Best Mildura Fishing Spots: A Local Guide to the Murray

Introduction to Murray River Fishing in Sunraysia

For anyone holding a rod and reel, the Sunraysia region is a bucket list destination. The majestic Murray River winding through our red earth country provides some of the most productive freshwater angling in Australia. Finding the ultimate mildura fishing spots requires a bit of local knowledge, as river flow, structure, and seasonal shifts completely change where the fish are holding. At Wildside Outdoors, we have spent over 25 years guiding, paddling, and exploring these waterways. Run by Thomas Floyd since 2021, and built on the deep local knowledge of founders Allan Hassell and Ian Smith, we know how the river behaves. Whether you are aiming to land a monster Murray Cod, target some golden perch (locally called yellowbelly), or just sit on the bank with the family, this guide will show you exactly where to drop a line.

Understanding the Border: NSW vs. Victorian Licensing

One of the most important local secrets to understand before wetting a line is the state border. While Mildura is in Victoria, the waters of the Murray River actually lie within New South Wales. The state border is defined by the top of the southern bank. This means that if you are standing on the Victorian bank and casting into the Murray River, you generally require a New South Wales Recreational Fishing Licence. However, if you are fishing in Victorian tributaries, backwaters, off-river billabongs, or nearby lakes, you will need a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence. Keeping this distinction in mind will save you from a costly visit from fisheries officers. Always check the current size and bag limits for both states, as they can occasionally differ, especially regarding Murray Cod slot limits.

Top Mildura Fishing Spots on the River

1. Apex Park and the Mildura Marina

Located just a couple of kilometres from the Mildura CBD, Apex Park is one of the most accessible fishing locations in the region. This spot is perfect for families, beginners, and land-based anglers. The park features long sandy beaches, wide grassy banks, and plenty of shade under the river red gums. The water here is relatively slow-moving, making it an excellent place to set up some camp chairs and present bait. There is plenty of submerged structure further out where yellowbelly and the occasional cod like to hide. Access is simple for standard two-wheel drive vehicles, and there are public amenities nearby.

2. Kings Billabong and Psyche Bend

Located roughly 11 kilometres southeast of Mildura, Kings Billabong is a magnificent wildlife reserve teeming with birdlife and native fish. The area is steeped in local history, featuring the historic Psyche Bend pumping station. The billabong itself is closed to powerboats with petrol engines, making it a peaceful sanctuary. Because of the heavy standing timber and fallen logs, casting from the bank can be challenging due to snags. Slipping through these quiet waters silently using kayak and canoe hire is the absolute best way to access the deep, hidden pockets where large golden perch and Murray Cod wait in ambush. Focus your efforts around the bases of the old dead trees and along the reed edges.

3. Merbein Common

If you are looking for a more rugged, natural setting, head about 12 kilometres west of Mildura to Merbein Common. This vast floodplain reserve is famous for its steep clay cliffs, deep bends, and extensive snag piles. The water here runs a bit quicker, and the deep holes beneath the clay banks are prime habitat for large Murray Cod. Access is via dirt tracks that can become slippery and impassable after rain, so a four-wheel drive is recommended if wet weather is forecast. It is highly suited for experienced anglers who want to camp on the river bend, set up a fire, and fish into the twilight hours.

4. Lock 11 and the Weir Pool

Lock 11 is a unique engineering feat located right in the heart of Mildura, separating the weir pool from the lower flowing section of the river. While there are strict exclusion zones immediately around the lock and weir structure for safety, fishing just downstream of these boundaries can be highly productive. The churning water oxygenates the river and attracts baitfish, which in turn draws in hungry predators like Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Anglers casting heavy spinnerbaits or diving lures along the concrete walls and rock edges often find success here, particularly in the early morning.

5. Lake Cullulleraine

Located approximately 55 kilometres west of Mildura along the Sturt Highway, Lake Cullulleraine is an off-stream storage lake that offers fantastic, relaxed fishing opportunities. It is stocked with Golden Perch and is also home to healthy populations of redfin. The grassy banks are clean, gently sloping, and completely free of the fast currents found in the main river channel, making it incredibly safe for young children. If you want to make a weekend of it, staying at the Lake Cullulleraine camp provides the perfect base to fish during the prime golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the fish are most active near the water edge.

Choosing the Right Mildura Fishing Spots for Your Setup

Matching your location to your style of fishing is the key to a successful day on the water. If you prefer land-based bait fishing with a simple rod holder and a bell, stick to the sandy beaches of Apex Park, the grassy banks of Lake Cullulleraine, or Chaffey Landing. These spots allow you to cast safely without constantly losing your tackle to submerged timber.

For those who love active lure casting with spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or hard-body divers, the timber-rich zones of Merbein Common and the backwaters of Kings Billabong are unmatched. Keep in mind that native fish love structure. If you are not casting close to the logs, you are unlikely to find the fish. Be prepared to lose a few rigs to the snags, it is simply part of the game when hunting Murray Cod.

Seasons, Tactics, and Sustainable Fishing

The Murray River experiences distinct seasonal shifts that dictate fish behaviour. Understanding these patterns will greatly improve your catch rate:

• Summer (December to February): This is prime time for Murray Cod. As the water warms, these apex predators become highly active. Surface fishing with large paddling lures or wakebaits during low-light hours or after dark can produce heart-stopping strikes.
• Autumn (March to May): Often considered the best all-round fishing season. The weather cools down, the river traffic quietens, and both cod and yellowbelly feed heavily before the cold winter months.
• Winter (June to August): The water temperature drops, slowing down the metabolism of the fish. While bites are fewer, winter is renowned for producing some of the largest, heaviest Murray Cod of the year for patient anglers using large, slow-moving swimbaits.
• Spring (September to November): Please note that Murray Cod season is closed from September 1 to November 30 to allow the fish to breed undisturbed. Targeting Golden Perch with small lures, worms, or freshwater shrimp around the willow trees and shallower banks is highly productive during these spring months.

When handling native fish, especially large Murray Cod, conservation is paramount. Always use a knotless landing net to protect the fish protective slime coat. If you plan to release a large cod, try to keep it in the water while removing the hooks. If you must lift it for a photo, always support its weight horizontally with one hand under the belly and the other supporting the tail. Never hang a heavy fish vertically by its jaw, as this causes permanent, life-threatening damage to its internal structure.

Plan Your Next River Adventure

Whether you are a seasoned angler chasing a personal best or a family looking to introduce the kids to the joys of the river, the Sunraysia region offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country. Planning your trip around the right locations and seasonal habits will ensure an unforgettable experience on the water.

If you need local advice on river conditions, want to arrange watercraft for your next trip, or need assistance planning a group outdoor getaway, feel free to contact the Wildside Outdoors team today. You can also discover more local outdoor guides, safety tips, and trip inspiration on our blog to help you get the most out of your time on the Murray.