Goulburn River Fishing Times, Locations & Reports

Goulburn River Fishing

Goulburn River Fishing Guide

The Goulburn River rises in the mountains north of Eildon and passes through Shepparton before joining the Murray River near Echuca. Main public access points are Eildon, Alexandra, Seymour, Nagambie, Murchison, Shepparton, and Undera, along with the well-known areas around Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie. The various towns and regions offer a wide range of easily accessible fishing spots along the bank and by boat, as well as boat ramps and picnic areas for those going on a fishing trip.

The river passes through a variety of landscapes, beginning in the mountains where the water is supplied by snowmelt, then going on to the large Lake Eildon complex, Lake Nagambie, and the Waranga Basin.

Fish Species

Rainbow Trout are placed into the lakes during their course, the lake most famous for this being Lake Eildon. Brown Trout are stocked in the river. Native species such as Yellowbelly and Murray Cod are present in Lake Eildon and further down the river as far as the Murray.

To get the best results, you should focus on catching trout (specifically Brown and Rainbow) from late autumn onwards into spring, particularly after river releases or during the colder periods, since that is when they are most active. Murray Cod are generally caught between December and September, with the warmer months being the most suitable. Yellowbelly become active as the water temperature rises from late spring until early autumn, usually in areas with structure. Modifying your timing and method according to the season can help you achieve greater success in your fishing.

European Carp, an introduced species which is noxious and causing extensive damage to native water systems, can also be found in most of the rivers and the lakes. Tench and Goldfish are likewise present as introduced species. When you catch European Carp, law requires that you should not return them to the water alive; the same rules apply to other noxious species like Tench and Goldfish. For the most current requirements regarding the handling of pest fish, you should check local regulations.

Boats and Kayaking

Most of the river can be navigated by boat or kayak, except the shallower areas above Lake Eildon, since the lakes have weirs that have to be bypassed.

Bait and Lures

People use a variety of bait, including scrubworms, earthworms, chicken, bardi-grubs, yabbies and freshwater shrimp. Cheese is frequently used when trying to catch Murray Cod.

Popular lure colours among locals for catching Murray Cod and Yellowbelly include natural greens, purples, black, and gold, as well as more vivid colours such as orange and chartreuse, especially after it has rained or when the water is cloudy.

Large spinnerbaits, hardbody lures measuring between 100 and 150 mm, and surface paddlers are effective when fishing around snags and underwater structure, particularly in the early morning and in the evening.

For trout, small lures such as Tassie Devils, soft plastics in pink or gold, and minnow-style hardbodies work well, particularly in clear water.

Fly anglers often achieve success with black Woolly Buggers or bead-head nymphs. It is important to match the size of your gear and bait to the type of fish you are aiming at and to alter the lure colour according to changes in water conditions if you want to maximise your chances.