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Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria
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Basins Map | Angling Waters A-Z
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Ovens River Basin
Angling Waters of the Ovens River Basin 3
Anderson
Lake, Chiltern G 7
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Ovens River Basin
2ha.
Located in a park on the east of the town, with an adjacent caravan park. It has been stocked in the past with rainbow trout with relatively poor results. Recently stocked with golden perch and Murray cod.
Barambogie
Reservoir, Chiltern G 7
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0.4ha.
A domestic water supply for Chiltern, surrounded by pine and native forest. Not a recognised angling water and seldom fished. No longer stocked.
![]() Barwidgee Creek |
Barwidgee
Creek, Myrtleford I 11
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Flows from forested country then through farmland to join the Ovens River between Myrtleford and Gapstead. A shallow stream with fine gravel and sand bed. Never surveyed but reported to carry mostly brown trout to 700g, some rainbow trout to 350g, blackfish and some small redfin. Has a low flow during summer-early autumn and not worth fishing at this time. No longer stocked.
Black
Range Creek, Edi F 13
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A small creek flowing through forest and farmland, gravel bed. Low flow in summer and sedimentation, results in the creek becoming a series of pools during summer and not worth fishing at this time Contains brown trout to 700g, some rainbow trout to 350g, and blackfish. Receives rainbow trout escaping from a nearby trout farm and is not stocked. Carries only a few fish.
![]() Boggy Creek |
Boggy
Creek, Whitfield E 12
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A small creek flowing through forest and farmland, gravel bed. In poor environmental condition with bank erosion, sedimentation and little riparian vegetation. Contains brown trout to 550g, some small blackfish and small redfin downstream. Also Australian smelt, mountain galaxias and southern pygmy perch. Best time to fish is from first autumn rains to early summer as flow is low during summer. Not stocked because of unsuitable habitat.
Buckland
River, Porepunkah J 14
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![]() Buckland River |
Flows in forest in the upper reaches then forest and farmland downstream. The river upstream is 5-8m wide with extensive shallow areas less than 20cm deep It also has channels to 50cm deep and occasional pools to 100cm, rock and gravel substrate. The lower reaches (Harris Lane) are wide and shallow with little instream debris or fish cover. The substrate is unstable sand and there has been some sedimentation.
![]() Brown trout |
The lower reaches of the river were dredged for gold and more recently gravel was extracted. Flows are excellent during May-November but below Buckland Junction, can be low during February-March because of irrigation water diversions for irrigation. Contains brown trout av. 230g, some rainbow trout to 300g, blackfish to 160g and small redfin in the lower reaches. Also Australian smelt, mountain galaxias, Murray spiny crayfish and southern pygmy perch.
Larger brown trout to 2kg,
(most 450-750g) are present in deeper water in the middle reaches. An accessible
and popular trout fishing water with best catches late evening and night. Annual
stockings of rainbow trout were discontinued after 1991 because of poor returns
of stocked fish to anglers.
![]() Buffalo Creek |
Buffalo
Creek, Myrtleford I 12
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A small creek rising in forested mountains near Mt Buffalo then flowing through farmland. In the lower reaches it has a width of 4-8m with mostly shallow runs 20-50cm deep and deeper pools and gutters to 100cm. Severe bank erosion in the lower reaches.
Substrate of rubble and gravel in the riffles, with coarse sand in the pools. The main riparian vegetation is blackberry. Contains some brown trout to 30g in the lower reaches. Much of the creek is within the Mt. Buffalo National Park. and It was stocked with trout cod in 1990-93 for conservation of this species. No records of trout cod surviving.
Buffalo
Lake, Dandongadale H 13
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341ha. 24,060ML. Boat ramp, picnic area.
![]() Buffalo Lake |
A deep storage surrounded by cleared land. Subject to wide fluctuations in water level. Has never lived up to expectations as a producer of fish, but contains some brown trout to 2kg, rainbow trout to 500g, reasonable-sized redfin some to 1kg, goldfish, some Macquarie perch and possibly an occasional trout cod.
Macquarie perch and trout cod have previously been stocked/translocated in the lake. Macquarie perch from the lake have moved upstream into the upper Buffalo River above Abbeyard. Occasional captures of Murray cod have been reported by anglers.
Trout spawn in the Buffalo River and Yarrarabula Creek above the lake and provide ample recruitment for those species. Occasional captures of stocked golden perch have been reported by anglers in recent years.
Buffalo
River, Dandongadale H 12
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Above Lake Buffalo H 14
![]() Buffalo River |
Flows through forest and cleared farmland,. gravel and rock bed. Very accessible from a road running up the valley. Some sedimentation and low flow during summer with the upper reaches drying up in severe droughts. Contains mostly brown trout to 2kg (av. 450g), abundant blackfish, redfin, rainbow trout, goldfish, mountain galaxias, Murray spiny crayfish and the occasional Macquarie perch in the deeper pools. Possibility of trout cod also present from stockings 1992-93. Trout spawn in the river and are therefore not stocked.
Macquarie perch were stocked from 1987-1991. Note that golden perch stocked into Lake Buffalo since 2002 may move up into the upper Buffalo River. There has been no stocking of any fish into the upper Buffalo River in recent years.
Macquarie perch are currently totally protected in these waters. If caught they must be returned to the water.
Below Lake Buffalo H 12
![]() Buffalo River downstream of Lake Buffalo |
Flows through farmland. A wide river (24-33m) with riffles 20-40cm deep and extensive runs 50-70cm deep. There are also extensive pools 80-210cm deep. Rubble and gravel substrate upstream and sand and gravel downstream near Myrtleford.
A very accessible river and has areas of very good fish habitat. Contains brown trout and rainbow trout to 1.3kg (av. 450g), abundant redfin to 1.5kg, two species of blackfish, Murray cod, goldfish, carp, mosquito fish and Murray spiny crayfish. May also contain occasional Macquarie perch and golden perch which have moved upstream from the Ovens River. Stocked with 104,200 Murray cod fingerlings (av. length 25mm) from 1986-91. A Departmental survey in 1992 by NRE captured 13 Murray cod 15-19cm in length. At the same time anglers were catching similar-sized Murray cod on bait and spinners. No longer stocked with trout because they are self-sustaining.
Catani
Lake, Mount Buffalo I 13
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18ha. 554ML..
A high altitude lake of located on Mount Buffalo, within the Mount Buffalo National Park. Surrounded by snow gums and alpine vegetation and usually freezes over during winter. Contains brown trout to 350g. It has a self-sustaining population with trout spawning in Eurobin Creek. Not stocked.
![]() Catherine River |
Catherine
River, Mount Cobbler I 17
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A good trout stream flowing through forested mountains, gravel bed. Surrounded mostly by Crown Land and has numerous deep pools, although it does have a low flow during summer. Accessible only from a walking track, which starts at the junction with the Buffalo River. Contains mostly brown trout to 1.6kg (av. 300g), some rainbow trout to 350g and blackfish to 100g. Trout from the Buffalo River also spawn in this creek. and therefore It is not stocked.
Cobbler
Lake, Mount Cobbler H 17
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4ha. 74ML.
A shallow lake located in thick forest and accessible by a steep dry weather road from the headwaters of the Rose River. Contains a few small brown trout, which spawn in small feeder streams flowing into the lake. Not stocked.
![]() Dandongadale River |
Dandongadale
River, Dandongadale G 15
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A narrow river flowing in a deep valley, through dense forest, rock and gravel bed. It has a small catchment area of mostly Crown Land and has low flows during summer. Access is difficult and requires walking along a track which starts from the road bridge near the junction of with the Rose River. Limited angling pressure. Contains small brown trout and rainbow trout (av. 220g) upstream, with larger brown trout to 1.4kg (av. 400g) in the lower reaches, also abundant blackfish, redfin, mountain galaxias and possibly Macquarie perch and trout cod.
Stocked with Macquarie perch 1992-93 and with trout cod in 1993-94. Both these species are totally protected in this water and, if caught, must be returned to the water.
Eldorado
Dredge Holes, Eldorado F 8
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Created by gold dredges, which operated in the area until the 1950’s. They floated in large specially dug holes and operated by digging away the dirt at one side of the hole, extracting the gold and depositing the spoil at the other side of the hole, literally "chewing" their way across the valley. This has resulted in much of the Ovens River flood plain being unconsolidated, relatively unstable and prone to erosion. One dredge is still preserved at Eldorado as a monument to the mining era.
The holes contain carp, goldfish and redfin. One was stocked with Murray cod in the early 1990’s but apparently this was not successful.
![]() Fifteen Mile Creek |
Fifteen
Mile Creek, Wangaratta D 10
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![]() Fifteen Mile Creek |
Flows from forest then through farmland. Substrate is gravel upstream but sand and mud in the lower reaches. River width is from 3-7m and it is deeply entrenched in the lower reaches with vertical, unstable, clay banks and some sedimentation.
There are extensive, very shallow riffles (less than 30cm deep) separated by deep pools (>150cm). Summer flows can be quite low resulting in loss of habitatreduction in the area of riffles. Contains mostly brown trout to 800g, numerous rainbow trout to 200g in the upper reaches and abundant blackfish of both species to 90g. Also contains redfin to 80g, carp, goldfish and western carp gudgeon. Trout are restricted to areas of better habitat, mostly upstream. Not stocked because of limited trout habitat. A difficult stream to fish.
Fletchers
Dam, Beechworth I 9
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1.6ha. Picnic areas.
An old mining dam surrounded by pine forest and situated 7km south-east of Beechworth. Contains goldfish and small redfin. Was stocked unsuccessfully with trout in 1979.
Happy
Valley Creek, Myrtleford J 11
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A small creek flowing through farmland and joining the Ovens River below Myrtleford, sand bed, joining the Ovens River below Myretleford. Contains some brown trout to 640g, some blackfish and redfin. There is a self-sustaining population with of trout and fish from the Ovens River also spawning in this water. Not stocked.
Harrietville
Dredge Hole, Harrietville L 15
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Not on the map. A large hole on the flood plain of the Ovens River left at the end of gold dredging operations. Has been stocked previously with golden perch and Murray cod.
Hurdle
Creek, Wangaratta F 11
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Flows through forest and farmland, sand bed. Joins the King River below Moyhu. The stream has silted up in the middle and lower reaches because of forestry and bank erosion. Flow is low during summer. Cannot sustain high fishing pressure. Contains abundant blackfish to 220g, redfin to 200g in the lower reaches and a few brown trout and rainbow trout from a self-sustaining population. Poor habitat for trout and not stocked.
![]() Kerford Lake |
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24ha. 984ML. It is the water supply for Beechworth and boating and swimming are prohibited.
A shallow lake surrounded by forest. Contains redfin, a small self-sustaining population of brown trout, tench and goldfish. Trout stocking in the past has been unsuccessful. More recent stockings of golden perch are yielding fish up to 1kg.
King
Lake, Rutherglen F 5
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2ha.
An ornamental lake set in Rutherglen Park within the town. Was stocked with trout but because of poor results, a change was made to golden perch.
![]() King River |
King
River, Cheshunt E 9
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Rises in forested mountains east of Mount Buller and flows 30km to Lake William Hovell. It then flows through farmland for 70km to the Ovens River at Wangaratta.
Upstream of Lake William Hovel F 16Flows in natural forest. Fast-water, riffles, runs and pools, gravel, rubble and rock substrate. Access to the river just upstream of Lake William Hovell requires walking in from the Upper King River Road. Access to the upper reaches near Mount Buller requires 4WD then walking along the river. Brown trout to 1.2kg (av. 200g) are the most abundant species, with some rainbow trout to 420g, abundant small blackfish, redfin, goldfish and mountain galaxias. Could be some Macquarie perch from translocation of this species into Lake William Hovell. Not stocked with trout upstream because of a self-sustaining population. Good fishing for trout in the upper reaches.
Lake William Hovel to Wangaratta F 14
![]() Rainbow trout |
The river flows in gentle hill terrain to Mohyu then in a wide flat valley to Wangaratta. In the upper and middle reaches the river flows in a wide channel with low banks, and extensive exposed gravel and rubble banks along the sides of the channel. At Edi the river is up to 30m in wideth (av. 20m) with extensive riffles 30-50cm deep and numerous pools 140-180cm deep. Substrate is rubble and gravel. Nearer to Wangaratta (Oxley) the channel is narrower with sand substrate and exposed sand banks on the inside of bends. Water depth has increased with extensive runs 40-80cm deep and pools 130-200cm deep.
There is scattered native riparian vegetation along the river. Access is excellent with easy walking along the banks and in the channel. The section of river from Lake William Hovell, to Edi contains abundant brown trout to 1kg, some rainbow trout, abundant two-spined blackfish to 80g, mountain galaxias, and undersized Murray spiny crayfish. Occasional goldfish, redfin and carp may also occur.
The lower reaches (downstream from Edi) contain brown trout, carp, redfin to 1kg, abundant two-spined blackfish, goldfish, occasional golden perch, Murray cod to 15kg and trout cod. Last stocked with brown trout in 1998. The river contains a self-sustaining population of brown trout. Trout cod are thought to be moving into the King River from recent stocking of this species into the Ovens River.
Moodemere
Lake, Wahgunyah E 5
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14ha. 7,319ML.
A natural shallow basin surrounded by farmland and forest. Filled by overflow from the Murray River. It is a popular picnic area and carries redfin to 1.8kg and goldfish. Fishes best during rising water.
Morses
Creek, Bright K 14
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Flows through forest and farmland, and into the Ovens River at Bright, gravel bed. A narrow creek with good riparian vegetation. Catchment has been modified by mining and forestry, resulting in some sedimentation. Contains rainbow trout to 350g upstream and brown trout to 1.4kg downstream, also abundant blackfish and some redfin. Important spawning and nursery stream for trout from the Ovens River.
Mulwala
Lake, Yarrawonga B 4
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![]() Lake Mulwala |
4,590ha. 117,500ML. Boat ramps, picnic areas, caravan parks and accommodation in Yarrawonga and Mulwala towns. Also called Yarrawonga Weir.
This is a shallow lake (6-8m deep) surrounded by forest and farmland. The lake, formed by a dam on the Murray River, is 9km in length and 2km in width. Substrate is mud and a significant feature is the abundance of submerged logs and standing timber, which creates excellent habitat for Murray cod.
The lake is currently divided into NSW and Victorian water with the border being the submerged southern bank of the Murray River.All of Lake Mulwala will be proclaimed New South Wales water as far as fisheries regulations, stocking and fisheries management are concerned from 1 September 2004. Until then, a NSW fishing licence is required when fishing NSW waters of Lake Mulwala, and a Victorian fishing licence is required when fishing in Victorian waters of Lake Mulwala.
From 1st September 2004, NSW fisheries regulations will apply to all of Lake Mulwala. Until then, NSW fishing regulations apply in those parts of the lake managed by NSW and vice versa for Victoria.
![]() Lake Mulwala |
The lake was drained between May and August of 2002 for work on the weir wall but remnant pools in the old riverbed, plus a temporary fisheries closure, protected fish stocks.
Lake Mulwala offers excellent fishing and boating and is regarded by many as the best Murray cod fishery in Australia. Contains Murray cod, trout cod, golden perch, blackfish, tench, carp, goldfish, Australian smelt, mosquito fish and Murray rainbowfish. Redfin used to be common but are now rare. The occasional silver perch is caught. The lake also contains Murray spiny crayfish.
Best fishing time for Murray cod is February to May when water temperatures are above 12 C. Trolling of lures is the most popular fishing method although bait fishing, particularly with bardi grubs, gives good results. Murray cod like to rest next to logs and snags, so lures and baits must be worked close to the snags. Golden perch will take lures either trolled or by casting, as well as baits such as shrimps, worms and yabbies.
Check with local bait tackle shops for fishing information and techniques.
Ovens
River, Wangaratta D 8
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![]() Murray cod |
Fishway (bypass) constructed at the Sydney Beach Weir at Wangaratta.
Rises near Mount Hotham and flows for 130km to Lake Mulwala. Flows through a small area of forest at Harrietville then through pine plantations near Bright/Porepunkah but most of its length to Wangaratta is through farmland. Downstream of Wangaratta it flows through farmland and then through red gum forest for several kilometres, before reaching Lake Mulwala. The river can be divided considered into two main sections, upstream and downstream of divided by Myrtleford. Upstream from Whorouly (near Myrtleford) it is a clear, fast flowing river with coarse substrate providing good habitat for salmonids.
Downstream the substrate becomes sand, the water turbid, and deeper, providing more suitable habitat for native fish. Most of the catchment has been highly modified and cleared with resulting extensive bank erosion, although remedial works have been carried out. Historically there was extensive gravel extraction upstream and today water is currently diverted from the river for irrigation.
Despite being an un-regulated river and draining a large catchment, most of the river upstream of Wangaratta is quite shallow with pools usually less than 130cm deep during summer and large areas of shallow riffles 30-60cm deep.
Access is good and it is a popular angling water for trout, upstream of Myrtleford and for Murray cod, golden perch and redfin downstream of Wangaratta.
Brown trout |
Upstream of Bright L 14
A 35km lengthsection of river, 8-15m wide, flowing through patches of forest, unimproved farmland and pine plantations. The river consists of numerous shallow riffles 30-50cm deep and pools less than 80cm deep, boulder and rubble substrate. It has clear, fast-flowing water and good habitat for small trout. Contains abundant brown trout to 1.3kg (av. 350g), abundant small rainbow trout (av. 75g), two-spined blackfish, some redfin, tench and mountain galaxias. Flows close to the road and access is good.
Bright to Myrtleford J 12
Flows for 30km through pine plantations and farmland. Good access at Porepunkah but restricted downstream where it flows through farmland. Width varies from 10-16m at Porepunkah to 42m wide (av. 25m) at Mryrtleford. There are extensive riffles and runs at Porepunkah (20-50cm deep) with pools to 100cm deep, and gravel and rubble substrate. At Myrtleford, there are extensive runs 40-60cm deep and riffles with high water velocity, but most of the river has water deeper than 100cm with the majority of pools 200-230cm deep.
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There are also occasional pools over 350cm deep. There are extensive runs 40-60cm deep and riffles with high water velocity. Substrate is gravel, rubble, rock and some sand. All these conditions create excellent habitat for trout in this section of the river. Contains brown trout to 1.3kg, some rainbow trout, abundant small blackfish, redfin, and mountain galaxias. Contains a 'self-sustaining' trout population and has not been stocked since 1996.
![]() Murray cray, Ovens River |
Myrtleford to Wangaratta G 10
This 40km length of river flows through farmland with good riparian vegetation of red gums. It is accessible from a number of cross roads. The lower reaches towards Wangaratta can be accessed are navigable by a small boats able to be launched from the bank. River width varies from 20-50m. Water Depth of pools averages 130cm with only a few deeper holes to 200cm.
There is considerable water 40-75cm deep. Substrate is rubble, gravel and sand near Mryrtleford becoming sand and gravel towards Wangaratta.
Contains brown trout to 850g, some rainbow trout, two-spined blackfish, river blackfish, redfin, mountain galaxias, Australian smelt and some small Murray cod downstream of Whorouly. Also possibly some golden perch and trout cod. Trout cod were stocked between 1997 and 2001 and are dispersing widely through the river.
Downstream of Wangaratta D 7
![]() Ovens River,Peechelba |
This 30km reach of river flows through farmland and then red gum forest downstream of Peechelba. River width at Peechelba is 33-40m, with extensive deep water 100-220cm, and some holes exceeding 350cm. Substrate is sand and clay. There is some debris, also gravel and sand banks along the sides of the channel. This section is very accessible by small boat, however the lower reaches near Lake Mulwala have anabranches and backwaters, which can be confusing to navigate. Boats can be launched at Bundalong.
The lower reaches are in a very natural condition and it is a pleasant area to fish. Contains some redfin, numerous Murray cod and some golden perch particularly near Lake Mulwala, also Murray spiny crayfish and trout cod. Other species are carp, some blackfish, tench, mosquito fish, goldfish, Australian smelt, southern pygmy perch, western carp gudgeon, Murray hardyhead and Murray rainbowfish. Murray cod are self-sustaining in Lake Mulwala and the Ovens River. Golden perch stocked into Lake Mulwala would can run up into the Ovens River.
Last stocking of golden perch into the Ovens system was in 1995. Note that a recent Departmental assessment found that the Murray spiny crayfish are mostly undersized with very few legal-sized crayfish available to anglers.
![]() Rose River |
Rose
River, Dandongadale G 15
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Flows in mountainous forests then through farmland, gravel and rock bed. Some sedimentation and dries to a series of pools in dry years. Accessible and a popular fishing water. Contains brown trout to 2kg and rainbow trout to 1kg in the headwaters with some larger fish downstream. Also contains two-spined blackfish, redfin and mountain galaxias. Stocked prior to 1995 with Macquarie perch fingerlings and trout cod fingerlings. Last stocked with brown trout in 1995. Further brown trout stocking is unnecessary because of a self-sustaining population.
Sambell
Lake, Beechworth H 9
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![]() Golden perch |
6ha. 861ML. Boat ramp, picnics, barbecues.
This is the drowned site of abandoned gold diggings and is situated in a park in the middle of the town. Contains mainly redfin to 900g, blackfish, golden perch and tench. An earlier trout cod population is no longer present in this water. Stocked annually with golden perch and rainbow trout.
William
Hovell Reservoir, Cheshunt E 16
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![]() Lake William Hovell |
113ha. 13,720ML. Boat ramp, picnic facilities.
A small steep-sided storage on the King River that supplies irrigation water for the King and lower Ovens River valleys. Camping is not permitted. Boating is allowed but there is a maximum limit on motor power of 7.5kw (10hp). Contains abundant redfin to 1.5kg (av. 400g), brown trout to 1kg, (av. 450g), some large blackfish and possibly some Macquarie perch although no recent records.
The top end of the reservoir is the most productive for trout, especially in the winter-spring season, when it is refilling. The lake is self-sustaining for trout with ample spawning occurring upstream. Between 1988 and 1994 three hundred and fourteen adult Macquarie perch were translocated from Lake Dartmouth to Lake William Hovell.
Wooragee
Creek, Beechworth I 8
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Also called Reedy Creek.
A small stream flowing through forest and farmland. Carries brown trout to 400g and some blackfish. Not worth fishing during summer because of low flows. No longer stocked with trout.
Fish Senses
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There is no doubt that a fish can see, smell, taste and perhaps hear but how do these senses work.
"The brain of a fish is small and the nervous system mainly controls reflex behavioural responses which result from sensory stimulation. The eye of a fish is similar in some ways to a mammalian eye. However the lens is spherical, and the cornea is relatively flat and the pupil has little power of contraction.
Most fish have monocular vision. Focussing is carried out by adjusting the position of the lens relative to the retina rather than by changing the shape of the lens. However because of the scattering of light rays in water, a clear view is difficult anyway and so contrast enhancement and perception of movement is more important. Some fish species can also see in colour.
![]() This golden perch's lateral line is clearly visible down its flank. |
Taste organs are present in the skin layer of the mouth, lips, pharynx and in some fish on the surface of the head or on barbels.
Fish can smell and have paired nostrils on each side of the snout which are blind sacs lined with lamellar sensory epithelium and connected by the olfactory nerve to lobes in the brain.
They have an inner ear but it is not connected to the outside of the body. The function of the inner ear is more concerned with monitoring the fishes movement and gravitational position.
Fish also have a lateral-line system which consist of long, narrow fluid-filled tubes extending from the tail to the head. Its function is thought to be as a reception of localised disturbances such as small currents, vibrations and irregular small displacements of surrounding water. Temperature perception organs and direct touch receptors may probably also be present in the skin but little is known about them".
These senses provide all that is necessary for a fish to become aware of the careless angler but also enable it to be taken in by the fresh bait, well presented fly or sparkling lure.
From a series of lectures to Veterinarians at University of Sydney (1979) on Management and Diseases of Hatchery Fish, given by L.D.Ashburner. Fisheries Scientist. Snobs Creek Freshwater Research Station and Hatchery, Alexandra. Victoria.
| Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia |