier immediately off Station Pier, you'll find a fantastic place to reel in your catch. This tiny jetty, located to the right of Station Pier, is a year-round fishing hotspot.
Snapper, flathead, and silver trevally are just some of the delicious species you may expect to catch. The villagers flock to this pier early in the day with the hopes of bringing home a fish or two for dinner. The fantastic restaurants in the area mean you won't have to worry about feeding the family even if you don't catch dinner.
Maribyrnong River
The Maribyrnong River is an oldie but a goodie; it begins on the slopes of Mount Macedon, flows past Footscray and Keilor, and empties into Port Phillip Bay. You may sail down the river, and you'll witness rowers and speedboats leaving PTV for the river's calmer waters.
You may fish for bream, yellow-eyed mullet, and even Australian salmon from the many jetties and fishing platforms in parks and reserves along the river. You can even try your hand at fishing at one of the family fishing places along the way, even if you don't know anything about it.
Patterson River
Suburban Victoria is home to some of the city's best fishing and busiest boating spots. Keep fishing in the area close to the river's mouth, and you could catch flathead, snapper, or even squid.
Bring bream, mullet, salmon, and other fish by paddling or boating upstream. Parks, barbeque areas, fishing piers, conveniences, walking paths, gardens, and even a cultural centre line each side of the river.
Ferguson Street Pier, Williamstown
This pier may be found at the very end of Ferguson Street, which can be reached through Nelson Place, The Strand, or Ferguson Street in Williamstown. A charming place to cast a line, thanks to the abundance of moored boats and the spectacular view of the city across the lake. In addition to being a convenient location for getting together with loved ones, the pier's proximity to the city makes it an attractive venue for social events.
Bream and silver trevally can be caught by fishing close to the pier's pylons, while snapper and flathead are best caught by casting out as far as possible from the pier's end. The park is perfect for a day out with the kids.
Patterson River
Suburban Victoria is home to some of the city's best fishing and busiest boating spots. Keep fishing in the area close to the river's mouth, and you could flathead, catch snapper, or even squid. The next step is to paddle upstream in a boat or kayak in order to catch bream, mullet, salmon, and other fish. Parks, barbeque areas, fishing piers, conveniences, walking paths, gardens, and even a cultural centre line each side of the river.
As Victoria's shortest river at under 5 km in length, the Patterson River is a popular entry point for boaters heading to Port Phillips Bay. For those who enjoy fishing in estuaries for bream, mullet, Australia salmon, and trevally, this is a fantastic choice. You can get everything you need, from fuel to fishing licences to tackle and bait, at Launching Way, so there's no need to come prepared.
Brimbank Park
There is a lot going on above and below the surface of the water at this renowned trout fishing spot on the outskirts of Melbourne's Maribyrnong River. If you use live bait, you can catch redfin tuna and maybe even carp. Brimbank Park is more than just a great place to fish; it's the starting point for all sorts of exciting adventures.
Jells Park
Jells Park is a popular destination for weekend strolls, rides, picnics, and games because of the presence of the scenic Dandenong Creek running right through the middle of the park. The park's rich Native bushland and conservation route also draw attention to an incredible variety of endemic birds and other species. You can fish for carp, short-finned eel, and even redfin eel from the jetties on the western side of the lake, so long as you stay beyond the conservation zone.
This man-made lake in Wheelers Hill's Dandenong Creek Valley has not one, but three piers, only two of which are accessible for fishing. More than a million people flock to the park every year.
Lake Victoria is home to some of Victoria's best fishing, but visitors also remain for the area's many other amenities, including its hiking trails, cafes, picnic sites, and sports venues. Catch-and-release fishing is recommended, and boating and canoeing are not allowed, so anglers must fish from one of the permitted jetties.
Jacksons Creek, Sunbury
Jacksons Creek [Sunbury, Powlett and Macedon Streets] is home to some of the best open creek fishing in Victoria. Spend some time in the countryside, throw out a line, and unwind.
Riddells Creek is where you want to go to get the best fishing. While trout can be caught using lures or flies, bait fishing is more versatile because it can be used for a wider variety of fish. Worms, mud eyes, crickets, and grasshoppers are some of the best baits to use.
You can still get some nice fishing in without having to travel too far from Sunbury, over at the Goonawarra Public Golf Course. Going fishing at Jacksons Creek is a great way to spend the day away from the city and provide a pleasant surprise for the family.
Barwon Heads
Fishing isn't the only thing that makes Barwon Heads one of the best places in Victoria to visit. This picturesque village, found on the southern coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, offers a plethora of exciting opportunities. You'll catch a lot more salmon surf fishing than you would in any other way.
Alternatively, you may charter a boat and head out into Bass Strait, where you'll discover a veritable fishery. Barwon Heads Bluff is a popular fishing spot, however because it is located within a marine sanctuary, you may be subject to special regulations.
Werribee South Pier, Werribee South
Werribee South Pier [Werribee South, 21 Beach Road] is a popular destination for anglers in Melbourne, as it is located at the mouth of the Werribee River, which opens into Port Phillip Bay.
You can either bring an esky down to the wooden boardwalk or set up on the boat ramp and cast away from the entering vessels. The jetty is a fantastic site to spend the day fishing because of the long extension that extends out into deeper water and gives you a good vantage point to do so.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines off the pier in hopes of reeling in bream, yellow-eyed mullet, Australian salmon, flathead, and silver trevally. Bring the whole gang for a day of fun on the Werribee Coast, where there is a fantastic walking route that follows the shoreline.
Anglesea
It's a good idea to plan a weekend trip to Anglesea if you live in the Melbourne region, as it will require a bit of driving time. Great Ocean Road's starting point, it features both pristine beaches and extensive estuary networks.
That means you have the option of fishing from land or water while soaking in the surrounding beauty. You could catch a gummy shark if you went beach fishing at night.
Plenty Gorge Park
If you're getting bored of fishing along the river, cast your line in Blue Lake, located in Plenty Gorge Park, in South Morang. The quarry that now contains this fish-filled body of water is located about 20 kilometres from the city centre and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Bring your fishing licence and bait, since you're going fishing.
Altona Pier
It is no surprise that thousands of Pokémon Go gamers formerly congregated at this hub, which also features playgrounds, restaurants, and a popular beach. Summertime, and really any time of year when the weather is pleasant, are the busiest times.
If fishing from the pier is your only goal, you'll want to get there before the crowds if you want to have any chance of success. A convenient parking spot and an abundance of fish species are yours for the taking. The pier can get slick, so keep a watch on little children and be aware of other fishers so that you don't get your lines tangled.
However, in the real world, this is a terrific place to catch genuine fish due to the recent building of the artificial reef approximately 50 metres from the end of the pier. It's also not far from a natural reef and rocks that, in the warmer months, supply anglers with a plethora of snappers.
Tides changing are the best time to catch the most fish. Pinkies, for instance, are captured on incoming high tides, while flatheads are caught on outgoing low tides.
Conclusion
Melbourne is wonderful for fishing. The city has rivers, streams, beaches, and rockpools. BBQs follow catch-and-release fishing. Bostock Reservoir is perfect for fishing with youngsters. No watercraft or wading; release native fish unharmed.
Some localities may ban fishing. Melbourne's largest wilderness park is Yarra Bend. Walk or ride through the park to see the vegetation and animals. Explore the area's history on the Dights Falls Walk. The Maribyrnong River, a classic, flows from Mount Macedon's foothills via Footscray and Keilor to Port Phillip Bay.
Albert Park Lake is a relaxing fishing spot. Bream and silver trevally can be caught near the pier's pylons. Weekend visitors to Jells Park enjoy strolls, rides, picnics, and activities. Brimbank Park can start any adventurous adventure. Werribee South Pier attracts anglers from Victoria.
Boating and canoeing are restricted, and catch-and-release is encouraged. Barwon Heads Bluff's closeness to a marine sanctuary may require additional requirements. Anglesea is Melbourne's best fishing place. Beautiful beaches and vast estuaries start the Great Ocean Road here. Due to the many parks and restaurants, thousands of Pokémon Go gamers come here.
Content Summary
- You're in luck if you're seeking some great fishing sites in Melbourne.
- We have compiled all of Melbourne's top fishing places in one easy-to-access location to save you time and energy.
- When it comes to fishing, Melbourne is a fantastic destination.
- We've covered you if you're looking for a good fishing site around Melbourne, so you never go home empty-handed.
- With so many options and tasty fish to catch, you'll want a handy list of the top fishing spots around Victoria's most populous area.
- Still, if you need more than those options, you may always visit Port Phillip Bay and locate a peaceful area on a pier.
- It is no use to keep a hidden fishing site in Melbourne or Victoria a secret if everyone knows about it.
- Though not precisely off the beaten path, Bostock Reservoir could be the greatest alternative.
- This hidden gem is a great place to spend time with the family and catch fish.
- Yarra Bend Park is well-known for its gorgeous bathing area, but it's also a popular fishing site for locals in Melbourne.
- It is the Wurundjeri People's traditional territory, and Yarra Bend Park is an important cultural landscape element.
- Yarra Bend Park is the largest natural bushland park in Melbourne.
- Visit Yarra Bend Park with its natural river cliffs, open forests, formal parklands, and sports fields.
- By following our water safety tips, ensure your day at Yarra Bend Park is safe and fun.
- The area is rich in history and culture, and it's worth a visit even if fishing isn't your thing.
- The 5 kilometres of Albert Park Lake, which runs alongside the golf course and the world-famous Grand Prix track, is a fantastic spot for anglers who want to get away from it all.
- Beach Street in Port Melbourne is home to Station Pier, better known as the Spirit of Tasmania's port of call.
- This tiny jetty, located to the right of Station Pier, is a year-round fishing hotspot.
- The Maribyrnong River is an oldie but a goodie; it begins on the slopes of Mount Macedon, flows past Footscray and Keilor, and empties into Port Phillip Bay.
- Suburban Victoria is home to some of the city's best fishing and busiest boating spots.
- Keep fishing in the area close to the river's mouth, and you could catch flathead, snapper, or squid.
- The park is perfect for a day out with the kids.
- Suburban Victoria is home to some of the city's best fishing and busiest boating spots.
- As Victoria's shortest river at under 5 km in length, the Patterson River is a popular entry point for boaters heading to Port Phillips Bay.
- A lot is going on above and below the surface of the water at this renowned trout fishing spot on the outskirts of Melbourne's Maribyrnong River.
- Brimbank Park is more than just a great place to fish; it's the starting point for all sorts of exciting adventures.
- Lake Victoria is home to some of Victoria's best fishing, but visitors also remain for its many other amenities, including its hiking trails, cafes, picnic sites, and sports venues.
- Spend some time in the countryside, throw out a line, and unwind.
- Going fishing at Jacksons Creek is a great way to spend the day away from the city and provide a pleasant surprise for the family.
- Fishing is one of many things that make Barwon Heads one of the best places in Victoria to visit.
- Barwon Heads Bluff is a popular fishing spot; however, because it is located within a marine sanctuary, you may be subject to special regulations.
- Werribee South Pier [Werribee South, 21 Beach Road] is a popular destination for anglers in Melbourne, as it is located at the mouth of the Werribee River, which opens into Port Phillip Bay.
- Bring the whole gang for a day of fun on the Werribee Coast, where a fantastic walking route follows the shoreline.
- It's a good idea to plan a weekend trip to Anglesea if you live in the Melbourne region, as it will require a bit of driving time.
- Great Ocean Road's starting point features pristine beaches and extensive estuary networks.
- That means you can fish from land or water while soaking in the surrounding beauty.
- If you're bored fishing along the river, cast your line in Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge Park in South Morang.
- Bring your fishing licence and bait since you're going fishing.
- If fishing from the pier is your only goal, you'll want to get there before the crowds if you want to have any chance of success.
- However, in the real world, this is a terrific place to catch genuine fish due to the recent building of the artificial reef approximately 50 metres from the end of the pier.
- Tides changing are the best time to catch the most fish.
FAQs About Fishing Spot In Melbourne
You can fish for squid in Melbourne at some of the following locations: Rye Pier, Mount Martha rocks, Port Welshpool Long Pier, Queenscliff, Frankston Pier, Sorrento Pier, Blairgowrie Pier, Flinders Pier, and Portsea Piers.
Delicious snapper is easy to come by in Victoria, presuming you take your expedition to the saltwater territory. Popular snapper fishing spots include St Kilda in Port Phillip Bay, Hastings in Western Port Bay, and the Port of Portland.
Look for golden perch, crayfish, trout, and yabbies in our freshwater fishing spots. In Melbourne's ocean bays, pluck salmon, flathead, snapper, bream and whiting from the salty seawater. The State Government is investing in a target of 1,000,000 anglers in Melbourne by 2020. Join the fun with a recreational licence.
When fishing in waters within the state of New South Wales, whether freshwater or saltwater, you must have either your recreational fishing licence with you or a receipt confirming that you have paid the recreational fishing charge.
In Victoria, anglers are permitted to use multiple rods simultaneously. However, the Recreational Fishing Guide published by the Victorian Fisheries Authority states that an individual is only permitted to have a maximum of four rods or lines with hooks.