Fishing
Uncover fishing paradise in the Grampians region's lakes and rivers and snare a prize catch from the diverse and plentiful species of fresh water fish that bite year-round.
Anglers head to Mackenzie River for brown trout, and Lake Wartook where redfin are prolific. Trophy brown and rainbow trout, as well as redfin, can be found in Lake Fyans near Stawell. Fishing enthusiasts can catch redfin and trout in the quiet pools on the Wimmera, Glenelg and Wannon rivers.
Fly-fishing fun
Lake Bellfield, four kilometres south of Halls Gap, provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing, with redfin, trout and river blackfish the main species to be caught. Towards Horsham and beside the Western Highway, is Taylor's Lake – well known for its exceptional golden perch, as well as Murray cod and redfin.
Bumper catches
The Wimmera River has a healthy population of golden perch, redfin, freshwater catfish, silver perch, Murray cod and carp, and is the only area in Victoria where you can legally catch and possess two freshwater catfish over 30 centimetres. The Horsham, Dimboola and Lake Hindmarsh stretches of the river offer exceptional fishing for native species. Downstream from Horseshoe Bend, the river offers can host golden perch, Murray cod, freshwater catfish, redfin and carp.
Tucked away in the heart of Hamilton is Lake Hamilton, a well kept fishing secret that produces redfin and trout, and in recent years has been stocked with estuary perch with some success. North of Hamilton is Rocklands Reservoir, the second largest lake in Victoria. Brown trout and redfin are the predominant species and the deepest part of the lake can be found at the wall area near Balmoral.
Yabbies for all
Yabbies are bountiful throughout the region in the warmer months, and targeting these delightful creatures is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Lakes that produce well are Lonsdale, Charlegark, Booroopki, Wallace, Dock, Pine, Natimuk and Hindmarsh.
Check with a local visitor information centre for fishing permit information.