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| Fishing & Aquaculture |  |
A
Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria
River
Basins Map | Angling Waters A-Z
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Loddon
River Basin North
Angling Waters of the Loddon River Basin 7 North
Bannacher
Creek, Durham Ox E 12
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Loddon River Basin North
Flows through cleared farmland with little riparian vegetation apart from lignin bushes. The channel is a shallow depression 10m wide and less than 100cm deep. It usually dries up each year. Reported to carry carp, goldfish and redfin in a few pools but seldom fished and not recommended.
Barr
Creek, Cohuna G 7
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Basin North
A shallow 3m wide channel flowing into the upper Loddon River. Suffers from stratification, low concentration of dissolved oxygen and high salinities (up to 35,000EC) along its entire length. Carries carp. Not recommended for angling.
Big
Lake, Meran (see
Meering Lake)
E 10
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Basin North
Boga
Lake, Lake Boga C 4
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Basin North
 Dart tagged yearling Murray cod |
906ha. 36,700ML. Boat ramp, picnic area, caravan park and all facilities.
A sand-bottom lake situated adjacent to the Lake Boga township and surrounded by farmland. It forms part of the local irrigation system providing water to orchards, pasture and vineyards in the Kerang-Swan Hill area. There are separate areas in the lake for boating and fishing. Contains mostly redfin to 2kg, carp to 3.4kg, goldfish, bony bream, occasional golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch and Australian smelt. Excellent access but aquatic vegetation around the edge makes a boat necessary for successful fishing. Stocking of golden perch and dart tagged Murray cod commenced in 2004 following the buy-back of inland commercial fishing licences and the recovery of the lake's water level.
Boort
Lake, Boort D 13
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Basin North
455ha. 9,600ML.
A very shallow, weedy lake with abundant standing dead timber adjacent to Little Boort Lake. Surrounded by farmland and mud bottom. Dry in 2002. When full it contains redfin and carp. Not recommended for fishing because of dense submerged aquatic vegetation.
Box
Creek, Leitchville I 10
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Basin North
Drains Kow Swamp and flows through farmland. Channel is up to 10m wide with riparian vegetation of cumbungi and scattered trees. Access at the Kow Swamp outlet. The first 3kms are a popular fishing area for redfin and golden perch.
Brandy
Lake, Kerang (See Wandella Lake)
E 8
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Basin North
Bullock
Creek, Mitiamo H 15
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Basin North
A small weedy creek with irregular flow and not recommended for angling.
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Lake Charm |
Charm
Lake, Kerang E 6
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Basin North
457ha. 19,940ML. Caravan park, boat ramp. Ramsar.
Slightly brackish lake surrounded by farmland, sand bottom. Part of the irrigation system supplying water for agriculture in the Kerang-Swan Hill area. Contains a very good population of redfin, which is the main angling species. Also carp, golden perch, abundant bony bream, goldfish, Australian smelt and flat-headed gudgeon. Boat needed for successful fishing. Stocking of golden perch and dart tagged Murray cod has commenced recently following the buy-back of inland commercial fishing licences.
Cullens
Lake, Kerang D 6
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Basin North
615ha. 15,000ML Very saline, Ramsar.
Surrounded by open land and has a sand and mud bed. Dry most of the time. When full could possibly contain carp. Small native fish such as Australian smelt, non-specked hardyhead, flat-headed galaxias and Murray hardyhead used to be present when the lake was full and less saline. Seldom fished.
Elizabeth
Lake, Kerang E 7
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Basin North
80ha. 1,500ML. Saline. Caravan park.
A shallow weedy lake surrounded by farmland, sand bottom. Murray hardyhead has been recorded but the water is now saline and contains no fish.
Boating is prohibited
Gunbower
Creek, Cohuna I 8
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Basin North
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Gunbower
Creek
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Camping possible in the red gum forest, no facilities except in towns. Ramsar.
A 60km long anabranch of the Murray River flowing from south of Gunbower to Koondrook. It forms the southwestern boundary of Gunbower Island. This is the largest (20,000ha) permanent island of this type in the Southern Hemisphere. It has a red gum forest with native birds and animals and is a popular tourist area.
Flow in the creek is controlled by irrigation releases with lowest flows during the non-irrigation period (15 May-15 August). Gunbower Creek flows from the Murray River to Cohuna, through open farmland. The channel is 25-35m wide with sand substrate.
Riparian vegetation is cumbungi and red gums and there is abundant dead timber along the banks. Small boats can be launched from the bank and the river is very accessible. Water depth increases by around 150-200cm during high flows. The river is narrower (16-20m) where it flows through the red gum/black box forests north of Cohuna.
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Gunbower
Creek
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Banks are 1m high and there is good access for bank fishing and boat launching at Spence Bridge via Tresize Road, 7km from Cohuna. Water depth at low flow is around 150-200cm and there is good instream debris and habitat. Riparian vegetation is cumbungi, reeds, occasional wattles, and red gums.
Contains abundant carp, golden perch, numerous Murray cod, silver perch, redfin, tench, goldfish, Australian smelt, Murray rainbowfish, mosquitofish and freshwater catfish in the lagoons. An excellent angling water. Stocked annually with Murray cod.
Hird
Swamp, Cohuna H 10
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Basin North
400ha.
Dries out periodically and dry in 2002. Contains carp when full. Not recommended for angling.
Johnson
Swamp, Kerang H 9
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Basin North
485ha.
Dry in 2002. When full may carry some carp. Not recommended for angling.
 Murray cod |
Kangaroo
Lake, Kerang D 6
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Basin North
980ha. 34,390ML. Boat ramps and caravan parks northern and western shores, popular camping and picnicking area.
A deep lake with a mud and sand bottom surrounded by farmland and citrus groves. Part of the irrigation system supplying water for agriculture in the Kerang-Swan Hill area. Contains redfin, bony bream, golden perch, carp, Murray cod, a few silver perch and possibly freshwater catfish, also Australian smelt, flat-headed gudgeon and goldfish. Good bank fishing is available. Quality redfin can be taken on baits (yabbies, worms and shrimp). One of the best fishing waters in the Basin. Stocking of golden perch and dart tagged Murray cod has commenced recently following the buy-back of inland commercial fishing licences.
 Murray cod |
Kow
Swamp, Gunbower J 11
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Basin North
2,720ha. 51,700ML. Also called Mount Hope Swamp. Part of the Torrumbary irrigation scheme.
Surrounded by open country, abundant dead timber and cumbungi. Shallow water, aquatic vegetation and debris. Requires careful boating. Contains redfin, carp, silver perch, golden perch, bony bream, freshwater catfish, Murray cod, goldfish, Australian smelt, Murray rainbowfish, and mosquitofish. Difficult to fish because of aquatic vegetation. Stocking of golden perch has commenced recently following the buy-back of inland commercial fishing licences. Self-sustaining population of Murray cod.
Leaghur
Lake, Boort E 11
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Basin North
50ha. 1,100ML.
No boat ramp, and seldom fished because of abundant submerged aquatic vegetation. Contains redfin, tench and carp. Not recommended for angling.
Little
Boort Lake, Boort D 13
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Basin North
93ha. 1,700ML. Boat ramp, caravan park, walking track around the lake, water sports and skiing.
A small, tree-lined lake adjacent to the township of Boort. The lake is zoned for power, sail and self-propelled boats. Boating activities can restrict angling opportunities at times. Located on the edge of town. Carries golden perch, bony bream, carp, redfin, goldfish, tench, and flat-headed gudgeon. Stocked regularly with golden perch.
Little Lake
Meran, Kerang E 9
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Basin North
30ha. Also called Little Lake Meering.
A deep lake, mud bottom and weedy edges. Surrounded by farmland. Used to carry carp, redfin, tench, goldfish and some Murray cod. Dry in 2002. Will naturally repopulate with redfin and carp. Stocked with Murray cod up until 1998. Fish can become infested with red worms (Eustrongyloides) which are harmless to humans. A boat is needed for fishing because of the weed.
 Murray cod |
Little Murray
River, Swan Hill D 4
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Basin North
This is a 30km long anabranch of the Murray River which has a weir at each end (Fish Point Weir at the mouth of the Loddon River and Little Murray Weir upstream). Flow in the Little Murray River comes from the Murray River during the non-irrigation period or from the Loddon River direct or the Avoca River via channel, depending on irrigation requirements. During high flow irrigation periods, water depth averages 200cm with pools up to 7m deep.
During the non-irrigation period (15 May-15 August) water depth between the pools can drop to less than 1m, if natural flow in the Murray River is also low. High salinity in the pools and very low levels of dissolved oxygen (less than 5% saturation) can also occur during low flows.
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Little Murray River
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River width is 40-50m and riparian vegetation is red gums, canegrass and saltbush. Good instream debris. Turbid water and sluggish flow during the non-irrigation period. Access is restricted by the scarcity of roads. However there is good access at Fish Point Road with bank fishing or boat launching possible from the bank. Contains abundant golden perch, freshwater catfish, silver perch, Murray cod, carp, redfin, bony bream, tench and goldfish.
Most common angling species are golden perch, carp and redfin. Murray cod are present but are not easy to catch. Stocked with Murray cod.
Loddon
River, Kerang E 10
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Basin North
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Loddon
River
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The river between Serpentine
township and the Murray River can be divided up into several distinct sections.
The first consists of a 15km stretch of river from the Serpentine Weir (a small
concrete structure near the township of Serpentine) to Loddon Weir (also called
Fernihurst Weir). This section has high summer flows as water is passed downstream
to Loddon Weir and then diverted into the Waranga Western Channel.
There is then a 60km
section of river downstream to Macorna Channel (enters about 10km south of Kerang)
that receives no extra summer flow and has considerable periods of low flow
and low water level. Water from the Macorna Channel enters the Loddon resulting
in high flow in the next 15km of river between the channel and another weir
at Kerang. The river then flows for a further 35km to the Little Murray River.
The entire length of river is less than 2m deep with good mixing of water and no stratification or development of saline water on the bottom. Salinity increases from around 600EC at Serpentine to 1,600EC at Kerang. At times of little flow in the river, the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the deeper water in Loddon Weir can fall to 20-40% saturation.
Stocked with golden perch at Jarklin and Kerang and Murray cod between Bridgewater and Kerang.
Loddon Weir (also called Fernihurst Weir)
 Golden perch |
There is access by road to the Weir where a boat can be launched off the bank. Walking access around the weir is restricted by private property. There is an extensive (11km) stretch of water (up to 5-7m deep) upstream of the wall of the Weir, which provides excellent fishing for redfin to 1.3kg, golden perch to 1kg, silver perch to 500g, carp to 2kg and the occasional Murray cod to 15kg.
Trolling with lures or bait fishing (see Murray River section) are popular fishing methods. The water level in the Weir is lowest in winter and early spring when there are no releases of water for irrigation, from upstream. Best fishing is when irrigation water releases from upstream enter the Weir in early September and then until water releases stop in early May. Fishing in the morning and evenings gives best results. Worms, yabbies and shrimps are good baits for redfin. The hogback spinner is a popular lure.
Downstream of Loddon Weir to Marcorna Channel
 Golden perch fingerlings |
This 60km section of river is mostly 7-14m in width with occasional wider areas to 26m. It is predominantly shallow water 50-70cm deep with no pools deeper than 150cm. Substrate is soft mud. Flow is low during summer and controlled by release of water from Loddon Weir. Although the river flows through flat farmland there is a light growth of eucalypts along the banks. There is good access from a number of crossroads. Bank height is around 3m with areas of exposed mud along the bottom of the banks.
There is some debris on the riverbed. Predominant angling species are redfin, carp, silver perch, and golden perch to 2kg. Golden perch are stocked downstream and each year make an upstream spawning run as far as the barrier of the Loddon Weir wall. The natural population of Murray cod appears to have died out by the 1950's and although Murray cod are now being stocked, anglers should not expect to catch them immediately in this section of the river. Other species present are goldfish, mosquitofish, Australian smelt, flat-headed gudgeon, and possibly bony bream and Murray rainbow fish which have been taken around Kerang. A light line and lures or a running sinker with bait is suitable for redfin, silver perch and golden perch.
Downstream of Marcorna Channel
A vertical slot fishway has been constructed on the Kerang Weir.
Fresh water enters the river from the Marcorna Channel increasing flow and water depths from here to Kerang. Average depth is now 140cm with pools to 200cm deep. The banks are lower (2-3m) and riparian vegetation is scattered red gums. Channel width varies from 10-24m. The river flows through flat farmland and the substrate is soft mud. There is little channel configuration (pools/riffles) and only a small amount of debris. Species found in the previous section also occur in this reach of river. A boat can be launched from the bank and used on the river.
Kerang to Murray
River F 6
Flows through saltbush and black box forest. Average water depth is 100cm with occasional deeper pools. Access is reasonable but this section is not heavily fished. Main angling species are redfin, golden perch and Murray cod.
Long
Lake, Swan Hill C 4
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Basin North
125ha. 9,225ML.
A drainage swamp surrounded by vineyards. Used to carry redfin, tench, carp, mosquitofish and Murray hardyhead but is now saline. Not recommended for angling.
Marraboor
River (see Little Murray
River) D 4
Meering
or Meran Lake, Kerang E 10
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Basin North
203ha. 6,150ML. Camping facilities, boat ramp and water skiing.
Surrounded by agricultural land, sand bottom. The lake is zoned with areas for speed boating and fishing. Carries mostly redfin and there are reports of occasional Murray cod. Also possibly carp, bony bream, goldfish and flat-headed gudgeon. Has a sandy shoreline and is a popular recreational area.
Stocked irregularly with golden perch and Murray cod.
Mount
Hope Creek, Mitiamo J 13
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Basin North
Also called Piccaninny Creek.
A 2m wide drain with spasmodic flow. Has brackish water at times (7,600EC). Contains carp. Not recommended for angling.
Murphy
Lake, Kerang E 9
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Basin North
227ha. 3,500ML. Saline.
Surrounded by agricultural land. Dries up at times and not recommended for angling Contains carp.
Murrabit
River (see Barr Creek)
G 7
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Basin North
Pelican
Lake, Kerang E 8
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Basin North
40ha. 580ML. Very saline.
Surrounded by farmland, mud bottom. No recent record of fish being present.
Picaninny
Creek (see Mt Hope Creek)
J 16
Pyramid
Creek, Kerang G 8
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Basin North
A 15m wide stream flowing through saltbush and farmland. Riparian vegetation of lignin, cumbungi, reeds and very occasional black box trees. Water depth is about 200cm. Steep banks and mud bottom. Carries mostly redfin, carp, numerous silver perch, abundant golden perch and a few Murray cod. Best fishing in the lower reaches near Kerang or near the outfall of Kow Swamp where it is known as Box Creek. Can have a low flow during the non-irrigation period (15 May-15 August).
Racecourse
Lake, Kerang D 6
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Basin North
241ha. 5300ML.
A shallow lake (max. depth 150cm) linked by channel to Kangaroo Lake. A weedy lake surrounded by open land and citrus groves. A boat is required for angling but it is rarely fished. Golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch have been recorded. Stocking with golden perch and dart tagged Murray cod in conjunction with releases into Kangaroo Lake.
Reedy
Lakes, Kerang F 7
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Basin North
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Reedy
Lake (third) boat ramp
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20 ha. 3,780ML. Picnic area with facilities, boat ramp, lake restricted to boats with motors less than 10hp (7.5kw).
Shallow, weedy lake with fringe of cumbungi, mud bottom. Only a small stretch of water (60m) can be fished from the bank because of riparian cumbungi. Main angling species are redfin, golden perch and carp. Also contains tench, silver perch, bony bream, goldfish, some Murray cod and possibly freshwater catfish.
2,210ha.
A very weedy lake, surrounded by private property, lignin and dense beds of cumbungi. This lake has the main ibis rookery. Boating is prohibited. Seldom fished because of difficult access to the waters edge. Probably contains the same species as Reedy Lake. Most fishing occurs in the channels connecting the lakes.
232ha. 2,800ML.
Abundant dead timber with very little aquatic weed. Open to boating. Same species as Reedy Lake. Most fishing occurs in the channels connecting the lakes.
Round
Lake, Swan Hill C 4
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Basin North
20ha. 490ML. Very saline.
A drainage swamp surrounded by vineyards. May contains carp but is not a recommended angling water.
Serpentine
Creek, Durham Ox F 15
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Basin North
Flows from the Loddon River via Bears Lagoon, becomes Pennyroyal Creek and ends in Tragowel Swamp. A wide (30-40m) sluggish creek with turbid water. Has low banks with riparian vegetation of reeds, cumbungi and river red gums at Durham Ox. Good water depths (100+cm) some instream debris and aquatic vegetation. Good instream habitat. Main angling species are abundant golden perch, redfin and carp. Also goldfish, mosquitofish, Australian smelt and flat-headed gudgeon. No recent records of Murray cod. Stocked with golden perch.
Tutchewop
Lake, Benjeroop D 5
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Basin North
775ha. 20,000ML. Very saline.
A shallow lake surrounded by open saltbush country, mud bottom. Filled by pumping and water level fluctuates. Used as a saline water evaporation basin and for salt and mineral extraction.
Wandella
Lake, Kerang E 8
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Basin North
80ha. 1,230ML. Very saline. Also called Brandy Lake.
A shallow lake surrounded by farmland, mud bottom. Used to carry redfin, carp and tench but now reported to carry no fish as it is saline.
Waranga
Western Channel K 16
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Basin North
An irrigation channel flowing through flat farmland. The whole length of the channel is popular for fishing but access is a problem as it flows through private property. Reported to contain silver perch, carp, redfin, tench, brown trout, and Murray cod.
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