Maribyrnong River Fishing location guide
Maribyrnong River
The Maribyrnong River is underated by most Melbournians. While it is prone to pollution for catch and release of Bream, Pinkie Snapper and Mullet it can be non stop action at times!
Guide
Maribyrnong River
Curated Getfished location guide.
This guide groups fishing locations related to Maribyrnong River. Use these locations to compare conditions, access, and fishing opportunities across the area.
Locations
3 locations found in this guide.
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Maribyrnong River Fishing Guide
Fishing in the Maribyrnong River is a great option in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The main fish you’ll find here are Southern Black Bream, Estuary Perch, Mulloway, and Pinky Snapper. For the best results, try for Southern Black Bream and Estuary Perch from late spring to early autumn, especially during the warmer months when fishing is at its best. Mulloway are usually caught in late spring and summer after rain, as baitfish move down the river. Pinky Snapper are easiest to catch in spring and early summer, especially after heavy rain when they enter the river.
Some of the best fishing spots are the Anglers Tavern in Moonee Ponds, Canning Reserve in Avondale Heights, and the Afton Street Bridge. All are easy to get to and have facilities for fishers. The Anglers Tavern offers plenty of parking, toilets, riverside dining, and a spot to launch small boats. Canning Reserve has public toilets, free parking, grassy areas for families and picnics, and nice walking tracks along the river. The Afton Street Bridge has street parking and some seating, making it a good spot for land-based fishing, but it has fewer facilities and isn’t suitable for launching boats.
Top Locations & Access
Canning Reserve
The Victorian Fisheries Authority regularly stocks Estuary Perch in this area, and they are a great catch for anglers.
Tavern & Boathouse
This spot is popular because the deep channels and submerged snags provide good hiding places for large Black Bream and Mulloway.
The Afton Street Bridge is sturdy, and its steep drops make it a good place for bait fishing or casting soft plastics for bream.
Best Rigs & Techniques
Bait Fishing
Sinker rigs with hook sizes 4 to 6 work well. The best baits are fresh or salted prawns, scrub worms, and whitebait. Adding whiting pellets or breadcrumbs to a burley cage can help attract fish, especially bream and mullet, to your spot. Always check local rules about bait use or collection before fishing, as some parts of the Maribyrnong River have regulations on certain live or natural baits. Following these guidelines helps protect native species and supports responsible fishing.
Lure & Plastic Fishing
Soft plastics like 2.5-inch grubs and wave minnows, as well as shallow-diving hard-body lures such as Ecogear SX40s and Daiwa Double Clutches, work very well. Try to cast as close as you can to pylons, floating weed beds, and overhanging trees.
Local Tips
Tides
Fishing is excellent. Fishing is best when the tide is high or during the last few hours before the river meets the sea. Use a simple approach: a fluorocarbon leader that weighs 2 to 4 lb (or 1 to 2 kg) to trick the notoriously cautious bream.
Be sure to check the local regulations before you go fishing; as a general guideline, the minimum size allowed for Southern Black Bream is 28 cm, and the daily limit is 10 fish per person.
For Estuary Perch, the minimum size is 27 cm, and the daily bag limit is 5 per person; this limit is frequently being applied in conjunction with the one for Australian Bass.
Mulloway must be at least 60 cm, and the limit is 5, while Pinky Snapper (young snapper) must be 28 cm or more, with a daily limit of 10.
Always check the latest regulations, as they can change. Fishing responsibly helps protect local fish stocks.