Campaspe River

Campaspe River Fishing Guide

Freshwater fishing for Murray cod, golden perch, redfin, and trout on the Campaspe River is excellent, with accessible spots where you can fish from the shore, by kayak, or from a small boat.

River Overview

The Campaspe River is approximately 160 km in length; it begins in the Wombat State Forest near Bullengarook and Macedon and flows through towns including Woodend, Kyneton, Elmore, and Rochester before joining the Murray River close to Echuca. The river is divided into three principal sections:

From Woodend to Lake Eppalock (a distance of about 50 km), the region has volcanic characteristics with rocky ground, and there are fine pools close to Lake Eppalock; the area is suitable for trout and golden perch.

Middle Section (Lake Eppalock to Campaspe Weir at Elmore): Features deep pools, rubble and gravel substrates, and is productive for Murray cod and golden perch . Between the Campaspe Weir and the Murray River, the channel is uniform, the substrate is sandy, there are a great many snags, and the water is shallow. Common fish in this area are redfin, carp and smaller native species.

Target Species

Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species:

Murray cod – stocked regularly, especially near Lake Eppalock and the weir areas.

Golden perch (yellowbelly) – abundant in upper and middle sections, particularly near Lake Eppalock

Redfin – common throughout the river, often up to 600 g Victorian Government Victorian Government

Trout – mainly in cooler headwaters of the upper river

Carp and goldfish – present in lower sections, with annual carp removal programs

Other species – tench, Australian smelt, flathead gudgeon, and eastern gambusia

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Fishing Methods

Shore fishing:

Popular around Kyneton, Axedale, and Elmore, with access to deep pools and spillways

Kayaks and small boats: Extend reach to less accessible areas, especially downstream of Lake Eppalock

Lures and bait:

Spinnerbaits, hardbodies, and surface lures work well in late spring to early autumn; bait fishing is effective year-round in deeper holes.

Best Fishing Times

Fishing in shallow water is generally most productive at twilight.

. Bite times can be influenced by moon phases and solunar cycles, as being near the full moon seems to result in greater activity.

When it comes to seasonal factors, the cooler months, spanning from May to September, are advantageous for trout in the upper areas. Murray cod are most active between December and August, with the best fishing occurring at the end of spring and during summer. Golden perch should be targeted from October to April, particularly in the warmer parts of that period.

Access and Amenities

There are family-friendly places along the riverbank in Kyneton township, which stretches for 3 km and is suitable for picnics and fishing. Several parking areas are located near the riverbank, such as those adjacent to the main parklands, which makes it easy for families to bring their equipment. Although most parking spaces are free, some may charge a fee, so it’s important to check the signs when you get there. Public toilets are provided at Riverside Park and at other nearby sites, and most access points are well kept and suitable for strollers and people with limited mobility. Camping and places to stay are also available in the area, such as Kyneton Caravan Park and several motels and guesthouses in both Kyneton and Elmore, so it’s convenient to organise longer fishing trips or weekend visits. Most anglers in Victoria need a recreational fishing licence, which can be bought online or from local tackle shops.

Spillways and weirs: Lake Eppalock spillway and Campaspe Weir provide deep pools and easy bank access

Recreational activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking and taking scenic walks along the Campaspe River Walk. For your safety, river levels can change rapidly, particularly following rain or when water is released from Lake Eppalock.

Both river conditions and the weather can affect safety and fishing, so it is strongly advised that you check the most recent river conditions and obtain up-to-date local weather information before going on your trip. This will help you avoid hazardous situations and make sure your time on the river is as good as it can be.

Be careful of slippery river banks and watch out for submerged trees and sudden changes in current. Snakes and insects are also found during the warmer months, so stay alert and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. It would be a good idea to have a mobile phone with you and/or an EPRB at all times when you are on or near the river and to make sure that it is charged and kept in a waterproof case. Know where the nearest town or medical facility is in case of an emergency.

The area also has other attractions such as the Kyneton Botanic Gardens, sculpture parks, and historic towns, all of which enhance the fishing experience.

All anglers must follow the fishing rules of Victoria, which include maximum numbers of fish that you can catch, minimum sizes for fish that are legal to keep, and limitations on the type of equipment that you can use.

For the main species, the minimum size allowed for Murray cod is 55 cm, and each angler may keep one Murray cod per day. With golden perch, the minimum size is 30 cm, and the daily limit is five fish. Certain sections of the Campaspe River might be subject to seasonal, species-specific closures.

Such limits are in place to help preserve the fishery, so it is important to check the local regulations for the most recent information before going on your fishing trip. The official and current regulations can be found on the Victorian Fisheries Authority website, or you can get advice from local tackle shops before going out to fish. You should check the current regulations when you are fishing as they may vary according to the section of the river and the season.

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Tips for Anglers

Check the deep pools near weirs and spillways for Murray cod and golden perch. Look for fish close to the timber that projects over the water and the snags, since these areas frequently offer cover for Murray cod and golden perch. Approach the less crowded or more remote sections of the river by using small boats or canoes.

Check Getfished for local fishing reports, the most current conditions and successful baits.

For Murray cod, try large spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or cheese and bardi grubs. Golden perch respond well to smaller spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, worms, and yabbies. Redfin are often caught on small soft plastics, spinners, and worms, while trout in the upper river take well to small hardbody lures, bladed spinners, and live or artificial worms. W

You can also find up-to-date reports at nearby tackle shops in Kyneton, Elmore, and Echuca.

The Campaspe River provides a diverse and pleasant fishing experience for anglers regardless of their skill level, whether they wish to fish casually with their family or are trying to achieve a trophy fishing trip. fishing trip.