Fishing in Mildura

An expert’s guide to fishing in Tropical North Victoria

If you like freshwater fishing, there are few better places to do it than in the Mildura region. From the mighty Murray to pristine lakes and streams, you are guaranteed to find the perfect spot for beginners, experts and everyone in between.

Braeden Lampard, OzFish Sunraysia

Growing up, the rhythmic pulse of the Murray River was Braeden’s soundtrack. Raised on the sandbars of Nangiloc and Colignan, a 45-minute drive from Mildura, his uncle’s after-school fishing trips ignited a lifelong passion. Now, as Senior Program Manager for the Murray-Darling Basin at OzFish Unlimited, Braeden channels that childhood wonder into restoring the river’s ecosystem. He believes every angler has a role to play in conservation and encourages you to join the movement. When he’s not coordinating restoration projects across the basin, you might find him on the water or sharing his insights on the popular Reel Adventures podcast with Patrick Dangerfield and Aaron ‘Red’ Habgood.

Braedan Lampard fishing alongside Reel Adventures hosts Patrick Dangerfield and Aaron ‘Red’ Habgood.

What are your top fishing spots in the Mildura region?

My top fishing spots for Murray cod is the mighty Murray River from the township of Mildura right down to the township of Wentworth. There are many great land and boat based areas to fish, but I recommend fishing around old natural and large environmental structures, such as rocky reefs and large logs.

Where should I take someone who’s never been fishing (or says they don’t like fishing!)?

Kings Billabong is the perfect spot to change their mind. Located just a short 10-minute drive from the township of Mildura, Kings Billabong offers an easy and accessible fishing experience in a stunning natural setting.

Kings Billabong offers both land-based and canoe fishing options, giving beginners plenty of flexibility in how they approach fishing.

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy this peaceful spot, and you can even fish directly from the shore or from one of the conveniently located fishing platforms scattered around the area. If the fish aren’t biting then you can be immersed in great environmental scenes, hearing the birds sing or walk the many tracks.

What are the most common fish species found in the Mildura region?

The most common fish species that you can catch is the Murray cod or Golden perch.

If I’m an experienced fisher and looking for a challenge, where should I go?

Look no further than Nangiloc and Colignan. This area offers a dynamic fishing experience that will put your skills to the test and reward you with the chance to catch some of the region’s most prized species, including the elusive Murray cod.

For lure fishers, the challenge lies in navigating the complex underwater structures that make this area both exciting and demanding. The many large rocks and submerged logs in the river creates a tricky environment where casting your lure can be a real test of precision and technique.

If you prefer bait fishing, Nangiloc and Colignan also offers plenty of opportunities to stop, prop, and try your luck. The river’s structure offers many quiet, secluded spots where you can set up and wait for a bite. The area is known for its healthy Murray cod population, and if you’re patient and persistent, you could reel in a monster.

Fishing on the Murray River.

What are the best times of year to fish in Mildura, and why?

Murray cod are an iconic freshwater fish. They are active and more commonly caught in the warmer months from December onwards. But winter is a time when the days can be tough with many trips equalling a donut, but you need to keep at it because the prize of a larger fish far outweighs the efforts. Larger Murray cod are often targeted during Winter because the smaller fish are less active. However, big Murray cod still need to feed and are also gearing up for the annual breeding season in the coming Spring. They need to fatten up and maintain condition, and they may even start scouting for breeding mates and a site.

That means, with less food about in winter – they are more likely to take a lure.

What is the most challenging fish to catch?

If you’re looking for a real challenge in the Mildura region, try catching carp on a fly! This will truly test your skills as an angler.

What do you need to do differently when fishing in rivers and lakes as opposed to the ocean?

Fishing in rivers and lakes presents a completely different set of challenges and opportunities compared to fishing in the open sea. The Murray River in Mildura offers many such areas, with dynamic structures to cast around and explore. Freshwater fishing in the Mildura region is available all year-round, with different seasons providing their own unique opportunities. The cooler months can bring larger fish to bite, while the warmer weather might see smaller fish become more active and spread out across the river.

Ocean fishing is more dependent on tidal patterns and weather conditions. Storms, strong winds, and rough seas can affect fishing trips, making it harder to predict ideal conditions for casting a line.

What are the ‘must-know’ licensing rules and regulations for anglers fishing in the Mildura region?

I would recommend heading to the NSW DPI Fisheries or Victorian Fisheries website to find out all the related fishing information for the region.

What other activities go well with a fishing holiday in Tropical North Victoria?

Mildura is an excellent place to experience great fishing conditions, offering access to some of the most beautiful and productive waterways. Mildura also has something for everyone. The Mildura region is home to picturesque environments, where you can enjoy peaceful, secluded spots away from the hustle and bustle. The landscape is serene, and you’ll be able to relax or even try your hand at camping beside the water or on one of the many iconic houseboats.

You’ll find a welcoming community offering a range of events, competitions, and festivals, creating an exciting calendar to look forward to each year.

Come for the fishing and the stunning scenery and make lasting memories in this beautiful part of Victoria. Make sure to check out Mildura.com when planning your visit.

Catching a Murray cod.

Are there any fishing competitions or events held in the region throughout the year?

Mildura’s home to a number of exciting fishing competitions and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for some friendly competition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Monthly Fishing Competitions at Wentworth NSW

For those looking for regular fishing challenges, the Wentworth NSW Monthly Fishing Competitions are the perfect way to stay engaged and test your skills. Held each month, these competitions attract local anglers and provide a chance to showcase your fishing abilities while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts.

Fish the Fort at Fort Courage (Wentworth NSW)

The Fish the Fort competition is a must-attend event for fishing lovers in the Mildura region. Held annually at Fort Courage in March, this event brings anglers together for a day of fishing and fun and all the raised funding goes to a worthy local charity.

Stress Less Fishing Classic (Nangiloc Fishing Club)

The Stress Less Fishing Classic hosted by the Nangiloc Fishing Club is an annual event that emphasises the joy of fishing. The event promotes the idea that “life is better outdoors,” and encourages families, friends, and anglers of all levels to come together for a weekend of fishing fun. It’s not just about catching the most or the biggest fish —there are random prizes throughout the weekend, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable competition for everyone.

Other fishing events in the region

In addition to these major events, the Mildura region is home to various local fishing clubs and smaller competitions that take place throughout the year. These events are often designed to bring together local communities and celebrate the beauty of the region’s waterways. Keep an eye on What’s On Mildura for upcoming events.

How can anglers help to protect and conserve Mildura’s fish populations?

The health of fish populations is closely tied to the overall health of their environment.

The first step in protecting fish populations is adhering to the local fishing rules and regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect fish stocks. In Mildura, this means observing bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures for certain species, such as Murray cod.

Mildura is one of Australia’s prime fishing destinations. Anglers flock to the region to catch prized species, but as stewards of the environment, anglers also play a critical role in ensuring the long-term health of these fish populations.

Anglers can help by minimising their environmental impact in a few simple ways:

  • Proper waste disposal: Always take your rubbish with you, including fishing line, hooks and plastic waste. Disposing of these items properly prevents pollution and harm to the river’s ecosystem.
  • Catch and release: When practicing catch and release, it’s essential to handle fish carefully to minimise stress and injury. Use wet hands or a wet cloth to handle fish gently and avoid using gaffs or other tools that can cause harm. The quicker you can return the fish to the water, the better – reduce the time it spends out of the water and revive it by gently holding it facing upstream in flowing water to allow oxygen to pass through its gills.
  • Advocates for fish conservation: Anglers have the opportunity to become passionate advocates for fish conservation and the protection of Mildura’s waterways. Whether it’s through participating in local fishing clubs, supporting conservation organisations, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing, anglers can make a real difference.
  • Reporting stressed or dead fish: If you notice any issues with fish health or large numbers of dead fish, report it to the relevant authorities. Early detection of problems like disease outbreaks or pollution can help prompt quick action and prevent wider damage to the ecosystem.

Click below to view a comprehensive itinerary for the ultimate fishing holiday in Mildura.

Published By mildura.com , January 30, 2025