Victorian Rivers

Victorian River Fishing Guide

Fishing in rivers is different from fishing in lakes or in the ocean since rivers are constantly in motion. The water in a river is always flowing, which makes river fishing different in many ways. It influences the behaviour of the fish, their position in the water and the way they feed. Some rivers flow slowly and quietly, whereas others flow very quickly following rain. The river itself can appear quite different from season to season. A simple way to judge how fast the water is moving is to look for areas full of ripples and small waves. Water that is moving quickly will seem choppy and may make a noise as it runs over rocks, while water that is moving slowly will appear smoother and calmer, typically in the curves of the river or behind big rocks or branches. By looking at these areas, you can work out where to cast your line.

Structure

Fish in rivers tend to stay behind objects in the water in areas where the current is not strong; they like to hide behind trees, rocks and the pillars of bridges. They also enjoy being in the curves of the river, in beds of weeds and in holes. These places allow the fish to rest while food floats past. To aim at these spots, you should approach the water as quietly as possible so you don’t frighten the fish away. Cast your line a little upstream from where the fish are hiding, then let the bait drift naturally with the current toward the feature where the fish may be waiting. This makes your lure or bait look more natural. Many people who engage in river fishing find that it is more important to understand how the water is moving than to cast their line a long distance.

River Fishing also depends on the clarity of the water. If there is a lot of rain, the water in the river can become dirty overnight. This affects how the fish eat and where they swim. When the water is clear, the fish are usually more cautious during the day when it is bright. Under such conditions, consider fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when the light is weak. When the water is dirty, however, the fish can move into shallow waters without being as frightened. In cloudy water, using brighter lures or bait can help the fish see them. Adjusting your methods according to the clarity of the water can make a great difference.

Temperature and Seasons

River fishing conditions vary with the season. Between September and November, in the spring and early summer, there are more insects and baitfish in the river, and so the fish are more active and feed nearer to the surface; this is generally the best time for active fishing. When it is colder, particularly from June to August, the fish become less active and tend to swim deeper in the river where the water is a little warmer. Fishing is then more difficult, and it is usually best to use baits and lures that go down to deeper water. If the level of the water in the river rises or falls, the river fishing can change completely from one week to the next.

Every river is different, since the speed of the current, the depth of the water, the plants and trees situated alongside the river, and the composition of the riverbed all affect the types of fish that are found there and the most effective methods of catching them. In Victoria, the fish you may come across in the rivers are often brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin perch, Murray cod and golden perch. If you gain a better knowledge of these species, you will know what to expect and be able to select the appropriate gear and bait. River fishing is unique precisely because of all these factors.