Lure Fishing Melbourne’s Lakes and Rivers

Contents

Lake And River Fishing Spots Around Melbourne
Tackle And Lures For Lake And River Fishing
Tips For Success

Best Lake And River Fishing Spots Around Melbourne

Fishing in the rivers, creeks, and lakes within the greater Melbourne area offers a diverse and exciting range of opportunities for lure fishers. Whether you’re targeting freshwater species like trout, redfin, or bass, or seeking estuarine species such as bream, perch, and mulloway, there’s a spot to suit every angler within a 90 minute drive of Melbourne’s CBD.

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake, located just a few kilometres from the CBD, is a convenient and productive spot for urban anglers.

• Southern Shoreline: The southern shoreline, near the golf course, is known for its good redfin fishing. Small soft plastics and spinners work well here, particularly around structure such as reeds and submerged logs.
• Northern Shoreline: The northern shoreline near the aquatic centre is a great spot for targeting estuary perch, which have been stocked in the lake. Casting small surface lures in the early morning can produce some exciting strikes.

Relevant Resources: 1. Albert Park Yellowbelly fishing with Anthony Foudoulis

Yarra River (Warrandyte to Docklands)

The Yarra River is one of Melbourne’s most iconic fishing spots, offering a range of environments from fast-flowing streams to slow, deep sections closer to the city. Lure fishers can target species such as Murray cod, estuary perch, and bream in various stretches of the river.

• Warrandyte: The upper reaches around Warrandyte are great for targeting Murray cod and redfin using surface lures and spinnerbaits. The river here is relatively shallow and rocky, with plenty of structure.
• Heidelberg: As you move downstream, the river widens, and deeper holes become more prevalent. This area is known for estuary perch and bream, particularly in the deeper pools. Soft plastics and vibes work well here.
• Docklands: The tidal section around Docklands offers the chance to catch bream, mulloway, and trevally. The structures around the piers and bridges are prime spots for targeting these species with soft plastics and hard-bodied lures.

Relevant Resources: 1. Melbourne Bream With Paul Malov 2. Melbourne Estuary Perch With Lee Rayner. 3. Melbourne Fishing Spots With Lee Rayner

 Maribyrnong River

The Maribyrnong River winds its way through Melbourne’s western suburbs, providing excellent opportunities for lure fishing, particularly for bream and estuary perch.

• Essendon: The tidal section near Essendon is ideal for bream fishing. Casting small soft plastics such as grubs or prawns, or using hard-bodied lures such as the Pro Lures Crank around the pontoons and jetty pylons can produce good results.
• Footscray: Moving closer to the mouth of the river, the water deepens, and larger bream can be targeted around structure. This section is also a good spot to try for estuary perch, particularly in the cooler months.

Relevant Resources: 1. Maribyrnong Bream With Dale Baxter 2. Melbourne Estuary Perch With Lee Rayner. 3. Melbourne Fishing Spots With Lee Rayner

Werribee River

The Werribee River flows from the ranges down to the Werribee South estuary, offering diverse fishing environments for lure anglers.

• Werribee Township: The section of the river near Werribee is popular for redfin and estuary perch. Casting small, slender hard-bodied lures or soft plastics around the snags and overhanging trees can yield good results.
• Werribee South: The lower tidal reaches near Werribee South are excellent for targeting bream and the occasional mulloway. Soft plastics and vibes are the lures of choice in this area, particularly around the bridge pylons and deeper holes.

Relevant Resources: 1. Pier Fishing In Melbourne 2. Melbourne Estuary Perch With Lee Rayner. 3. Melbourne Fishing Spots With Lee Rayner

Patterson River

Patterson River is a man-made waterway that connects the Dandenong Creek to Port Phillip Bay. It’s a well-known bream fishery, with plenty of spots for lure fishing.

• Carrum: The section near Carrum offers access to both the river and the bay, making it a versatile spot for lure fishers. Bream and estuary perch are the main targets here, with small hard-bodied lures and soft plastics being particularly effective.
• National Water Sports Centre: Further upstream, the National Water Sports Centre provides calm water and excellent structure for targeting bream. The banks are lined with reeds and submerged trees, creating perfect ambush points for predatory fish.

Relevant Resources: 1. Paterson River Mulloway With Casey George 2. Melbourne Estuary Perch With Lee Rayner. 3. Melbourne Fishing Spots With Lee Rayner 4. Melbourne Bream With Paul Malov

Dandenong Creek

Dandenong Creek offers a quieter and often overlooked fishing experience, winding through Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.

• Doveton: The upper reaches near Doveton are known for redfin and the occasional trout. Small spinners and soft plastics can be productive in these areas.
• Dandenong: As the creek moves closer to the bay, estuary perch become more common. Targeting these fish with small lures around snags and undercut banks using a weedless rigged paddletail can be very rewarding.

Relevant Resources: 1. Dandenong Creeks Trout

Cardinia Reservoir

Located just outside the town of Emerald, Cardinia Reservoir is a popular spot for freshwater fishing, particularly for those targeting trout and redfin.

• Southern Shore: The southern shore of the reservoir offers easy access for shore-based anglers. Casting small hard-bodied lures or soft plastics can be effective for redfin, particularly around dawn and dusk.
• Northern Shore: The northern shore is more rugged but offers better access to deeper water, where larger trout can be targeted with deep-diving lures or weighted soft plastics.

Sugarloaf Reservoir

Sugarloaf Reservoir is a key water supply for Melbourne and a fantastic spot for freshwater fishing, particularly for trout.

• Main Dam Wall: The area around the main dam wall is deep and holds good numbers of trout, particularly in the cooler months. Casting lures such as spoons, deep-diving hard-bodied lures, or soft plastics can yield good results.
• Picnic Area: The picnic area on the southern side of the reservoir offers easier access and is a great spot for family fishing trips. Redfin and trout can be targeted here using smaller lures.

Eildon Pondage

Eildon Pondage, while a little further from the CBD, is worth the drive for its excellent trout fishing. The pondage is stocked regularly and offers year-round opportunities.

• Southern End: The southern end of the pondage is deeper and ideal for trolling or casting lures such as Tasmanian Devils and soft plastics. The trout here are often large and put up a good fight.
• Northern End: The northern end is shallower and better suited to shore-based anglers. This area is popular for fly fishing, but small hard-bodied lures and spinners also work well.

Karkarook Park Lake

Karkarook Park, located in Heatherton, is a popular spot for families and beginner anglers. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, particularly around the school holidays.

• Eastern Shoreline: The eastern side of the lake offers the best access for shore-based anglers. Small lures such as spinners, soft plastics, and even fly fishing are effective for targeting stocked trout.
• Western Shoreline: The western side is more secluded and offers good opportunities for redfin fishing, particularly with small hard-bodied lures and soft plastics.

Pakenham Lakes

Pakenham Lakes, located in the outer southeastern suburbs, are a series of small lakes that provide excellent urban fishing opportunities.

• Toomuc Creek: This creek feeds into the lakes and is known for its redfin population. Small spinners and soft plastics are particularly effective here.
• Main Lake: The main lake offers good fishing for both redfin and trout, particularly in the cooler months. Casting lures around the edges where the reeds meet open water is a productive technique.

Melton Reservoir

Melton Reservoir, also known as Exford Weir, is a great spot for freshwater fishing just west of Melbourne.

• Southern Shoreline: The southern side of the reservoir offers good access for shore-based anglers, with opportunities to catch redfin and the occasional trout. Soft plastics and small hard-bodied lures work well here.
• Northern Shoreline: The northern shore, near the boat ramp, provides deeper water access, where larger redfin and trout can be targeted with deep-diving lures or weighted soft plastics.

Tackle And Lures For Fishing Melbourne’s Lakes and Rivers

Rod and Reel Combo’s

A lightweight and fast action rod of around 7 to 8 feet in length, paired with a quality 2000 or 2500 size spinning reel is perfect for fishing the rivers and lakes around Melbourne. The fast action allows for long casts and solid hook sets, particularly when using soft plastic lures. Spool your reel with 4-8 lb braided line and add a 6-10 lb fluorocarbon leader, depending on water clarity and the need for abrasion resistance. A quality rod such as Jabbers Limber Launcher will cover all of these requirements and make short work of the biggest bream, trout, perch and redfin, whilst also taming the occasional small to medium sized Murray cod  that can turn up in some systems.

Lures

The selection of lures that can be used from Melbourne’s piers is almost endless. But again, keeping things light and simple means you can toss all that you need into a backpack, making the walk from the car easy. It also makes it easy to move around until you find where the fish are at.

Soft Plastic Lures, Jigs and Hooks: For Melbourne’s lake and river fishing fishing, I’d start with a selection of small paddletails and craws in sizes from 50-75 mm. Match those to some suitable jig heads for fishing clean bottom and a few weighted EWG worm hooks for weedless fishing in snags and weed, and you’re set.

And by the way, if all of this sounds confusing, you might like to check out my Soft Plastic Lures Bootcamp, where we break it all down and take you through the A-Z of fishing with soft plastic lures.

Spinnerbaits: This is a very versatile form of freshwater lure that can be fished shallow or deep, in fast flowing or still water and through some pretty snaggy territory, to boot. Smaller sizes are best for the systems around Melbourne, choose Colorado style blades for slow moving or still waters and willow blades if the water is flowing or you need a faster retrieve.

Hard bodies: A selection of quality hard body lures can be invaluable in waterways around Melbourne. Tiny, stubby hard bodies such as Pro Lure Cranks are popular and deadly bream lures, but will frequently take bass, yellowbelly, redfin, estuary perch and the odd trout. More slender lures, such as the Pro Lure ST72 are lethal on trout and redfin that often feed on galaxiid minnows.

Tips and Advice for Fishing Melbourne Lakes and Rivers

• 1. Understand Seasonal Patterns

  • Winter Trout Fishing: During the colder months, trout in places like Eildon Pondage, Sugarloaf Reservoir, and Cardinia Reservoir are more active. These fish respond well to lures that imitate small baitfish, such as minnow-style hard bodies or soft plastics. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times, especially when the water is cooler.
  • Summer Redfin Action: Redfin, or English perch, are most active in the warmer months. Lakes like Albert Park and Pakenham Lakes are prime spots. Target them during early morning or late afternoon, when they are actively feeding. Redfin are aggressive predators; small, brightly coloured lures like spinners and crankbaits work particularly well.

  2. Target Structure for Bream and Perch

  • Urban River Bream: In the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers, bream tend to congregate around man-made structures such as bridge pylons, jetties, and rock walls. Using soft plastics rigged on a light jighead (1/16 oz to 1/8 oz) and slowly working them along the bottom can be very effective. Look for areas where there’s a change in depth or a strong current, as these often hold more fish.
  • Estuary Perch: Estuary perch are ambush predators, often found near snags, undercut banks, and overhanging trees. In the Patterson River and Dandenong Creek, using diving minnows or surface lures like small poppers near these structures can provoke aggressive strikes, especially during low light conditions.

  3. Master the Art of Lure Retrieval

  • Varying Retrieval Speeds: Fish can be finicky, and sometimes a simple change in retrieval speed can make all the difference. For example, when targeting trout in Sugarloaf Reservoir, try a slow and steady retrieve with your soft plastics. If this doesn’t work, switch to a stop-start retrieve to mimic an injured baitfish.
  • Jigging for Mulloway: In the deeper sections of the Yarra and Werribee Rivers, targeting mulloway requires patience and skill. A vertical jigging technique using large soft plastics (4-6 inches) rigged on a heavy jighead (1/2 oz or more) can be very effective. Let the lure sink to the bottom, then use short, sharp lifts of the rod tip to impart action.

  4. Utilize the Tides and Flows

  • Fishing the Tides: In tidal rivers like the Maribyrnong and Yarra, the tide plays a crucial role in fish behaviour. On the incoming tide, fish move closer to the banks and into shallower water to feed. This is the best time to fish with lures that can be worked slowly along the bottom. Conversely, during the outgoing tide, focus on deeper channels and drop-offs where fish retreat.
  • Flow in Non-Tidal Rivers: In non-tidal rivers like the upper Yarra and Werribee River, fishing during periods of steady flow after a rain can be productive. Fish are more active and often move into shallow riffles to feed. Use small, natural-coloured lures that mimic the local forage.

  5. Choose the Right Gear for the Right Fish

  • Light Tackle for Bream: Bream are notoriously wary, especially in clear water. A light spinning setup with a 2-4kg rod, 1000-2500 size reel, and 4-6lb fluorocarbon leader is ideal. This setup allows for precise casts and subtle lure presentations without spooking the fish.
  • Heavier Gear for Murray Cod: If you’re targeting Murray cod in places like the Yarra River near Warrandyte, use a medium-heavy to heavy rod (6-10kg) paired with a baitcasting reel spooled with 20-30lb braided line. Cod are powerful fish that often take lures back into heavy cover, so you’ll need the strength to pull them out.

  6. Use Stealth and Precision

  • Approach Quietly: In shallow, clear waters like those in Albert Park Lake, fish are easily spooked. Avoid unnecessary noise and use polarized sunglasses to spot fish before they spot you. Position yourself to make long, accurate casts to avoid casting shadows over the fish.
  • Casting Accuracy: Precision is key, especially when fishing around structure. Practice casting so you can place your lure exactly where you want it – whether it’s under a jetty, next to a pylon, or along a weed line. Accurate casts not only increase your chances of a strike but also reduce the likelihood of snagging.

  7. Adapt to the Conditions

  • Wind and Weather: Windy conditions can make fishing challenging, but they also stir up the water, making fish less cautious and more likely to strike. Use heavier lures or sinkers to maintain control, and focus on windward shores where food is being blown into the water.
  • Water Clarity: In clear water, fish are more likely to spook, so opt for natural-coloured lures that blend in with the environment. In murky water, brighter colours or lures that create more vibration (like spinnerbaits or crankbaits) are more effective at attracting fish.

  8. Pay Attention to Water Temperature

  • Temperature and Fish Activity: Water temperature has a significant impact on fish behaviour. In colder water (below 16°C), fish like trout and redfin are more active and willing to chase a lure. In warmer water (above 22°C), species like bass and perch become more active. Adjust your tactics accordingly, such as using faster retrieves in warmer water or slower presentations in cooler water.

  9. Stay Mobile and Cover Ground

  • Don’t Stay in One Spot: If you’re not getting bites after 15-20 minutes, move on. In rivers like the Yarra or Maribyrnong, fish often move with the tide or flow, so covering more ground increases your chances of finding an active school of fish.
  • Use a Kayak or Boat: If possible, fishing from a kayak or small boat can greatly increase your access to productive waters. You can reach spots that are difficult to access from shore, such as deep holes, submerged trees, or overhanging branches where fish often hide.