Werribee River

+++ collection_field = ‘rivers’ collection_scope = ‘vic’ collection_value = ‘werribee-river’ date = ‘2026-04-30T12:45:18+10:00’ description = ‘Fishing the Werribee River offers anglers a range of species from freshwater to salt. Upstream you can catch Murray Cod in the Melton Reservoir or downstream to the mouth for Bream and other estuary species.’ draft = false flowsInto = ‘Port Phillip Bay’ flowsIntoURL = ‘/vic/port-phillip-bay/’ hasEstuary = true layout = ‘faux-term’ length = ‘110 km’ schema_type = ‘CollectionPage’ slug = ‘weribee-river’ title = ‘Werribee River’ +++

Werribee River Fishing Guide

In recent years, the Werribee River has seen fishing become an increasingly popular activity.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority introducing species like Estuary Perch into the rivers is most reassuring.

The river starts near the townships of Ballan and Bachus Marsh and is mainly made up of small pools linked together by a small creek.

Fishing for Redfin has become popular in the Melton area, with people fishing from the bank or by using a kayak. Among the well-known access points in this section are the Melton Reservoir Park, Exford Weir, and the Cottrell Street Ford in Werribee, all of which provide anglers with easy access to the river for shore fishing or for launching a kayak.

From the reservoir to the sea, the river becomes much wider and, by the time it reaches the Werribee Open Plains Zoo and the golf course, has become increasingly brackish before finally joining the sea at Werribee South.

To make it clear, the water is fresh above the Werribee Weir and becomes saltier the further down you go.

The habitat of the bream extends from the river mouth all the way to the Golf Course.

Fishing in the Werribee River therefore includes the Melton Reservoir and the area downstream from it when aiming at Redfin and Carp; the brackish regions are good for kayak fishing. When fishing for Redfin, it is advisable to use soft plastics, small hardbody lures or live worms. You can catch Carp by using corn, bread or dough baits. In the brackish areas, bream take well to peeled prawns, sandworms or small crankbaits. Estuary Perch will eat soft plastics, small vibes and live yabbies. Choosing the correct bait or lure for the fish you are after can have a big effect on your success.

Then go to the Werribee River Estuary at Werribee South, since fishing is on offer at the Werribee South Pier, at Werribee South Beach, and from the Werribee Boat Ramp all the way out to Port Phillip Bay.

The Melton Reservoir and the Werribee River can control the quantity of water flowing in the river; both can decrease or increase the flow, which in turn affects the depth of the river.

Is Werribee River Saltwater?

The Werribee River is not saltwater all the way along its course. It begins inland and initially carries fresh water. As it flows towards its outlet at Port Phillip Bay, the water becomes more salty, particularly in the estuary area. This occurs because, during high tides, saltwater from the bay can move up the river. Hence, the upper parts of the Werribee River are freshwater, whereas the lower sections, nearer to the bay, can be a mixture of fresh and saltwater, depending on the tides and the amount of fresh water flowing in. The salinity level in the estuary and in the lower reaches of the river varies from month to month. Following heavy rain in winter and spring, the river tends to carry a greater volume of fresh water, which in turn pushes the saltwater further down the river and results in the estuary being less salty. In drier summer months or when there is little rainfall, river flow decreases, and saltwater advances up the river from the bay, increasing salinity. These seasonal changes can affect the types of fish that are present. For instance, bream and estuary perch are more likely to be found further upstream when it is dry, while in the wet seasons freshwater species such as redfin and carp spread further towards the mouth.

An area in which fresh water meets salt water is a feature of rivers that flow directly into the sea and provides an important habitat for a variety of fish. For instance, saltwater fish species like bream and pinkie snapper occur in the more saline parts. At the same time, estuary perch are found when the salinity starts to decrease, and freshwater species such as carp, redfin, trout and river blackfish are then present.

If you intend to fish in the Werribee River, you should remember that the local fishing regulations apply. There are minimum size and bag limits for most fish species, and in that case you’ll need a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence unless you are entitled to an exemption. Always refer to the most recent guidelines from the Victorian Fisheries Authority for the current regulations. Abiding by these rules will help protect the fishery and prevent you from being fined.