The Goulburn River is Victoria's largest river, stretching approximately 654 kilometres from its headwaters near Woods Point in the south, flowing through Lake Eildon, and continuing north through Alexandra, Seymour, Nagambie, Murchison, and Shepparton before joining the Murray River near Echuca. As a tailwater fishery flowing from the Lake Eildon Pondage, the Goulburn runs clear over a freestone bottom with a mixture of weed beds and occasional timber snags. The river winds through flat farmland with intermittent riparian vegetation, including willows, and offers a diverse mix of water types — broken water, long glides, runs, and deep pools. The upper reaches around Eildon and Thornton are renowned for exceptional trout fishing, while the lower stretches from Seymour downstream transition into prime territory for iconic native species like Murray cod and golden perch. The river is heavily managed for irrigation purposes, which means water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, directly influencing fishing conditions and strategy. Despite this variability, the Goulburn remains one of Victoria's most productive and popular freshwater fisheries, drawing anglers from across the state.