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| Fishing & Aquaculture |  |
A
Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria
River
Basins Map | Angling Waters A-Z |
Goulburn
River Basin
Angling Waters of the Goulburn River Basin 5
Acheron
River, Buxton G 15
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 Troutspinning |
Rises in the Yarra Ranges and flows for 20km through native forest to Narbethong. This section of the headwaters has a channel width of 3-7m with fast-flowing water in mostly shallow (30cm) riffles, some rapids and small pools 70-100cm deep. Substrate is gravel and rubble. It is very accessible from the Acheron Way, which runs from Warburton to the Maroondah Highway near Marysville.
Flows through farmland downstream of Buxton but still has good native riparian vegetation. Channel width is around 8m becoming 22m near its junction with the Goulburn River. Substrate is rubble and gravel with some sedimentation in the pools particularly in the lower reaches. There are extensive runs with short riffles and pools and gutters to around 100cm deep. Contains small brown trout average 160g upstream of Narbethong, with larger fish to 1.3kg (av. 300g) downstream of Buxton, also small blackfish, tench, mountain galaxias, barred galaxias and occasional rainbow trout to 450g. Some large redfin in the lower reaches.
A popular trout fishery, with the best trout water in the headwaters. Access to the river downstream of Narbethong is available from several crossroads such as Nichols Road, Passing Road and particularly Dyes Lane where there is a small picnic area (no facilities) and good public access to the river. Not stocked because it has a self-sustaining brown trout population and is also a spawning stream for trout from the Goulburn River.
Arboretum
Dam, Euroa G 10
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One of many small waters stocked as a put-and-take fishery to provide fishing for children.When water conditions are favourable, it receives rainbow trout yearlings for each of the 2nd and 3rd term school holidays.
Bartlett
Lake, Tatura D 8
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 Bartlett Lake |
A small ornamental lake set in parkland near the primary school. When water conditions are favourable, it is stocked with rainbow trout yearlings for each of the 2nd and 3rd term school holidays. |
 Rainbow trout |
Big
River, Enoch Point J 15
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Big River |
Flows in a steep, narrow, forested valley into Lake Eildon. Substrate is mostly granite bedrock, with boulders and rubble and some gravel and sand banks in some pools. It has shallow pools (less than 100cm) and cascades and rapids in the upper reaches. Downstream of Enoch's Point, it becomes a large river (average width 10m) with pools more than 100cm deep and with considerable debris present. It has excellent habitat for trout. Accessible via Enoch Point Road and forestry tracks in dry weather.
Also readily accessible in the lower reaches by road and by boat from Lake Eildon. A popular trout stream and also an important nursery stream for trout from the lake, with brown trout and rainbow trout spawning in the upper reaches. Contains brown trout to 2.2kg, small rainbow trout (av. 200g), abundant small redfin near the lake, also blackfish, mountain galaxias and roach. Self-sustaining trout population, not stocked.
Brankeet
Creek, Merton H 11
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Rises in low hills with some forest but mainly cleared farmland. Riparian vegetation of natives and willows with areas of cleared banks. Substrate is sand and gravel and some bedrock. A small shallow stream with pool/riffle structure but low flows in summer. Contains small brown trout, rainbow trout (av. 100g) and roach. Not stocked.
Cooper
Lake, Corop B 8
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970ha. 27,304ML. Boat ramp.
 Lake Cooper |
 Carp |
Situated in open farming land southeast of the junction of the Heathcote-Rochester Road with the Midlands Highway. This lake receives surplus water by gravity from the Waranga Western Main channel. Water is returned to the supply system by pumping when needed.
This lake, and nearby Greens
Lake on the other side of the Midland Highway, are together known as the Corop
Lakes. Boating use is zoned and there is a water skiing area used for competitions.
At present, it carries carp to 3kg, redfin to 800g, goldfish, Australian smelt,
flat-headed gudgeon, western carp gudgeon and flat-headed galaxias.
Corop
Lakes B 7 & B 8
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(See Cooper Lake & Greens Lake).
Creightons
Creek, Euroa E 9
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A small sluggish stream flowing through farmland, mud bottom. Contains brown trout (av. 220g), blackfish, redfin, carp, Australian smelt, flat-headed galaxias and southern pygmy perch.
Crystal
Creek, Molesworth G 13
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Not shown on map.
A small stream flowing through farmland. Becomes very low in summer. A spawning and nursery stream for trout from the Goulburn River but has little angling pressure because access is difficult. Contains brown trout to 700g, redfin to 300g and goldfish.
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Cummins
Reserve Lake
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Cummins
Reserve Lake, Yea F 13
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One of many small waters stocked to provide an activity for local children during school holidays. May also contain goldfish and carp. When water conditions are favourable, it is stocked with rainbow trout yearlings for each of the 2nd and 3rd term school holidays.
Darbyminga
Creek, Tallarook D 12
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Not shown on map.
A small stream flowing through farmland and Tallarook township, sand and mud bed. Carries a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout to 55g (av. 300g). Provides some fishing in the lower reaches in spring.
 Delatite River |
Delatite
River, Merrijig J 12
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Rises in steep forest behind Mount Buller and flows in a gravel, silt, and then boulder substrate through Merrijig and into Lake Eildon. Very accessible from public roads. Riparian vegetation is native forest upstream of Merrijig with cleared banks, willows and some native trees downstream.
 Brown trout |
The river is 12m wide at Merrijig with rapids and cascades. Riffles are 30-60cm deep and there are small pools to 100cm deep. Downstream of Merrijig the runs and riffles are deeper 50-70cm with pools up to 130cm deep. There is some good fish cover and habitat in this section of the river. The channel becomes more open and wider further downstream towards Lake Eildon, with deeper pools but also some bank erosion, sedimentation and reduced riparian vegetation. The river can have low flows during summer. Contains brown trout to 1.4kg with most fish around 500g, some rainbow trout to 250g, small redfin, roach, carp, goldfish, blackfish, Murray spiny crayfish and Murray cod in the lower reaches. No longer stocked with trout.
Eildon
Lake, Eildon H 12
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13,750ha. 3,390100 ML. Boat ramps, all facilities.
 Brown trout |
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The most common fish caught are brown trout to 3kg and redfin to 2kg (av. 350g). There are also carp, blackfish, tench, goldfish, roach, golden perch (av. 1.4 kg, max. 3kg), Murray cod, occasional rainbow trout to 1.5kg and possibly Macquarie perch. Departmental trout stocking ceased in 1991 when it was shown that stocked fish contributed little to trout stocks and therefore probably contributed little to anglers catches. There is substantial trout spawning in the many rivers flowing into the lake, which adequately supports the fishery. Murray cod and golden perch have been stocked reasonably regularly since 1991. Between 1990 and 1993, 869 adult Macquarie perch were translocated from Lake Dartmouth. Between 1991 and 1998 Lake Eildon also received 464 ex-brood Macquarie perch from the Snobs Creek Hatchery.
 Murray cod |
Trout fishing is best in the winter months with trolling, particularly in the Big River Arm being a popular method for targeting the bigger fish. When the water level is high and rising, a wide variety of fishing techniques can also be successful on the freshly inundated river flats. Redfin are the main target species in the summer and are usually taken on worms or yabbies fished on the bottom with a running sinker, or by jagging when a school of fish is located. Carp are a common incidental catch for the general angler during the warmer months and along with roach and tench, are specifically targeted by coarse anglers. |
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Murray cod and golden perch are less commonly a prime target for anglers, but they are regularly taken particularly in the Delatite Arm. The lake is stocked annually with golden perch and Murray cod by the Department. Golden perch captures are becoming increasingly common. In recent times, client groups have stocked large numbers of rainbow trout fingerlings. Some larger fish have high levels of mercury because of past gold mining activities in the catchment. Recommended that larger fish be consumed in moderation. Research: |
 Golden perch |
 Brown trout |
Eildon
Pondage I 13
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150ha. 5200 ML. No boating. Has a disabled fishing platform and undercover barbecue. Wading is permitted.
 Eildon Pondage |
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This storage holds flows released from Lake Eildon for hydroelectricity production and then regulates the amount of water released further downstream into the Goulburn River. It has a maximum depth of 10m as well as extensive shallow flats with aquatic vegetation and a clay, boulder and pebble substrate.
There are underwater rock
bars and deep holes. There is excellent vehicle access to the pondage and also
areas around the pondage reserved for walking access only. Contains mostly brown
trout and some rainbow trout up to 3.5kg although larger fish can be taken.
Also contains Australian smelt and flat-headed gudgeon.
 Rainbow trout |
A very popular fishing area producing excellent catches of trout with bait fishermen making up 80% of anglers. Good success with mudeyes and maggots under a bubble float. Wet fly fishing is also successful with woolly bugger, Goulburn Griffiths and Tom Jones useful flies to try.
Stocked annually with 2 and 3 year old brown trout and rainbow trout weighing up to 5 kg each. Open all year for fishing, with a 5 trout bag limit. No minimum size limit. Check Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for the latest regulations.
Enoch
Creek, Enoch Point I 5
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Not shown on map.
A very small tributary of Big River with low flow during summer. Some bank erosion and sedimentation of pools. Contains brown trout to 350g and rainbow trout to 150g. Seldom fished.
 Gaffneys Creek |
Gaffneys
Creek, Woods Point J 14
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Not shown on map.
A small tributary of the upper Goulburn River and can be reached from the Woods Point Road near Knockwood. Has extreme fluctuations in flow but is an important trout spawning stream for fish from the Goulburn River. Contains brown trout and rainbow trout to 250g, blackfish to 100g, redfin, mountain galaxias, barred galaxias and southern pygmy perch. Fish have high levels of mercury because of past gold mining activities. Recommended that larger fish be consumed in moderation.
Gerar
Creek, Merton H 11
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A small tributary of the Merton Creek. Has a low summer flow but the channel is shaded and retains fish habitat all year. Contains brown trout to 400g. Worth fishing although access is a problem.
Goulburn
River, Seymour D 12
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Above Lake Eildon J 14
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A wide river (7-10m) flowing for 50km from Woods Point to Lake Eildon through forested mountains with cleared areas between Kevington and Jamieson townships. Riparian vegetation is native forest with patches of willows and blackberry in the lower reaches and with considerable bank erosion present in areas of cleared land. Substrate is boulders, rubble and gravel with some sand and silt in the deeper water.
This is a typical mountain stream with fast-flowing water, riffles and pools and some debris. There is considerable water 40-70cm deep, with shallow pools upstream but over 100cm deep, downstream. It has a low summer flow and some sedimentation in the pools. Accessible for 26km from the Jamieson-Woods Point Road up to Knockwood, then by tracks to the upper reaches. Carries abundant brown trout to 1.8kg (av. 220g), some rainbow trout (av. 150g), small blackfish, mountain galaxias, and also roach, carp and redfin in the lower reaches.
This is a popular fishing water with best results during spring to autumn. High concentrations of residual mercury occur in the water and sediments, from past gold mining activities in the headwaters. Fish are likely to be contaminated. Recommended that larger fish be consumed in moderation. Trout spawn in the river and it is believed that there is adequate natural recruitment to maintain the recreational fishery. Not stocked.
Eildon Pondage to Alexandra G 13
 Brown trout |
The river downstream of the Pondage wall can be dangerous to wade because of sudden rises in water level when water is released downstream. It is closed to fishing for two hundred metres immediately downstream of the Pondage, for safety reasons. The river flows through flat farmland and has scattered riparian vegetation of mostly willows, some wattles and river red gums.
Channel width is from 60-80m. It has some deep pools below Eildon Pondage then a riffle/pool structure with a substrate of boulders, rubble and gravel with some patches of sand and silt. Flow in this section is highly regulated with flows during September to late April of 5,000-11,000ML/d resulting in bank full flows of cold (13oC) water. From May to August/September flows can fall to 120ML/d, at which time the normal river structure of riffles/pools becomes evident. Contains mostly brown trout to 2kg and rainbow trout to 1.3kg, also small redfin, goldfish, tench and carp. (Trout cod and short-finned eels have been caught recently and these are escapees from the Snobs Creek Hatchery).
 Goulburn River below the Eildon Pondage |
Trout move into this section of the river from tributary rivers and downstream from the Pondage. This reach of the river is popular for bait fishing and spinning in the deeper sections and fly-fishing particularly near ‘the Breakaway’. It is recognised as one of the best river trout fisheries in Victoria. Good information on fishing the river is available from local tackle shops and for fly-fishing from the Goulburn Valley Fly-Fishing Centre at Thornton. Access is good at a number of road bridges such as at ‘the Breakaway’, on Breakaway Road or Gilmores Bridge on the Goulburn Valley Highway near Thornton.
Other recognised fishing spots are Rennie, S Bends, Valley, Eildon Water and Point Hill and access information is shown on departmental signs at bridges over the river. There is good bank fishing at these locations. Some wading is possible, with care, even during moderate irrigation releases. The river is open to boating and this allows access to all the best fishing locations.
There is a public boat ramp at the Maroondah Highway Bridge at Alexandra but small aluminum boats, canoes or rubber inflatable boats can be launched from the bank and are most suitable because of the areas of shallow riffles present. Note that water flow can be quite fast in some locations and appropriate boating experience and care is necessary. Native fish, which require water temperatures of 16-20oC for successful spawning, have been lost from this section of the river because of the cold water releases from Lake Eildon. It is now a trout water but is not stocked with trout by the Department because of adequate natural recruitment.
Alexandra to Seymour F 12
Boat ramps at Seymour, in the caravan park at Molesworth & on the Killingworth Road near Yea.
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The river flows through flat farmland but now has more continuous deep water with gravel, mud and clay substrates. Riparian vegetation varies from willows to native trees downstream of Molesworth. Flow is still influenced by irrigation releases from Lake Eildon.
Access is more restricted because of private property (please ask permission). However the banks can be reached at various road crossings and reserves at Cathkin, Molesworth, on Killingworth Road near Yea, at Ghin Ghin and at the end of Greenslopes Road. Good access along the Trawool-Tallarook Road. Contains good numbers of brown trout to 3.6kg, rainbow trout to 2.2kg, carp, redfin, Murray spiny crayfish, tench, goldfish, mosquitofish, southern pygmy perch, possibly some Murray cod and golden perch and occasional Macquarie perch around Yea.
Good fishing for trout but numbers of Murray spiny crayfish appear to have declined. Best fishing from spring to autumn with baits and spinning the most popular fishing methods. Trout enter this section from tributaries and no stocking is undertaken.
Seymour to Nagambie Weir D 10
The river is now incised into a wide, cleared floodplain and flows through farmland. Riparian vegetation is mostly willow. Substrate is deposited silts and clays although some bedrock is still present. Water temperatures during summer are still cold 13-20oC.
Flow is slower with extensive pools present. Access is restricted because of private property. Contains mostly redfin to 1.8kg (av. 220g), some brown trout to 3.6 kg (av. 1.5 kg), tench, carp, goldfish and Murray spiny crayfish. May still contain a few Murray cod and golden perch. Native fish appear to be now scarce in Nagambie Weir into which the river flows, probably because the low water temperatures have adversely affected their spawning. This may also apply to native fish in this section of the river. Main target species are redfin, brown trout and Murray spiny crayfish. Best fishing is in summer when the backwaters warm up.
Goulburn Weir to Murray River E 8
 Downstream of the Goulburn Weir |
Flows through flat farmland but has extensive reaches with dense river red gum riparian vegetation, mud and sand bottom. This section of the river is undisturbed and in a natural condition except for the regulated flows and water diversions. There is abundant submerged, fallen timber which provides excellent habitat for Murray cod and golden perch.
There are extensive areas of deep water, particularly in the 30km of river downstream of Shepparton, where pools on bends range from 7 to 11m deep. Departmental surveys found no saline pools were forming in these deep pools. The banks are high and launching a small boat can be difficult. Angling species are redfin to 1.3kg (av. 450g), carp, Murray cod usually 2-3kg but up to 30kg, golden perch to 5.4kg (av. 1.3kg), occasional silver perch, freshwater catfish and Murray spiny crayfish.
A number of other fish have been taken at various times in the river or in adjacent billabongs or backwaters. These are Macquarie perch, bony bream, goldfish, blackfish, brown trout, tench, Murray rainbowfish, Australian smelt, mosquitofish, western carp gudgeon and flat-headed gudgeon. Good fishing for Murray cod and golden perch is reported downstream of Shepparton with abundant undersized cod as well as fish to 30kg.
Trolling and casting spinners is very successful. Stocked annually with Murray cod. Between 1993 and 1998, 58,000 trout cod fingerlings were released into the river in the Murchison Area.
Research:
Trout spawning and rearing habitats in the Goulburn River (PDF 161kb)
Goulburn
Weir (see Lake Nagambie)
D 9
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The northern pool/area of Lake Nagambie.
Greens
Lake, Corop B 7
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 Greens Lake |
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65ha. 785ML. Boat ramp, toilets.
A shallow lake in open country which together with Lake Cooper, is known as the Corop Lakes. It is accessible from the Midland Highway east of Corop. Contains abundant carp and redfin, generally to 1kg but occasionally to 2.5kg, goldfish and tench. Fishes best in the spring to autumn period and a boat is needed for best results. Stocking with golden perch commenced recently after water conditions improved significantly however these fish will take several years to reach the minimum legal length of 30cm.
Home
Creek, Yarck G 12
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A small sluggish creek flowing through farmland, mud and sand bed. Contains a few rainbow trout av. 350g, some blackfish, brown trout to 2kg and carp. Provides some fishing during the spring. Not stocked.
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Howqua
River, Jamieson J 13
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The river rises in steep forest and then flows through a wider cleared valley into Lake Eildon. River width is 8-10m upstream at Sheepyard Flat and from 8-20m downstream. Riparian vegetation is native forest upstream, with blackberry, willow and some native vegetation downstream in the farmland.
There is some bank erosion in the lower reaches. Substrate upstream is rock, rubble and gravel with rapids, cascades, shallow riffles and pools. Access to good camping areas (no facilities) and fishing water from Merrijig to Sheepyard Flat via the Grammar School Road. This area is popular for camping and fishing trips.
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There is also vehicle access for 6km upstream from Lake Eildon. Contains good numbers of brown trout and rainbow trout to 1.8kg, with most fish less than 350g, also blackfish, roach, mountain galaxias, flat-headed gudgeon and small redfin in the lower reaches. No longer stocked with trout because the population is self-sustaining.
Hughes
Creek, Avenel E 11
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There is a rock-ramp fishway at Avenel gauge.
Rises in hilly farmland then flows through flat farmland downstream of Avenel. Riparian vegetation is sparse and absent in many sections. In the upper reaches near Tarcombe, the creek is up to 19m wide, with predominantly shallow water 20-45cm deep and a few pools to 90cm. Low flows during summer expose sand substrate and sand banks.
There is little instream debris or fish cover present and considerable erosion and sedimentation has occurred. The creek then flows through a gorge with granite boulders, cascades, rapids and plunge pools. At Avenel (below the gorge) the creek is 7-20m wide with areas of gravel, rubble and sand substrate and with most water less than 100cm deep.
Downstream of Avenel to the Goulburn River, the river has riparian vegetation of eucalypts, and a sand and clay substrate with some woody debris. Contains some brown trout, abundant blackfish, mountain galaxies and southern pygmy perch. Reported to carry some Macquarie perch and several were captured in 1992 but these are now a protected species in this water.
Stocked with trout cod in the early 1990's but few have been captured since. Redfin, goldfish and tench abundant near its junction with the Goulburn River. Almost all the creek has unsuitable habitat for trout and they are no longer stocked. Reported to be some fishing for large brown trout in the large plunge pools in the hilly granite country in the extreme upper reaches. The remainder of the creek is not worth fishing. No further stocking of trout or native fish because of a scarcity of suitable habitat.
 Brown trout |
Jamieson
River, Jamieson J 13
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A fishway has been installed by removal of an old road barrier.
Flows in forested hills for most of its length with only the lower 16km through farmland and readily accessible. Riparian vegetation is native forest upstream and some willows and poplars downstream. Access is difficult upstream except for several tracks.
This is a typical mountain stream with an average width of 10m and with riffles, runs and pools, gravel bed. Contains brown trout and rainbow trout av. 200g but larger fish present, mountain galaxias, a few small redfin and blackfish in the lower reaches. A self-sustaining trout population and no longer stocked.
Kalatha
Creek, Glenburn F 14
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Not shown on map.
A small tributary of the Yea River containing small brown trout and blackfish.
Kialla
Lakes, Shepparton F 7
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12ha.
These are two lakes in a suburban setting on the southern edge of Shepparton and east of the Goulburn Valley Highway. They contain redfin and yabbies and were stocked irregularly in the past with golden perch and silver perch. They are not heavily fished.
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King
Parrot Creek, Strath Creek E 13
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Flows in a narrow valley to Flowerdale with forest upstream then scattered farmland and hobby farms. Downstream of the Strath Creek Road turn-off it flows through farmland in a wide valley to the Goulburn River. Width is 6-8m. Riparian vegetation downstream of the forest is tea-tree, wattle and some red gums.
Substrate is gravel and some rubble upstream with mostly bedrock in the middle reaches and then rock and rubble downstream. It has riffles to 20cm deep and pools to 50cm in its upper reaches. The remainder of the river has extensive riffle/runs up to 50cm deep. Pools are 100cm deep in the middle reaches and 100-200cm deep downstream of Strath Creek.
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King
Parrot Creek
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There is a picnic reserve at the Goulburn Valley Highway but no facilities. Contains excellent habitat, for small-sized fish upstream and larger fish downstream. Very accessible in its upper reaches and popular for fishing and picnicking. However much of the lower reaches are surrounded by private property with access only at a few reserves or road crossings. Contains mostly brown trout to 900g (av. 200g), some rainbow trout, abundant blackfish to 120g, mosquitofish, Australian smelt and some Macquarie perch to 1.5kg (av. 320g), downstream of Strath Creek. The lower reaches near the Goulburn River provide good trout fishing when the Goulburn River is high, cold and clear, during irrigation releases. This is a major spawning area for brown trout from the Goulburn River and is not stocked.
 Little River |
Little
River, Taggerty H 14
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Shallow stream rising in forested hills and then flowing through farmland, gravel bed. Contains small brown tout to 650g (av. 150g) and a few rainbow trout. No longer stocked.
Loch
Garry, Shepparton E 6
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680 ha. 7,040ML.
 Loch Garry |
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This shallow waterway in open country is an abandoned former course of the Goulburn River. It is accessible off the Shepparton-Nathalia Road near Bunbartha. There are grassy flats on the eastern side which are suitable for camping but there are no facilities.
Contains redfin to 1.8kg (av. 500g), carp, goldfish, tench, possibly freshwater catfish, golden perch, western carp gudgeon, Murray rainbowfish, mosquitofish and Australian smelt. It is best fished from February to June after flooding from the Goulburn River. A boat is preferable but there is some scope for bank fishing. Stocked with golden perch when water level is favourable.
Marysville
Lake, Marysville H 15
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A small ornamental lake set in parkland in the middle of the town. When water conditions are favourable, it is stocked with rainbow trout yearlings for each of the 2nd and 3rd term school holidays to provide an activity for local children.
Merton
Creek, Merton H 11
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Not shown on map.
This is the largest creek of a group of streams above Bonnie Doon. It flows mainly through farmland. Most of the creek is not readily accessible and the pools have silted-up. Contains small brown trout, blackfish and redfin. It is poor trout water and is no longer stocked.
 Murrindindi River |
Murrindindi
River, Yea F 14
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Rises in forest then flows through farmland. A typical mountain stream in the headwaters, with a boulder, gravel and sand substrate. Contains brown trout and rainbow trout to 700g (av. 200g), Macquarie perch, blackfish and Murray spiny crayfish. Carp and redfin are present in the lower reaches. Trout are usually in good condition. No longer stocked with trout because of a self-sustaining population. A popular trout fishing water. Stocked in 1990's with Macquarie perch which have now spread downstream to the Goulburn River junction. Macquarie perch are protected in this water and must be returned to the water if captured.
Nagambie
Lake, Nagambie D 9
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1,120ha. 25,000ML. Only one public boat ramp, (launching permit required from the local council) recreation area, toilets, caravan park at Chinamans Bridge, water skiing.
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Lake
Nagambie
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 Measuring Murray crayfish |
 Lake Nagambie |
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The lake receives water released from Lake Eildon and diverts it via channels for irrigation use. Contains redfin to 800g, tench, carp, goldfish, brown trout, rainbow trout, blackfish, golden perch, Australian smelt, flat-headed galaxias and Murray spiny crayfish. Predominant fish caught by anglers are carp, redfin and occasional golden perch. Water temperature rarely exceeds 20oC during summer because of cold water releases from Lake Eildon. This may have affected spawning success of warm water native fish species such as Murray cod, golden perch and freshwater catfish. Lowering of water levels by one or more metres each winter has probably also contributed to changes in aquatic vegetation and a steady decline in fish catches.
Large numbers of golden perch were stocked between 1984 and 1990 but angler catches remained poor. The water is no longer being stocked with fish although research is underway to determine how to improve the fishery. Some anglers report catching only carp.
Royston
River, Rubicon H 14
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A shallow, fast-flowing stream in forested hills. It has a steep gradient with waterfalls, riffles and cascades. The channel is well shaded by native riparian vegetation. Channel width is up to 12m with water depths of 20-60cm in riffles and pools to 80cm deep.
Accessible from a parallel road and is a productive water although fish tend to be rather small. Contains mostly brown trout to 600g (av. 70g), occasional rainbow trout and blackfish. Water is diverted to a hydroelectric power station from a dam on the river.
Rubicon
River, Thornton H 14
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Popular fly fishing water.
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Flyfishing
the Rubicon River
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Rises in forested hills with a steep gradient in the headwaters. Riparian vegetation is re-growth forest, with some blackberry. Upstream of the junction of Royston River, the river is 6-10m wide with mostly shallow water less than 45cm deep and pools to 60cm, boulder and rubble bottom. Downstream of Rubicon it flows in cleared farmland with willow and blackberry as riparian vegetation. It has shallow riffles with some deeper pools to 250cm, rubble, gravel, clay and sand bottom. Access is difficult upstream of Rubicon because of the closed catchment area above the Royston Hydroelectric Power Station.
There can be low flows in the river when the power station is not generating. Carries brown trout to 2.5kg (av. 400g), some blackfish, redfin, rainbow trout and barred galaxias. A spawning river for trout from the Goulburn River and a popular angling water, with good fishing in the early part of the season. Catches decline during the summer. Good fishing for large brown trout in the lower reaches when the Goulburn River is flowing cool, clear and high. Not stocked with trout because it is a self-sustaining population. A 2 year creel survey was undertaken in 2002 and 2003.
Research:
Experienced anglers catch the most trout in the Rubicon River (PDF 64kb)
Seven
Creeks, Euroa G 10
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A vertical slot fishway has been installed at Euroa Park.
The creek rises in hills at Creek Junction and flows for 20km, past the township of Strathbogie to Polly McQuinns Dam. It then flows through a flat plateau of granite country for 6km to the junction of Watchbox Creek then another 1km to the Gooram Falls. Downstream of these rock falls, the creek flows for another 3km to Galls Gap Road Bridge then another 17km to Euroa and on to the Goulburn River.
Note that the taking of Macquarie perch in Seven Creeks is prohibited. Trout cod is also a protected species and taking, or attempting to take, including catch and release, is prohibited.
 Murray crayfish |
Upstream of Polly McQuinns Dam H 10
A small creek (1-4m wide) flowing through farmland but with good riparian vegetation. Most of the channel is 20-85cm deep with occasional deeper pools. Substrate is mainly sand with some rubble in the riffles. Very accessible. Contains Macquarie perch, abundant blackfish, some brown trout, southern pygmy perch, western carp gudgeon and Murray spiny crayfish. Fishing is permitted in Polly McQuinn's Dam but anglers would only catch blackfish and a few brown trout.
Polly McQuinns Dam to Gooram Falls G 10
All fishing is prohibited in this section below the wall of Polly McQuinns Dam.
Flows through cleared farmland with little riparian vegetation. Access through private property. The creek consists of numbers of small, deep pools (av. 230cm deep) with low banks and granite rock outcrops downstream to Watchbox Creek. There is then another 1km of shallow water with sand substrate to Gooram Falls. Contains some trout cod, Macquarie perch, abundant blackfish, southern pygmy perch, occasional brown trout, occasional redfin, and mountain galaxias.
Gooram Falls to Gall Gap Road Bridge G 11
Trout cod occur this section and it is closed to all fishing.
The channel immediately below the Falls is 5-14m wide, with riffles 10-30cm deep and some pools 100-130cm deep. Substrate is gravel and rubble in the riffles and sand in the pools. It becomes a wider, shallow (20-60cm deep) creek further downstream, with sand substrate. Some instream debris results in gutters and channels with water up to 60cm deep, in the sand substrate. Contains trout cod, blackfish, a few brown trout, redfin and carp.
Gall Gap Road Bridge to Euroa F 10
Flows through farmland with riparian vegetation of eucalypts, sand bottom. Contains blackfish, carp, redfin and some brown trout.
Euroa to Goulburn River F 8
Flows through flat farmland and has become narrow, fast and deep, with a mud and sand bed. Access is very restricted because of private property. Contains blackfish to 220g, golden perch, goldfish, mosquitofish, Australian smelt, flat-headed galaxias and carp. Stocked regularly with golden perch.
 Snobs Creek |
Snobs
Creek, Eildon H 13
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Not shown on map.
A small stream with a steep gradient, flowing from forested hills, then into the Goulburn River about 3km downstream of the Eildon Pondage. Good forest riparian vegetation upstream. Substrate is fine silt, sand and gravel upstream of the waterfall (Snobs Creek Falls) and boulders and gravel downstream. Very accessible from a parallel road. Contains small brown trout upstream and larger brown trout near the Goulburn River, also mountain galaxias. A small section of the creek running through the Snobs Creek Hatchery is closed to anglers.
Steavenson
River, Buxton H 15
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Popular fly fishing water and heavy fishing pressure.
 Steavenson River |
Good access by road to Steavenson Falls at Yellow Dog Picnic area. At this location below the Falls, the river flows through a fern gully and forest. The channel is 4-5m wide, with extensive shallow riffles 10-30cm deep, cascades and rapids and pools to 70cm.
Substrate is rubble and gravel with good debris. Flows through farmland in the lower reaches. It is a narrow, shallow river at Marysville with extensive shallow riffles and rubble substrate. Channel width has increased to 10m at Buxton with pools 70-110cm deep and rubble and sand substrate. This locality has good instream habitat and bank cover for trout. Contains mostly brown trout average 220g and some rainbow trout, also mountain galaxias. Has a self-sustaining trout population and is not stocked.
Stewart
Creek, Seymour D 12
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Not shown on map.
A small tributary of Hughes Creek located 12km east of Seymour. Contains small brown trout.
Sugarloaf
Creek, Broadford C 13
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A sluggish-flowing creek with low summer flow, sand bed. Contains brown trout average 350g and redfin to 1.8kg (av. 200g) in the lower reaches. Worth fishing only between Broadford and Seymour. Not stocked
Sunday
Creek, Broadford D 12
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A long creek flowing beside the Hume Freeway. Flow is controlled by releases from the Sunday Creek Reservoir in the headwaters. Upstream of Clonbinane, it flows through farmland with little riparian vegetation. Channel width is 4-11m with extensive riffles 10-30cm deep and pools usually 40-60cm but occasionally to 120cm. Rubble and gravel substrate.
Downstream from Broadford, channel width is 5-11m with good riparian vegetation, turbid water with a sluggish flow and extensive pools to 200cm deep. There is excellent fish habitat in this section with some debris present. Carries brown trout upstream, blackfish, mountain galaxias and redfin and goldfish in the lower reaches. There is some brown trout fishing upstream and good redfin fishing near the Hume Freeway crossing. No adequate survey of fish populations has yet been carried out. Reported to once have carried Macquarie perch.
 Brown trout |
Taggerty
Creek, Buxton H 15
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Not shown on the map but a tributary of Steavenson River.
A major tributary, up to 6m wide with water depths to 60cm. It is accessible by road from Marysville. Provides some fishing for small (av. 220g) brown trout and rainbow trout. Has a self-sustaining trout population and is not stocked.
Tahbilk
Lagoon, Mitchellstown D 10
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Not shown on map.
This lagoon of the Goulburn River is located just downstream of the Major Creek junction. Contains goldfish, carp, flat-headed galaxias, mosquitofish, golden perch, redfin, freshwater catfish, tench and flat-headed gudgeon.
 Taponga River |
Taponga
River, Enoch Point I 14
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A fast-flowing tributary of the Big River upstream of Lake Eildon. Runs through steep forest, gravel substrate. Access is difficult except in the lower reaches. Contains abundant rainbow trout to 220g, a few large brown trout in April May, also small blackfish. Self-sustaining trout population, and not stocked.
 Trawool Reservoir |
Trawool
Reservoir, Trawool D 12
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8ha.
A small domestic storage in which a brown trout stocking trial has recently commenced since access has been re-opened.
 Lake Victoria |
Victoria
Lake, Shepparton E 7
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13ha.
This is situated on the fringe of the town and is set in parkland adjacent to the Goulburn River. There is good access around the lake and a commercial caravan park and all facilities are available. Contains mainly redfin to 1.8kg, also carp, golden perch, goldfish, Australian smelt, flat-headed gudgeon and mosquitofish. Stocked regularly with golden perch.
Wakiti
Creek, Wyuna C 5
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An anabranch of the Goulburn River flowing through flat farmland, mud substrate. Access is limited by private property. Stops flowing during summer. Contains mainly redfin to 1.3kg, carp, goldfish and occasional Murray cod. Also flat-headed gudgeon, western carp gudgeon, Murray rainbowfish and mosquitofish.
 Waranga Reservoir |
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 Redfin |
Waranga
Reservoir, Rushworth D 8
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5,850ha. 411,000ML. Boat ramp, caravan park, toilets.
An irrigation storage in flat open country filled via channel, with water diverted from Lake Nagambie. Contains carp, redfin average 1kg and up to 2kg, golden perch, occasional brown trout, Australian smelt, flat-headed gudgeon and numerous Murray spiny crayfish. Bank fishing is usually unproductive except near the inlet channels. Stocked previously with golden perch and Murray cod, however, recent Departmental surveys suggest that these stockings have not been successful in establishing a fishery.
Yea
River, Yea F 13
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Yea
River
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Rises in the Toolangi State Forest and flows 20km through forest in hilly terrain, to Glenburn. This section is very accessible from the Melba Highway although there are few reserves, and access requires walking through the forest to the river. Channel width is 6-11m with shallow riffle/runs to 40cm deep and small pools mostly around 100cm deep. Substrate is rubble, rock and mud in the pools. Good fish habitat with some debris and a stable channel.
Good blackfish habitat. Flows through hilly-farmland to Devlin Bridge with rubble and rock substrate. This section is difficult to access because of private property and no access roads. Downstream, it flows in a wide valley through farmland and is accessible at several road crossings, (Steuarts Road, Lang Road). Width increases to 12m with extensive runs 50-80cm deep and gutters and pools to 200cm. Substrate is mostly sand with some silt and gravel. Riparian vegetation is wattle, some blackberry and scattered river red gums. It has good instream debris in some areas.
Contains brown trout to 600g, abundant blackfish to 300g, redfin to 350g, mountain galaxias, Australian smelt, occasional Macquarie perch to 450g, carp, goldfish, mosquitofish, southern pygmy perch and occasional rainbow trout. Stocked from 1983-93 with 52,700 Macquarie perch fingerlings. Departmental surveys (1990-93) found very few Macquarie perch present. It is not currently stocked.
| Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia |
© The State of Victoria
