Fishing in Lower Goulburn National Park

Lower Goulburn National Park follows the Goulburn River through the flat red gum country of northern Victoria, between Shepparton and the Murray. This is lowland river fishing — slow bends, steep clay banks, sandbars, and heavy timber in the water.

It sits well downstream of the trout country around Eildon; the target species here are native. The Goulburn River is the park's main water. Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Spiny Freshwater Crayfish are all present.

The river runs fairly shallow through this stretch with abundant snags — structure that suits cod in particular. Steep banks dominate most of the frontage, with sandbars and informal access points scattered along the way.

Smaller craft suit this water better than larger boats. Summer releases from Lake Eildon upstream can lift water levels and improve canoeing conditions, which also affects how and where you fish.

Wakiti Creek and Wakiti Lagoon sit within the park boundary and add quieter, off-river water to the mix, though the Goulburn itself anchors the fishing here. Access is largely informal.

Boat ramps along the river are unsealed and scattered; conditions vary with river height and season. The forests close to Shepparton see the most use.

A current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required — check with the Victorian Fisheries Authority for current rules before you go, as regulations on sections of the lower Goulburn can be specific to the water.

The park was created in 2010 to protect the River Red Gum forests, and that conservation purpose shapes how you fish here. There are no sealed ramps, no facilities to speak of, and no crowds on most days.

What there is: a working river in intact country, cod holding in the timber, and the kind of access that rewards anglers who do a bit of homework before they launch.