Fishing

Connect with the Murray's serene natural landscapes on a fishing trip with the gang. The abundance of waterways in the region including the Murray, Darling, Ovens,Edward, Broken and Goulburn rivers, Lake Mulwala and Lake Hume, make it the perfect destination for both novice and serious anglers to reel in the day's catch.

Most anglers are after the native Murray cod, Australia's largest freshwater fish, but look out for other river residents like the golden perch, trout, catfish and freshwater cray. Head downstream and try your hand at bait fishing, lure casting and fly-fishing from the riverbank or a boat.

Lake Hume

See why Lake Hume is a popular spot among anglers. The area is stocked annually with golden perch, rainbow trout, brown trout and Murray cod, while redfin is a favourite among local anglers. With a surface area at full supply of 23,000 hectares, the lake is popular for all forms of angling, from on-shore bait fishing to trolling from boats. Bring a current Victorian fishing licence to fish at Lake Hume.

Lake Mulwala

It's well worth putting Lake Mulwala on your fishing itinerary as the lake is considered to be a Murray cod 'hot spot' during the warmer months. The picturesque lake is dotted with the remains of a red gum forest and this timber provides the perfect habitat for Murray cod and golden perch. Celebrate the opening of the recreational cod-fishing season with the Cod Classic.

Larger fish can be targeted by trolling the course of the riverbed where they lie in deep holes. In winter, fish the lake for freshwater crays. (See Murray River fishing information for details.)

A NSW fishing licence is required at Lake Mulwala. Be aware that Murray cod are protected during September, October and November during their breeding season.

Murray River

Experience the Murray in a new way by trolling aboard a boat, casting a lure in slow moving water, or simply relaxing and fishing from the bank. The Murray River's diverse wildlife makes it an angler's haven and a great spot to target the legendary Murray cod, weighing up to 113 kilograms.

Visit the area below Yarrawonga to see Australia's largest surviving natural population of trout cod. While anglers must release these fish if caught, they are increasingly common in this section of the river. Stocked populations of trout cod may also be found in the Ovens and Goulburn rivers.

Reel in some of the biggest trout in mainland Australia in the border country encompassing the upper Murray River, Swampy Plains River, Nariel Creek, Geehi River and Tooma River near the historic township of Corryong. Popular angling spots can be also found along the Murray at beautiful Mungabareena and Heywood's Bridge in Albury.

June to August is open season for Murray Crayfish, the second-largest freshwater crayfish in the world. Murray Crayfish can only be taken in season, in the Murray River between Hume Weir and the Tocumwal road bridge, and at Lake Mulwala. For details of locations and restrictions, see Fishing for Murray Crayfish in NSW (PDF). 

Remember, the Murray River is regarded as being in NSW, so you will need a NSW fishing license, available at local stores and service stations.