Overview
Target snapper, salmon and kingfish at ocean fishing grounds up and down the Great Ocean Road or cast a line in fresh waters for river bream and whiting.
Ocean catch
Head to Lorne and Apollo Bay for great pier fishing. Charter a boat and join a game fishing tour in the ocean waters of Bass Strait for larger sharks, southern bluefin tuna and smaller mackerel tuna. Make your way to Narrawong Beach near Portland for good catches of salmon and shark.
River fishing
Great river fishing is also on offer with popular spots including the Aire River near Glenaire and the Gellibrand River near Colac. Large and consistent catches of bream can be found in the estuarine reaches of the Hopkins River near Warrnambool. Catch various estuarine species such as bream and whiting, as well as mulloway, in the Glenelg River.
Inland lakes
Travel inland from the Great Ocean Road and find great fishing opportunities in the craters and lakes of this ancient volcanic landscape. Annual restocking maintains good stock levels, so bring your rod and reel and try your luck catching everything from rainbow and brown trout, redfin (English perch) and eel to chinook salmon. Cast a line from the jetty or cruise out onto the water in a tinny. Water levels change with the weather so check local conditions before you leave.
Before you go
Most people will need a fishing licence even if they are only fishing for a couple of hours off a pier. Find out everything you need to know about recreational fishing from the Victorian Fisheries Authority:
