Fishing Guide
Nature & Parks
Fishing Licences and Fishing Cards
Recreational fishers aged between 18-70 years of age will require a Victorian Fishing Licence to fish in any type of water (marine waters, lakes, rivers, etc.). The money from the licences is used by government authorities to improve and maintain fishing areas and facilities. If you are found fishing without a licence in Victoria, you will be issued an infringement notice and may be fined. Licences can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
Licences can be purchased online or from H. Rehfisch Hunting and Fishing Supplies, 903 Latrobe Street, Ballarat (03 5331 3677). There are 4 types of licences available for purchase, the duration and cost of each is listed in the table below:
You don't need a fishing license if you're:
- under 18 years or over 70 years
- a person identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- a Victorian or interstate equivalent Seniors Card holder
- a Veterans Card — Victoria holder
- a Veterans' Affairs Pensioner or TPI-coded Repatriation Health Card holder
- a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card holder, coded either DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR
For more information, please visit the Victorian Government website:
Permitted Equipment
The number, shape and size of equipment used to catch fish in Victoria is important in determining whether it is legal or illegal to use.
In addition, some types of legal equipment cannot be used in certain locations (e.g. closed waters), at certain times (closed seasons) or to catch some species (e.g. spear guns to take rock lobster).
Not all the fishing gear for sale in tackle shops or online is legal to use in Victorian waters.
Please check the Victorian Fishing Authorities website ‘Permitted Fishing Equipment’ page.
https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/recreational-fishing-guide/fishing-equipment
What can I catch?
You can catch most fish species found in our local region; however, it is important to follow the Victorian size and bag limits. Please check the Victorian Fishing Authorities website ‘Size and bag limits’ page.
Looking for some local secrets?
The ‘Ballarat Fishing’ and ‘Fishing Lake Wendouree’ Facebook groups are full of local anglers sharing tips their best tips and knowledge. The members also hire/sell equipment and bait too, so a quick scroll through the posts should give you everything you need to start: https://www.facebook.com/groups/424845494216183/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1804647873137406/
Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is one of the most scenic spots in Ballarat and is popular with joggers, cyclists, rowers and families. The lake is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout and is a popular spot for redfin, Tench and Eels. The best times to fish are dawn and dusk, and you’re likely to catch a brilliant sunrise/sunset if the weather is clear. There are several floating aquatic plants in the lake, such as weeds and lily pads, so fishing in this spot can be challenging at times. However, most fish are trophy size so the payoff can be worth it. Kayaks and boats are permitted on the lake, just be careful to mind the rowing lanes, rowers and paddle boaters, and check ahead to ensure there are no rowing competitions on the days you intend to fish.
Fishing Mad has a great guide here: https://fishingmad.com.au/location/lake-wendouree
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a great place for families and beginner anglers to go fishing. The park contains two small dams stocked with rainbow trout, and is designed to be easy fishing as part of the VFA family fishing lakes program. Craig from Outdoors Gap recommends fishing of the pier in the main pond, and you can read about his experiences here: https://www.outdoorsgap.com/fishing-victoria-park-ballarat/
Moorabool River
Moorabool river is a very popular spot, sometimes being hailed as “the best trout spot in Central Victorian Waters”. Moorabool river can be host to some impressive mayfly hatching and mating displays, and naturally the fish are very active during these times. There are several creeks that run off the main lake, as well as some dog legs and bays which can make for nice fishing spots. Good sized Trout and Redfin can be found here, but be mindful of the weed blooms in certain times of the year. Keep an eye out for small slashes on the water surface or water birds feeding, this is a good indicator of fish swarms. This blog has some great recommendations for equipment to use: https://www.outdoorsgap.com/fishing-moorabool-reservoir/
Bostock Reservoir (Ballan)
Bostock reservoir is a local favourite for fishing as it’s well equipped and very scenic. A wide variety of species can be caught including Trout, Redfin, Tench, Carp, Roach and Eels. ‘Fishing Mad’ recommends changing spots frequently in this, spending 15 mins in each spot and moving along if there are no bites. See their Bostock Reservoir fishing guide here: https://fishingmad.com.au/location/bostock-reservoir
Lake Esmond
Lake Esmond is an old quarry, originally operated by Eureka Tile Works, and on clear days you can see an old crane submerged in the middle of the lake. For those with access to a kayak fishing over/near the crane can be rewarding, land-based fishers can access the waters using the pier or cleared edges. The trout and Redfin tend to be on the smaller side but have been seen to frequent the shade of the pier, so the odds are likely to be in your favour. Read more here: https://www.outdoorsgap.com/fishing-lake-esmond-ballarat/
Lake Burrumbeet
Lake Burrumbeet is a large, deep waterbody, famous for its Carp fishing. It attracts all types of recreational activity and is situated near a caravan park, so be prepared to share the lake. The lake is occasionally prone to blue-green algae outbreaks so please do a quick search before heading out. The lake is also home to Trout, Redfin, Roach and Eels, but there is opportunity to catch some monster sized Carp if you’re fishing for fun instead of food. There are some great guides for targeting each species here: https://fishingmad.com.au/location/lake-burrumbeet
Pykes Creek
Pykes Creek is a popular recreational reserve, with many people engaging in fishing, swimming, kayaking, boaking and jet skiing. This creek mostly contains Trout, Redfin, Eels and even some Murray Cod and Golden Perch, there is quite a large carp population as well. Many people have had success trolling from the back of a kayak or small boat. Bait fishing from the banks can also be quite effective; here is a summary of the best techniques to use at Pykes Creek: https://fishingmad.com.au/location/pykes-creek
Tuki Trout Farm
There are lots of rainbow trout stocked at Tuki, for those looking for a guaranteed catch. Tuki charge $22.00 per kilogram of caught fish (an average of three fish) and will prepare the fish for consumption. You can choose to have the fish cooked as a meal at the property's restaurant, or bring your own cooler and containers to take your fish home in.
