Fishing in Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell River National Park sits in East Gippsland, Victoria, in the gorge country north-west of Bairnsdale.

The park protects a stretch of the Mitchell — one of the larger unregulated, free-flowing rivers in the state — as it cuts through cliffs and temperate forest before eventually building out into the Gippsland Lakes.

The water here is wild in character: deep gorge pools, cascades, and tributary creeks running through rainforest gullies. The Mitchell River itself is the main fishing water inside the park.

The species mix reflects a healthy, unimpounded system: Australian grayling, river blackfish, Australian longfin eel, common galaxias, climbing galaxias, and Australian smelt are all present. Congoli run seasonally, and brown trout appear occasionally.

This is not a trout fishery in the conventional sense — the native species define the river here, and Australian grayling in particular is a protected migratory species worth knowing about before you wet a line. Access to the river is on foot.

The Den of Nargun picnic area at the southern end of the park is the practical starting point, with the loop walk bringing you down to the water.

Billy Goat Bend is another point where anglers can reach the river, with gorge pools accessible from the camp area. The terrain is steep in places — cliffs and razorback ridges are the norm — so water access takes effort.

Camp Creek and Mertens Creek are among the tributaries within the park boundary. The park is jointly managed with Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners under a formal agreement with Parks Victoria.

The Den of Nargun is a place of deep cultural significance to the Gunaikurnai people; stay on marked tracks and do not enter the cave. Victorian fishing regulations apply.

Check current rules with Parks Victoria and the Victorian Fisheries Authority before you go — the presence of protected native species like Australian grayling makes it worth reading the fine print rather than assuming standard conditions apply.