Whether you are chasing trophy flathead, looking for a spot to water ski, or simply cruising with the family, here is your comprehensive guide to the region’s hotspots:
East Gippsland and The Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes system remains the premier destination for boaters in the region.
Lakes Entrance stands as the gateway to the ocean, making it the top pick for offshore game fishing and family boating.
Anglers heading through the entrance can target snapper, gummy shark and flathead, while those staying inside the estuary can chase bream, luderick and whiting.
Access is excellent, with high-capacity ramps at the North Arm and Bullock Island.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Metung and Paynesville are the heart of the lakes’ cruising culture.
With sheltered waters and high-quality facilities at Shaving Point and the Paynesville foreshore, these villages are ideal for sailing and jetty fishing for bream and tailor.
Just east of the main lakes, Lake Tyers offers a quieter, more secluded experience.
It is a haven for kayak fishing and small tinnies, particularly around popular spots like the Glasshouse and Toorloo Arm, where huge dusky flathead and black bream are the target species.
For the adventurous, Mallacoota in the far east offers a wilderness boating experience like no other.
The massive inlet system is famous for trophy dusky flathead, while divers often head here for abalone.
Central and West Gippsland
In the region’s heartland, freshwater impoundments offer a change of pace.
Lake Glenmaggie, near Heyfield, is the go-to destination for power boating, waterskiing and wakeboarding.
While it holds Australian bass, trout and redfin, boaters are reminded to check water levels before launching larger vessels, as levels can fluctuate due to irrigation releases.
For a quieter experience, Blue Rock Lake near Moe is a scenic gem.
With horsepower restrictions in place, it is perfect for kayak fishing or small boats with electric motors.
It is widely considered a premier spot for Australian bass and brown trout.
Meanwhile, Cowwarr Weir remains a picturesque option for non-powered craft like canoes.
South Gippsland
The south offers rugged coastlines and dynamic tidal estuaries.
Anderson Inlet at Inverloch is popular for tinnies and kayaks chasing King George whiting and estuary perch.
Skippers are advised to watch the tides carefully, as sandbars in the area shift frequently.
Further east, Port Welshpool and Corner Inlet provide protection from the open ocean behind Wilsons Promontory.
The area is a hotspot for snapper, gummy shark and calamari.
The Long Jetty is a favourite for land-based anglers, while the boat ramp offers deep water access for larger vessels heading out to the islands.
Shallow Inlet offers excellent surf fishing and channel fishing for whiting and trevally.
Don’t forget your licence
Authorities are reminding all anglers that a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is required for all forms of fishing in these waters.
Licences can be purchased instantly online via the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
