Best River Fishing Spots in Gippsland, Victoria
Gippsland is one of Victoria's best regions for river fishing, with everything from cold mountain streams and trout-filled rivers to the larger waterways flowing towards the Gippsland Lakes. Whether you're chasing brown trout, rainbow trout, Australian bass, black bream, redfin, river blackfish or eel, there's a river here worth exploring.
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If you're planning a trip, don't just fish it — camp it, explore it, make a weekend of it. Here are seven of Gippsland's best rivers, plus tips on tackle, timing and where to stay.
1. Macalister River - Trout, Redfin & Blackfish
Best for: Brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin and river blackfish
Area: Licola to Lake Glenmaggie to Maffra
The Macalister is one of Gippsland's standout trout rivers. Upstream around Licola, it runs through beautiful mountain country - deep pools, rocky runs and plenty of water to explore. Further down, it opens up through farmland on its way to Lake Glenmaggie.
Brown and rainbow trout are the main draw, alongside other freshwater species. The stretch below Lake Glenmaggie is worth particular attention, especially around deeper pools and where faster water meets slower water.
Fishing tip: Work the deeper pools, rocky runs and edges where fast water meets slow.
Planning to stay a few nights? Check out Gippsland caravan parks and accommodation and turn the trip into a proper weekend away.
2. Thomson River - Trout, Blackfish & Eels
Best for: Trout, river blackfish and eels
Area: Thomson Valley, Walhalla, downstream of Thomson Reservoir
The Thomson offers some genuinely spectacular fishing country for anyone who enjoys exploring mountain rivers. The upper catchment holds trout water, while the sections below Thomson Reservoir open up opportunities for several other freshwater species.
Expect rocky riverbeds, pools, riffles and heavily forested banks - the kind of river where exploring different sections is half the fun, right alongside the fishing itself.
Fishing tip: Small lures, worms and flies all work, depending on the section and species you're chasing.
If you'd rather camp than drive home, hire a camper through Camplify and make a weekend of exploring the Thomson Valley.
3. Avon River - Mixed Species Near Stratford
Best for: Trout, Australian bass, redfin, eel and more
Area: Stratford and surrounding Gippsland
The Avon is the river to pick if you want a mix of fishing environments in one spot. Around Stratford, it offers shallow water, deeper pools and gravelly banks all within easy reach — and because it produces a range of species, it's a good option when you're not fixed on chasing just one fish.
For anglers around Sale and central Gippsland, the Avon is also an easy add-on to a weekend trip.
Fishing tip: Don't camp on one stretch of bank - move between pools, riffles and structure.
Need to top up your tackle box first? BCF and Anaconda both stock a solid range of fishing gear before you head out.
4. Tambo River - Black Bream & Estuary Perch
Best for: Black bream and estuary perch
Area: Tambo Upper, Johnsonville, Gippsland Lakes
The Tambo is a completely different experience from Gippsland's mountain trout rivers. As it nears the Gippsland Lakes, it becomes prime territory for black bream and estuary perch, with plenty of structure - snags, deep holes, shaded banks - for fish to hold up in.
The lower Tambo is also boat-accessible, which makes it popular with anglers keen to cover more water.
Fishing tip: Work the structure - fallen timber, snags and deeper edges - when targeting bream and perch.
Camper or caravan in tow? Find your next Gippsland park stay before you hit the road.
5. Mitchell River - Bream, Flathead & Trout
Best for: Black bream, flathead, mullet and trout
Area: East Gippsland, Bairnsdale
The Mitchell is an excellent pick if estuary fishing is more your speed. Riverbanks, deeper channels and structure all give you different ways to fish it — bream around the structure and edges, flathead and other estuary species further downstream. Suitable sections upstream also hold trout.
Fishing tip: Early morning and evening tend to be the most productive times, particularly near structure and river edges.
Don't have a camper or caravan of your own? Hire one through Camplify and start planning your Gippsland fishing trip.
6. Nicholson River - Blackfish & Bream
Best for: River blackfish and bream
Area: Sarsfield, Nicholson, Gippsland Lakes
The Nicholson is worth exploring if you like smaller Gippsland waterways. The upper sections around Sarsfield are known for river blackfish, while the lower reaches transition into estuary fishing. As with most Gippsland rivers, finding structure and deeper water makes the biggest difference.
Fishing tip: Look for deeper holes, rocky structure, shaded areas and slower-moving water.
For more spots like this, head back to Adventure Hooked and check out our other Gippsland fishing guides.
7. Tanjil River - Light-Tackle Trout Fishing
Best for: Brown trout, rainbow trout and river blackfish
Area: Tanjil South, Blue Rock Lake and surrounds
The Tanjil suits anglers who enjoy small-water trout fishing. Light tackle works well across most sections, but small streams demand a different approach to bigger rivers + stealth matters, especially in clear, shallow water.
Fishing tip: Go light - small lures, soft plastics or flies - and approach the water quietly.
Building out your kit? BCF and Anaconda are both good spots for tackle and outdoor essentials.
Which Gippsland River Should You Fish?
River
Main Target
Best For
Macalister River
Trout
Mountain & freshwater fishing
Thomson River
Trout & blackfish
Mountain river fishing
Avon River
Mixed species
Local & family fishing
Tambo River
Bream & estuary perch
Estuary fishing
Mitchell River
Bream & flathead
River & estuary fishing
Nicholson River
Blackfish & bream
Exploring smaller waterways
Tanjil River
Trout
Light-tackle fishing
Gippsland River Fishing Tips
Look for structure
Don't just cast into the middle of the river. Look for:
Fallen timber
Deep holes
Rock ledges
Undercut banks
Weed edges
Riffles entering deeper pools
Overhanging vegetation
These spots give fish cover and feeding opportunities.
Match your tackle to the river
Smaller trout streams are usually best fished with light spinning or fly gear. For bream and estuary fishing, lighter rods paired with small soft plastics, hardbody lures or bait tend to work well.
Need new tackle before your next trip? Shop the fishing range at BCF or check out Anaconda's gear.
Fish the low-light periods
Early morning and evening are typically the best windows, especially in warmer weather — fish activity picks up and conditions are more comfortable for you too.
Explore different sections
One of the best things about river fishing is how much conditions can change over a short distance. If one spot isn't producing, move. A shift from shallow water to a deep pool, a rocky run or a timber-lined bank can turn your session around.
Turn Your Fishing Trip Into a Weekend Away
You don't have to drive home after a day on the river. Gippsland has plenty of caravan parks, camping areas and accommodation options that make it easy to stretch a fishing trip into a full weekend.
Find Gippsland park stays and accommodation before your next trip, or if you're travelling without your own rig, hire a camper through Camplify and explore Gippsland at your own pace.
Check the Fishing Regulations
Regulations can vary between waterways and even between sections of the same river. Trout, in particular, have specific seasons and bag limits, and some waterways carry additional restrictions.
Before you head out, check the current Victorian recreational fishing regulations for the water you're planning to fish, and make sure you're carrying the appropriate Victorian recreational fishing licence where required.
Why Gippsland Is Great for River Fishing
The best thing about fishing Gippsland is the variety. Spend one weekend working mountain trout streams around the Thomson Valley and Licola, then head to the Gippsland Lakes the next to chase bream and estuary species. With rivers and creeks stretching across the whole region, there's always somewhere new to explore.
And sometimes the best trip isn't about the biggest fish - it's about getting out, finding a quiet stretch of river, and throwing a few casts.
Grab the rods, pack the gear, and start exploring. 🎣
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best river for fishing in Gippsland?
- It depends what you're chasing. For trout, the Macalister and Thomson Rivers are the standouts. For bream and estuary species, the Tambo and Mitchell Rivers are the better picks.
Do I need a fishing licence to fish Gippsland's rivers?
- In most cases, yes - a Victorian recreational fishing licence is required. Check the current rules and any exemptions before you head out.
What's the best time of day to fish Gippsland rivers?
- Early morning and evening tend to be most productive, particularly during warmer months.
Can you catch bream in Gippsland's rivers?
- Yes - the Tambo, Mitchell and Nicholson Rivers, all closer to the Gippsland Lakes, are well known for black bream.
Where can I stay near Gippsland's best fishing rivers?
- There are caravan parks and camping areas throughout the region - see the accommodation and camper-hire options above if you don't have your own rig.
More Adventure Starts Here
Looking for more fishing, camping, caravan and outdoor inspiration? Explore Adventure Hooked for more Gippsland fishing guides, camping ideas and Australian travel inspiration.