Sun
23 Aug
29%
Activity
Moon Phase
waxing gibbous
Moonrise
12:54pm
Major Windows
8:08am – 10:08am
7:43pm – 9:43pm
Minor Windows
2:41am – 4:41am
11:54am – 1:54pm
Fishing Times, Solunar, Weather
Waranga Basin Fishing Times
The forecast for Waranga Basin is subdued today, so any bite window is likely to be brief. With the moon overhead, denoting a major period, a short lift in fish feeding activity is possible. Low light conditions may improve feeding activity.
Updated
Moon Phase
Waxing Gibbous
Estimated Fish Feeding Activity
29%
Quiet conditions at 29%, with limited activity expected.
Sunrise
·
6:54am
Sunset
·
5:51pm
Daily Timing
Waranga Basin Fishing Times & Solunar Score
Waranga Basin is currently in the poor range at 29%, with limited feeding activity expected. The 2:41am-4:41am window is still the best chance.
Solunar Score Today
29% Potential Bite (Feeding) Intensity
Major Bite Windows
Major 1
08:08 – 10:08
Centre · 09:08
Strength · 23.6%
Underfoot transit major
Major 2
19:43 – 21:43
Centre · 20:43
Strength · 100%
Overhead transit major
Minor Bite Windows
Minor 1
02:41 – 04:41
Centre · 03:41
Strength · 45.1%
Moonset minor
Minor 2
11:54 – 13:54
Centre · 12:54
Strength · 28.1%
Moonrise minor
7 Day Solunar Forecast
Waranga Basin Fishing Times: This Week's Planner
Compare daily bite activity, major fish feeding times and moon conditions to help plan upcoming fishing sessions.
Weather
Current conditions and 7 day outlook
Conditions here can shift quickly through the day, so use this as the broad weather picture alongside the separate wind and pressure sections below.
Right now
Clear Sky
10.0°C
Today
Maximum
15.2°C
Minimum
6.7°C
Rain
0.0 mm
Sun
23 Aug
Overcast
Range
6.7°C to 15.2°C
Rain
0.0 mm
Mon
24 Aug
Light Drizzle
Range
7.0°C to 16.3°C
Rain
0.3 mm
Tue
25 Aug
Thunderstorm
Range
10.9°C to 15.9°C
Rain
26.9 mm
Wed
26 Aug
Mainly Clear
Range
7.2°C to 15.2°C
Rain
0.0 mm
Thu
27 Aug
Mainly Clear
Range
4.8°C to 14.9°C
Rain
0.0 mm
Fri
28 Aug
Light Drizzle
Range
4.4°C to 15.8°C
Rain
0.3 mm
Sat
29 Aug
Overcast
Range
8.0°C to 16.1°C
Rain
0.0 mm
Pressure
Barometric pressure
Pressure is most useful for fishing when it shows movement. A stable, rising, or falling trend can add context to the rest of today’s fishing forecast.
Right now
1008
hPa
⮟
Falling
Interpretation
Pressure changes tend to matter more than the absolute value, especially when conditions are shifting.
Pressure is only one signal. Wind, tide, solunar timing, water movement, and local structure still matter.
Pressure movement
Recent readings build the pressure trend used for interpretation.
Wind
Current wind and 7 day outlook
Wind direction and strength can change how exposed a location feels, especially around open water, beaches, piers, and headlands.
Right now
Current speed
5.8 km/h
Direction
E
Today max
10.7 km/h
Reading the wind
Wind direction and strength can affect comfort, casting, and exposure around this location.
Wind gusts can be stronger than the average wind speed, so it's worth checking the gust forecast if you're planning to fish from an exposed location or need to know about potential changes in conditions.
Even modest wind can affect comfort and casting, especially where the water is exposed.
The marker shows the current wind direction, while the daily outlook below shows whether conditions are likely to build or ease over the coming days.
Fishing Reports
Waranga Basin recent fishing reports
Recent catch activity for this location.
Reports analysed
192
This year
12
This season
3
Species mentioned
7
Reported species
Redfin
Yellowbelly
Carp
Murray Cod
Rainbow Trout
Species most often mentioned in local reports
Redfin stands out in Waranga Basin reports, with Yellowbelly and Carp also showing up regularly.
This summary is based on reports tied to this location and is intended to assist using the species chart.
Based on local Getfished fishing report species data.
* Note that report summaries will sometimes display the same species under different names. This is because they are being reported that way. This is intentional.
Share of the displayed top 5 species mentions for this location.
Local bait trends
Bait turning up in reports
Worms, yabbies and night crawlers make up most of what's been mentioned here.
It is a useful starting point, not a hard ranking.
Built from all-time reported bait mentions: 400 mentions across 7 distinct bait entries.
Share of the displayed top 5 bait mentions.
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What are today's best fishing times at Waranga Basin?
Today's sunrise is 6:54 am and sunset is 5:51 pm. As a general guide, the hour before and after sunrise and sunset are often among the most productive fishing periods. No solunar period overlaps sunrise or sunset today, so the other listed bite windows may provide better timing guidance.
Find out what we learned from analysing 20,000 fishing reports about moon times and fish.
Summer Fishing
Carp, Murray Cod, Redfin and Yellowbelly can be targeted at the location during summer. Activity is strongest for these species during the warmer part of the year. Actual catches will vary according to temperature trends, localised weather and tides.
Autumn Fishing
Carp, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yellowbelly are a good choice for anglers to target during autumn. With the water temperature dropping the location provides an opportunity to concentrate on these species.
Winter Fishing
Carp, Murray Cod, Murray Crayfish, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yellowbelly are the species to focus on because Winter is when the water drops below 15c and this location is no different. Fish can be slower to bite with reduced activity levels. As always what you catch varies with the prevalent temperature trends, localised weather and of course tides.
Spring Fishing
Spring sees the water temperature begin to rise with Brown Trout, Carp, Redfin and Yellowbelly becoming more active. Later in spring summer species such as Carp, Murray Cod, Redfin and Yellowbelly begin to move into the area and can become more common at the location.
Waranga Basin Fishing
Waranga Basin Fishing Guide
Waranga Basin is a big irrigation reservoir in north-central Victoria, close to Rushworth, Tatura, and Murchison. While its main purpose is to store and distribute water for the Goulburn-Murray system, it’s also a popular spot for fishing and boating.
For anglers, Waranga Basin is a wide, open lake with lots of redfin and a good chance to catch native fish, especially golden perch. Conditions can change often because of irrigation, wind, and water temperature.
Location and Access
Waranga Basin is about 150 km north of Melbourne in a straight line, and usually 170 to 190 km by road, depending on your starting point and which access spot you choose. The main places to get on the water are the Waranga Basin Boat Ramp (near Rushworth), Harrimans Point, Judd’s Road Boat Ramp (on the north side), and Stanley Road Boat Ramp (on the east shore). If you’re fishing from the bank, good spots include Harrimans Point, near the Waranga Basin Caravan Park, and public reserves close to Rushworth. These access points help you plan your trip based on where you want to fish or launch your boat.
Nearby towns include:
- Rushworth, the closest small town to the south-west
- Tatura, to the north-east
- Murchison, nearby on the Goulburn River
- Shepparton, the nearest large regional centre, roughly 35-45 km away
Shepparton is the main nearby town for supplies, accommodation, fuel, fishing gear, and other services.
Waterway Context
Waranga Basin isn’t a natural lake or a dam built on a large river. It’s an off-stream reservoir that stores and manages water for the Goulburn River irrigation system. Water enters from the larger Goulburn-Murray network, including the Goulburn River, and is released through channels such as the Waranga Western Channel. For anglers, this means water levels and shorelines can change because of irrigation needs and transfers, not just local rainfall.
Fish Species
Commonly reported or expected species include:
- Redfin perch
- Golden perch, also called yellowbelly
- Murray cod
- Carp
Redfin are usually the easiest fish to catch. Golden perch are the main native sportfish here. Murray cod can be found too, but they’re less predictable than redfin or golden perch.
You’ll likely come across carp as well, since they’re common in many of Victoria’s connected irrigation waters.
Stocking
Waranga Basin has been stocked with native fish such as golden perch and Murray cod. For the latest stocking numbers, check the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s fish stocking database. Keep in mind, a species might be present even if it hasn’t been stocked recently, and stocked fish can move, struggle to survive, or vary in numbers depending on water conditions.
Best Times of Year
Fishing is usually best from spring through autumn.
Spring is a great time to go after golden perch as the water warms up and native fish get more active. Summer and early autumn are also good, especially early or late in the day. Autumn is often best for redfin, especially if they’re schooling near drop-offs or points. Fishing is usually better when the weather is warm and steady, and water temperatures are moderate. Cold fronts, very hot still days, or times when water levels change quickly can make fishing tougher. Water levels change quickly.
Poorer Times
Fishing is usually slower in winter, especially for golden perch and Murray cod. You can still catch redfin, but they may be less active and found deeper or in tighter groups.
Fishing can also be poor during:
- Rapid rises or falls in water level
- Strong wind events
- Extreme summer heat, especially through the middle of the day
- Blue-green algae warnings
- Periods of dirty water or poor water quality
Because Waranga Basin is used for irrigation, water levels can change due to operations, not just the weather.
Fishing Approach
Good places to try are wind-blown banks, points, drop-offs, channel edges, rocky shorelines, weed edges if you find them, and any legal structure away from restricted areas.
For redfin, use small lures, soft plastics, blades, vibes, or bait. Redfin often gather in schools, so keep moving until you find them. Hardbodies, vibes, yabbies, worms, and shrimp-style baits all work well. Fishing is usually better during low light and when the water is warmer. Cod tactics should comply with current Victorian regulations, including closed seasons, size limits, and permitted methods.
Boat Navigation
Waranga Basin is large and open, so wind can quickly create short, steep waves, especially for small boats, kayaks, and canoes.
Navigation cautions include:
- Shallow water around edges and points
- Submerged banks, rocks, timber or other hazards, especially at lower water levels
- Muddy or difficult launching areas when the basin is low
- Irrigation infrastructure, outlets, regulators, channels and restricted areas
- Fast-changing weather and wind direction
Use established boat ramps and official access points whenever you can. A sounder can help you find fish and avoid shallow spots. Take it slow in areas you’re not familiar with, especially if water levels are low.
Key cautions:
- Check current storage level before travelling.
- Watch for blue-green algae warnings.
- Check current Victorian fishing regulations, especially for Murray cod.
- Carry required boating safety equipment.
- Treat wind as a serious hazard.
- Avoid boating close to irrigation infrastructure.
- Do not rely on old reports for access or depth; irrigation storages change.
Shore-based:
If you’re fishing from the bank, be careful of soft mud, steep banks, snakes in warm weather, and remote spots with few services. At popular places like the Waranga Basin Boat Ramp area, Harrimans Point, and near the caravan park, you’ll find basic facilities such as toilets, parking, and picnic tables. These can make your trip safer and more comfortable, but some areas don’t have any facilities, so plan and bring what you need. Waranga Basin is a great inland fishing spot for anglers willing to tackle a large, changeable reservoir. It’s close enough to Melbourne for a long day trip, but it’s more comfortable as an overnight stay in Rushworth, Tatura, Murchison, or Shepparton.
Redfin are the main fish to go after, with golden perch as the top native choice. You might catch a Murray cod, but it’s not guaranteed. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn. In winter, or when there’s strong wind, algae warnings, or unstable water levels, it’s best to avoid the trip or change your plans.
Before you head out, use this pre-trip checklist to be prepared:
- Check the latest Victorian Fisheries Authority regulations for up-to-date rules and the stocking database for recent fish releases.
- Review Goulburn-Murray Water storage levels and any current water quality or blue-green algae warnings.
- Check the current weather forecast, with extra attention to wind conditions.
- Confirm boat ramp and access point conditions and whether any are closed or have limited facilities or services.
Can Getfished tell if fish are biting at Waranga Basin, today?
No. Because a forecast cannot truthfully guarantee whether fish are biting at a specific spot right now. Getfished shows the current fishing conditions instead: tide movement, solunar timing, weather, wind, pressure, marine conditions and fishing report derived species history.
Use this information to make informed decisions about where to fish, and to compare conditions across nearby locations. We hope you enjoy using Getfished to find your next great fishing spot!
✨Find out what we learned from analysing 20,000 fishing reports about moon times and fish told us.
Waranga Basin is a location within the region of:
Goulburn River, Victoria, Australia.
Waranga Basin Overview
| Latitude | -36.553 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | 145.0947
View on Google Maps |
| Nearest city | Melbourne |
| Distance from Melbourne (as the crow flies) | 163.77 km |
| Rivers | Goulburn river |
| Lakes | Waranga basin |
Nearby options
More fishing spots and locations in this region
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🛈 Getfished Fishing Report, Solunar & Conditions Summaries Source
Fishing report summaries are derived from Getfished’s structured fishing report database system. More information on this on how we collect and structure fishing report data can be found on our Fishing reports information.
Forecasts are based on the Getfished Meteorological and Solunar Forecasting System, which combines data from the BOM, and other sources. Our custom software systems use these inputs to establish solunar, tides and other forecasts for fishing conditions.
For more information on our systems and data sources please see our Datasources page. You can also Contact us for more information or details on commercial reuse.