Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification

Home , Aberfeldy River, Acheron River (Victoria), Agnes River (Australia), Albert River (Victoria), Avoca River, Barham River

Building better fisheries in Victoria

Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 80 November 2010

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Published by the Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Victoria, November 2010

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ii Fisheries Victoria

Contents

Acknowledgements iv

Introduction 1

Fisheries Management Arrangements 5

Gippsland Region 8

North East 16

Central Region 25

North Central Region 33

West Region 39

Appendix 1 - Impoundments 44

Appendix 2 - Species names 46

References 47

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification iii

Acknowledgements

The preparation of the Inland Waters Classification would not have been possible without the personal time, voluntary commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the Inland Waters Classification Working Group.

Fisheries Victoria would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals.

Inland Waters Classification Working Group

Members Rod Barford Christopher Collins Wally Cubbin Mick Hall Craig Ingram Geoff Lacey Ron Lewis Robert Loats Merv McGuire Pat Sheridan Nick Thorne Technical advice William Trueman Chair Anthony Plummer

iv Fisheries Victoria

Introduction

The Inland Waters Classification reviews all rivers, Purpose streams, lakes and impoundments in Victoria and classifies each water as a trout, native or mixed The purpose of the Classification is to support the fishery to develop and promote Victorian inland development and promotion of trout, native and mixed recreational fisheries. fisheries. The Classification will map and broadly describe the range of angling species in the context of waterway management, biodiversity and socio-economic values.

Background The objectives of the Classification are to:

More than 720,000 anglers contribute $2.3 billion to 1. Classify Victorian rivers, streams and impoundments Victoria’s regional economy through recreational fishing based on native, trout and mixed fisheries. related annual expenditure. At least sixty per cent of anglers 2. Secure, grow and share potential benefits from Victoria’s fish in inland and estuarine waters (VRFish 2009). inland fisheries with the wider community by using In November 2006 the Victorian Government committed to established and contemporary knowledge of Victoria’s working with anglers to classify rivers and streams fisheries. throughout the State. 3. Inform natural resource management agencies of the This classification scheme will be used to identify how management of waterways from a fisheries-based different rivers and river systems would be managed in the perspective. future as ‘native only’, ‘trout and salmonid only’ or ‘mixed’ 4. Communicate fishery management objectives and fisheries. These fisheries are largely defined already by the provide greater transparency. natural range in which different fish species can survive, but formalising future management objectives would serve to bring greater security and transparency over future actions in these areas. Scope The Classification is constrained by the following. The Fisheries Victoria undertook a process to classify inland Classification: waters in Victoria. This Inland Waters Classification is based on The Victorian Inland Waters Classification Model 2008 1. will not consider classification of streams, rivers and (the Model) prepared by Fisheries Victoria in consultation impoundments based on fishing method. (For example, with a Stream Classification Committee. The Committee the Classification will not be based on the use of lure, fly included members of Native Fish Australia, Australian Trout or bait fishing methods) Foundation and VRFish. The cooperation and collaboration 2. will not affect existing access of any waters to any fisher. between these groups demonstrated significant goodwill in representing recreational fishers and assisted Fisheries 3. will not consider different size and bag limits for fish Victoria in the preparation of the Model. within classifications unless there is evidence of sustainability concerns. A draft Model was presented at public meetings in Bright, Wodonga, Corryong and Melbourne and released for public 4. will not affect fisheries regulations such as closed comment in May 2008. Following consideration of the public seasons or closed waters for native or trout fisheries. submissions, the Model was endorsed by the Minister for Agriculture on 23 March 2009. 5. will inform but will not dictate fish stocking. Decisions on fish stocking will be made through the established The Model outlined a process for classifying rivers, streams consultative process1. and impoundments into the categories of native, trout and mixed fisheries. The Model applied a trial classification to the 6. will inform but will not determine the conservation and North East region as a first step in the statewide application biodiversity aims of other agencies. of this new Classification. The Model provided the framework for the Classification outlined in this document.

1 As prescribed by the Department of Primary Industries Fish Stocking For Recreational Purposes policy.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 1

Where a Preliminary Assessment finds variable Classification process classifications in different areas of a waterway, the waterway This fishery Classification process was undertaken by may need to be divided geographically into different Fisheries Victoria in consultation with an Inland Waters categories using easily identifiable boundaries such as Classification Reference Group (the Reference Group). roads, bridges, reservoirs, towns or river junctions using the Criteria Assessment. Where the Preliminary Assessment The Reference Group comprised individuals with expertise in finds a consistent classification outcome along the length of trout, native and mixed fisheries and included the waterway, this classification should be applied. representatives of Native Fish Australia, the fishing industry, the Australian Trout Foundation and VRFish. Criteria Assessment

The Classification was released for public comment and the To decide the appropriate locations to divide the waterway, Reference Group considered all comments prior to finalising the Criteria Assessment should consider the following: the Classification. The public submissions resulted in the Reference Group recommending changes to boundaries of Flow: Does the waterway section have a natural unregulated Native, Mixed and Trout classified in some areas. flow or regulated flow?

Classification of waters was a two-stage process as Habitat: What are the habitat conditions in sections of the prescribed in the Classification Model where a Preliminary waterway? Assessment may be followed by a Criteria Assessment to Identifiable structure: Are there identifiable structures such determine waterway Classification. The Preliminary as stream junctions, towns or bridges to act as landmarks to Assessment considers factors on the entire waterway area to divide the fishery classifications. determine a broad classification. This may be followed by a Criteria Assessment to determine a location to divide a waterway, where the classification varies along its length. There is no weighting or hierarchy in either the Preliminary or Development principles Criteria assessments. This Classification is based on the Classification Model which outlined the scope and key principles that should Preliminary Assessment guide the classification of waters. The principles and scope Species evidence: Species known to be present in the aim to ensure the classifications are practical and consistent basin. with government policy.

Known range of species: The recorded range of angling Principles: The following guiding principles were used to species throughout the waterbody or reach, including develop the Model and this Classification: credible historical records. (a) Simple to understand and apply

Waterway management: How the waterway is managed in (b) Useable and cost effective to develop relation to the requirements of the angling species. For example, is the river a tailrace fishery? (c) Consistent with existing policies and procedures including with the Guidelines for Assessing Threatened species: Does the basin support a fish species Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria, listed in a National Recovery Plan or State Action Statement the Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian that may be affected by the Classification. Inland Public Waters

Socio-economic value: The extent to which the species or (d) Consistent with reduction in regulatory burden fishery contributes to the economic and social value to the region. (e) A classification that applies to a river or stream applies to all tributaries within that section, unless otherwise Where the results point predominately to one category, then stated. the waterway may be classified based on this Preliminary Assessment. Where the results of the Preliminary In addition to the above principles a scope, the public Assessment suggest answers weighted evenly between submission process raised several issues which are native and trout conditions or circumstances, then a mixed explained and clarified below. fishery should be considered.

2 Fisheries Victoria

Threatened and endangered species Carp

The Classification process recognises the importance of Carp has been declared as a noxious aquatic species under threatened and endangered species as part of the the Fisheries Act 1995 and it is an offence to return carp to Preliminary Assessment. Key threatened and endangered the water alive. For this reason, the presence of carp in a species are listed in each Basin throughout the document Region or waterway does not influence the Classification. under the heading Threatened fish species. Closed catchments Recreational anglers support efforts to preserve biodiversity and are working to improve outcomes for threatened and Water supply catchments such as the Upper Yarra are endangered species in Victoria, for example the endangered ‘closed catchments’ for water supply purposes and public barred galaxias (Galaxias fuscus) is restricted to six small access in these areas is prohibited. Fishing is not permitted streams in the upper reaches of the Goulburn River between in closed catchments even though they are included in the Marysville and Mount Howitt (See Page 15). Recreational classification maps. anglers, including members of the Australian Trout Foundation, have worked with government agencies to Climate change restore habitat for this species in an area affected by bushfire. During the preparation of the Classification, Fisheries Victoria reviewed predicted climate change influences on the The areas denoted ‘Endangered species recovery area’ on long term sustainability of Victoria’s inland fisheries the map of the Goulburn-Broken Basin in the Classification resources. Fisheries Victoria considered a range of predicted recognises sites where barred galaxias and other threatened fishery species distributions under several climate change and endangered species including the spotted tree frog scenarios and found that predicted distributions for the (Litoria spenceri) are present. coming decade were similar to current distributions resulting from the previous decade of drought. In deciding on Redfin classifications, the Reference Group took into consideration the range of likely changes in current distribution, habitat Fisheries Victoria recognises that redfin are a popular suitability and climate change scenarios and classified recreational species targeted by many anglers throughout waters as considered appropriate. Victoria. In many areas of Victoria, anglers targeting redfin provide social and economic benefits to regional towns. It is also recognised that redfin are implicated as threats to other species and are effective biological competitors with widespread, abundant and self-sustaining populations. As a consequence, the Classification Model recommended that redfin not be subject to Classification.

In the Classification, Fisheries Victoria recognises the value of the redfin by highlighting important redfin fisheries in each Region in the Socio-economic value sections of the Preliminary assessment throughout the document. The species are also highlighted in the Species evidence and Known range of angling species sections of the Preliminary assessment.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 3

Amendment to the Classification may require a public Review of the Classification consultation process. A review and a new Classification may Fisheries Victoria recognises the need for an adaptive be undertaken if Fisheries Victoria determines that significant management response where climatic conditions, changes in changes in one or more of the Preliminary Assessment water storage, habitat and stream flow influence fisheries. It criteria have been demonstrated. is anticipated that policy driven changes to water flow for Where a new Classification is required for a specific river or human consumption, agriculture and the environment may stream, Fisheries Victoria will invite expressions of interest occur as Victoria responds to the effects of long-term from four key areas of expertise: fisheries management, drought. native, trout and mixed fisheries to establish a Reference This Classification will provide input into fishery management Group to provide advice to on the review of the processes for a period of at least ten years from the date of Classification. release. The Classification Model and the Classification may be Preparation of a new Classification will begin with a review of reviewed by Fisheries Victoria prior to the review date. the Classification Model and criteria assessments. The need Submissions in support of changes in classification can be for a new or amended Classification will be considered in made to Fisheries Victoria and will be assessed by Fisheries accordance with the outcomes of monitoring, research and Victoria in consultation with the Reference Group. fisheries management objectives.

4 Fisheries Victoria

Fisheries Management Arrangements

expectations and are enforced by Fisheries Officers to The role of Fisheries Victoria provide for the sustainability of the fishery. Fisheries Victoria manages fisheries resources by Where appropriate, Fisheries Victoria undertakes a fish developing and implementing policies and projects and breeding and stocking program to release native and trout delivering a wide range of services. fish into public waterways to provide recreational angling Fishing activities in all Victorian waters are managed under opportunities. To guide this process, Fisheries Victoria the provisions of the Fisheries Act 1995 and the Fisheries conducts a statewide consultation process (Vic Fish Stock) Regulations 2009. involving natural resource management agencies and representatives of organisations connected with recreational The Fisheries Act provides the legislative framework for the fishing. regulation and management of Victorian fisheries. The key objectives in the Act relating to recreational fishing include: Fish stocking will continue to be conducted in accordance (a) management, development and use of Victoria's with the Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live fisheries and associated aquatic biological resources in Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (DPI 2010) (the Translocation an efficient, effective and ecologically sustainable Guidelines), the Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in manner Victorian Inland Public Waters (DPI 2005) and DPI policies (b) protection and conservation of fisheries resources, including Fish Stocking for Recreational Purposes. habitats and ecosystems including the maintenance of aquatic ecological processes and genetic diversity The Fisheries Act, Fisheries Regulations, fishery (c) promotion of quality recreational fishing opportunities for management plans and associated guidelines and policies the benefit of present and future generations and facilitation of access to fisheries resources. are the lead tools in the management of Victoria's inland fisheries. This Classification provides input into the fish Fisheries Victoria’s works in the context of increasing stocking process and Vic Fish Stock and broadly describes competition for water, increasing pressure on fish habitats the angling species present in the context of waterway and access and changing demographics. The establishment management, biodiversity and socio-economic values. of clear fisheries management directions is critical to the maintenance and development of the Victoria’s fisheries. Fisheries Victoria collaborates with habitat and water Inland fisheries value managers including catchment management authorities, water authorities, the Department of Sustainability and Fisheries Victoria recognises the significant social and Environment and researchers to work towards positive economic benefits resulting from well managed trout and outcomes for Victorian fisheries. native recreational fisheries. There are more than 720,000 recreational anglers in Victoria who contribute $825 million in direct economic expenditure. Fisheries Victoria is committed Fisheries management tools to maintaining and, where possible, enhancing trout and native fisheries across Victoria to support this social and Fisheries Victoria uses a variety of tools to support the economic value. objectives of the Fisheries Act. The key tools for inland recreational fishing include: bag and size limits; research; Through the ongoing stocking of trout and salmonid species, stocking; monitoring; enforcement; education; construction the establishment of a new native fish production facility at and maintenance of infrastructure; habitat improvement and Snobs Creek, enforcing Fisheries Regulations and the improving angler access. Fisheries Victoria details these managed recovery of native fish waterways, Fisheries actions in fishery management plans and associated policies Victoria aims to further increase angling opportunities across and guidelines. Victoria.

Fishery management plans are prepared in accordance with the Fisheries Act which prescribes the development, Structure implementation and review of management plans and extensive consultation with the Victorian community during This document is divided into five sections that encompass the preparation of the plans. the broad regions of Gippsland, North East, Central, North Central, and West. Within these regions, the areas have Fisheries Regulations such as bag and size limits and closed been further divided into basins based on the major seasons aim to ensure that the community's fisheries are catchments. A species list and a classification of sustainable and shared fairly into the future. The Regulations impoundments are provided as appendices. are based on ongoing research and monitoring, community

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 5

East Gippsland River Basins

Native

Trout

Mixed

The classification depicted on this map is a guide to the distribution of key angling species. Decisions on fish stocking will be continue to be made in accordance with the Translocation Guidelines and DPI policies including the Fish Stocking for Recreational Purposes Policy.

6 Fisheries Victoria

West Gippsland River Basins

Native Trout Mixed

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 7

Gippsland Region

The Gippsland region encompasses the Snowy, including fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and Tambo, Mitchell, La Trobe, Thomson and South banks, willow removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep Gippsland basins. Popular angling species include water and snags. Major activities are willow control, and revegetation and protection of banks and work has been brown and rainbow trout, redfin, black bream, carried out in the Bemm, Cann, Combienbar, Errinundra, estuary perch, Gippsland spiny crayfish, blackfish, Genoa, Wallagaraugh and Wingan Rivers. eel, Australian bass and a range of other estuarine species. The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water resources including climate change, drought, and land East Gippsland Basin use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Preliminary assessment Threatened fish species Species evidence Australian grayling, Cox's gudgeon, empire gudgeon, Australian bass, estuary perch, brown and rainbow trout, freshwater herring, striped gudgeon, Eastern freshwater redfin, Gippsland spiny crayfish, river blackfish, luderick, prawn, East Gippsland spiny crayfish, Clayton's spiny mullet, longfin eel, southern shortfin eel. crayfish and variable spiny crayfish. Known range of angling species Socio-economic value Genoa and Bemm Rivers - Australian bass, black bream. Waters valued for angling for trout include - Bemm, Bemm River - Australian bass, black bream, Gippsland spiny Combienbar, Errinundra and Goolengook rivers. crayfish, blackfish, estuary perch and brown trout. Waters valued for angling for native species include - Bemm, Combienbar, Errinundra and Goolengook rivers - brown Betka, Cann, Genoa, Little, Wallgaraugh, Mueller, McKenzie trout. and Thurra rivers and the Tamboon, Wingan and Sydenham inlets. Little, Betka, Benedore, Cann (east and west branch), Genoa, Mueller, McKenzie, Red, Thurra, Wingan, and Criteria assessment Wallagaraugh rivers - Australian bass. In the estuarine reaches, black bream, estuary perch, flathead, luderick, Flow mullet, trevally, garfish, tailor and sometimes mulloway. Unregulated flow – all.

The East Gippsland spiny crayfish is restricted to a few small Habitat tributaries in this Basin. The Basin is mostly steep mountains and hills of granitic, sedimentary and volcanic origin. There is a small coastal Waterway management strip (Bemm to Cann River) of flat farmland and dunes. Most Heritage Rivers - Genoa, Bemm, Goolengook (from its of the Basin is covered with mixed-species forest with stands headwaters), Arte (from Glen Aire Road) and Errinundra of tall forest in the northwest. rivers (from headwaters of east branch; upper reaches to the sea). Identifiable structures Princes Highway. Representative Rivers of East Victorian dissected uplands and riverine plains - Thurra River. Classification

Natural Catchment Areas - Red and Benedore rivers and Mixed - Goolengook, Arte, Errinundra and Combienbar and Shipwreck, Seal and Easby creeks in the Croajingalong tributaries. National Park, an area on Double Creek, an un-named tributary of Genoa River and an area of Winnot Creek. Native - Little, Betka, Bemm, Benedore, Cann (east and west branch), Genoa, Mueller, McKenzie, Red, Thurra, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - Croajingalong Park. Wingan, and Wallagaraugh rivers and tributaries. Yeerung River East and West branches. The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority manages the waterways in the region through the East Gippsland River Health Strategy and undertakes activities

8 Fisheries Victoria

The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy is Snowy Basin currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water resources including climate change, drought, and land Preliminary assessment use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Species evidence industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Brown and rainbow trout, redfin Australian bass, estuary perch, Gippsland spiny crayfish, river blackfish, longfin eel Threatened fish species and southern shortfin eel. Australian grayling, alpine spiny crayfish, Orbost spiny Known range of angling species crayfish, Cox's gudgeon, striped gudgeon, Eastern freshwater prawn, East Gippsland spiny crayfish. Bonang, Brodribb, Buchan, Bendoc, Rodger, Delegate and Little rivers and their tributaries - brown trout and blackfish. Socio-economic value Queensborough River - brown trout and blackfish. Waters valued for angling for trout include - Bonang, Brodribb, Buchan, Delegate, Queensborough and Little Snowy, Brodribb, Suggan Buggan, Buchan Yalmy, Murrindal, rivers. Mountain and Rodger rivers and Cabbage Tree Creek - Australian bass, brown trout. Waters valued for angling for mixed species such as blackfish, Australian bass and trout include - Buchan, Snowy River upstream of Suggan Buggan River junction - Queensborough, Rodger, Brodribb, Murrindal rivers and brown trout and Australian bass. Mountain Creek.

Upper Suggan Buggan, Brodribb, Buchan rivers and Waters valued for angling for native species include – the Mountain Creek – brown trout, Gippsland spiny crayfish. Queensborough, Buchan, Rodger and Snowy rivers and the Snowy River estuary. Waterway management The Snowy River is currently undergoing an environmental Criteria assessment improvement program involving provision of increased environmental flows; protection and restoration of riparian Flow habitat by removal of willows and weeds, planting native Regulated – Flow in the Snowy River is controlled by water vegetation and fencing out stock; and trials to restore in- released from the Jindabyne Reservoir in NSW. More stream habitat such as deeper water and snags. It also recently environmental flows have been increased and flow involves re-establishing Australian Bass in the Snowy River. is more suitable for angling species. Natural inflow from tributaries further downstream have maintained instream Heritage River - the Snowy River, the Suggan Buggan and conditions in the middle and lower reaches of the Snowy lower Berrima rivers and the upper reaches of the Buchan River. River (Playgrounds to Campbell Creek). Habitat Representative River of East Victorian dissected uplands Improved environmental flow releases aim to restore flow to Buchan River (above Mellick Creek). a higher percentage of the natural mean annual flow. A proposal to restore original instream habitat, including deep Natural Catchment Areas - Gattamurh, Wallaby, Mountain, pools is in place. Mount Gelantipy, Musk creeks and the headwaters of the Brodribb and Rodger rivers. Identifiable structures The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Snowy River Road and Suggan Buggan, McKillops Road manages the waterways in the region through the East and Bridge, Princes Highway, Wulgulmerang, Tubbut, and Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes Rocky River Road crossing of Brodribb River. activities including habitat restoration activities such as fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and banks, willow Classification removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep water and Trout - Bendoc, Bonang, Delegate, Ingeegoodbee and snags. Work has been carried out in the Brodribb, Buchan, Queensborough rivers and tributaries. Deddick River Murrindal and Snowy Rivers. upstream of Tubbut. Buchan River upstream of Frying Pan Creek.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 9

Mixed - Suggan Buggan River tributaries upstream of Threatened fish species Suggan Buggan, Brodribb River upstream of Rocky River Australian grayling, eastern freshwater prawn, Cox's Road, Little River. Wombargo, Goodwin, Jamb, Amboyne, gudgeon, striped gudgeon. Tingaringy and Wulgulmerang creeks. Snowy River upstream of Suggan Buggan River junction. Socio-economic value Waters valued for angling for trout include - Tambo and Little Native - Suggan Buggan River, Rodger, Yalmy, Rocky, Jack rivers, Haunted Stream and Timbarra Rivers upstream of Mt and lower Brodribb rivers and tributaries. Cabbage Tree, Elizabeth Creek. Boundary, Butchers, Currie, Mountain and Hospital creeks. Buchan River downstream of Frying Pan Creek and Snowy Waters valued for angling for native species include - River downstream of Suggan Buggan. Nicholson River, Tambo River downstream of Ensay and Timbarra River downstream of Mt Elizabeth Creek.

Tambo Basin Criteria assessment

Preliminary assessment Flow Species evidence Unregulated – mostly natural, but some streams have Australian bass, estuary perch, Gippsland spiny crayfish, irrigation extraction and there is a dam on the Nicholson longfin eel, river blackfish and southern shortfin eel, brown River. and rainbow trout. Habitat Known range of angling species The major rivers of the Tambo River basin are the Tambo Tambo River and tributaries upstream of Tambo Crossing - and Nicholson Rivers. The principal tributary of the Tambo brown trout and river blackfish. River is the Timbarra River. The Tambo and Timbarra have reliable flow but the Nicholson River often ceases to flow in Tambo River upstream of Ensay - rainbow trout. summer.

Tambo River from Tambo Crossing to Tambo Bay - The basin is mostly covered by steep forested mountains. Australian bass, black bream, estuary perch. There is a small southern section of farmland and another in the middle to upper reaches of the Tambo River. Timbarra River and Haunted Stream - brown and rainbow trout and river blackfish. Identifiable structures

Nicholson River - river blackfish. Ensay, Tambo Crossing, junction of Tambo River and Haunted Stream and Tambo River and Timbarra River. Waterway management Junction of Mt Elizabeth Creek and Timbarra River, Shady The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Creek. manages the waterways in the region through the East Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes Classification activities including habitat restoration activities such as Trout - Tambo River and tributaries upstream of and fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and banks, willow including Haunted Stream. Little River. Timbarra River removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep water and upstream of Mt Elizabeth Creek. Shady and Stony creeks. snags, and building fishways and fishing platforms. Native - Tambo River and tributaries downstream of The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy is Haunted Stream. Nicholson River. currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water resources including climate change, drought, and land use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Mitchell Basin industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Preliminary assessment Species evidence

Australian bass, estuary perch, longfin eel, river blackfish southern shortfin eel, brown and rainbow trout.

10 Fisheries Victoria

Known range of angling species Habitat Wonnangatta and Wongungarra rivers and tributaries. The Mitchell is the largest free flowing river in Victoria with no Dargo, Crooked, Humfray and Wentworth rivers - brown trout barriers to native fish movement or major water diversions and river blackfish. affecting natural flows.

Mitchell River - Australian bass, brown trout. The major headwaters for the Mitchell River are the Wonnangatta and Wongungarra Rivers. They are large Mitchell River estuary - Australian bass, brown trout, estuary waterways with usually reliable high annual flow. Most of the perch, black bream. basin has steep mountains or hills covered in dense native forest with the exception of a small coastal strip of farmland. Waterway management The Mitchell River flows through cliffs and several gorges, Heritage Rivers - Wonnangatta River and the Mitchell River including the Den of Nargun. (Wonnangatta headwaters to Lake King). Identifiable structures Natural Catchment Area - small areas of Pinnacle, Blue Rag Dargo and Tabberabbera. Creek and Punchen Creeks and the Wongungarra River headwaters. Junction of Mitchell, Wonnangatta and Wongungarra rivers.

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Classification manages the waterways in the region through the East Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes Trout - Wonnangatta, Wongungarra, Humffray, Dargo and activities including habitat restoration activities such as Wentworth rivers and tributaries upstream of the junction fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and banks, willow with the Mitchell River. removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep water and Native - Mitchell River downstream of the junctions with snags, and building fishways and fishing platforms. Wongungarra, Dargo and Wentworth rivers. The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water resources including climate change, drought, and land Thomson Basin use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Preliminary assessment industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Species evidence Brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Australian bass, estuary Threatened fish species perch, Gippsland spiny crayfish, longfin eel, river blackfish Australian grayling, dwarf galaxias, striped gudgeon, Cox’s and southern shortfin eel. gudgeon, eastern freshwater prawn. Known range of angling species Socio-economic value Brown trout, rainbow trout, Australian bass, estuary perch, Waters valued for angling for trout include - Wonnangatta, Gippsland spiny crayfish, longfin eel, river blackfish and Humffray, Wongungarra, Mitchell, Crooked, Dargo, Moroka southern shortfin eel. and Wentworth rivers. Thomson River and tributaries including Thomson Reservoir - brown and rainbow trout Waters valued for angling for native species include - Mitchell River and tributaries. Macalister River and tributaries (including Lake Tali Karng) above Lake Glenmaggie - brown and rainbow trout, river Criteria assessment blackfish, Australian bass, Gippsland spiny crayfish and redfin. Flow Unregulated flow – some streams have irrigation extraction, Macalister River and tributaries below and including Lake but flow remains natural. Glenmaggie - Australian bass, brown trout.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 11

Thomson and Aberfeldy rivers – Australian bass. Criteria assessment

Macalister River below Glenmaggie – Australian bass. Flow Unregulated – upstream of Lake Glenmaggie and Thomson Macalister below Maffra becomes less suitable for trout and Reservoir. the primary angling species is Australian bass. Other angling species present include redfin and shortfin eel. Regulated – downstream of Lake Glenmaggie and Thomson Reservoir. Waterway management Heritage River - Thomson River (downstream of Thomson Habitat Reservoir to Cowwarr Weir) and the Aberfeldy River (in the The headwaters of the Macalister above Lake Glenmaggie Baw Baw National Park). have extensive deep pools and fast runs, rock and rubble bottom. Downstream from Licola, the gradient decreases and Natural Catchment Areas - upper reaches of the Avon River the river becomes wider and slower. Near Mt Useful Creek including Turton and Dolodrook Rivers and Ben Cruachan the river flows through farmland with riparian vegetation of Creek. grass and willows on one bank and forest on the other bank. Representative Rivers - upper reaches of the Macalister Wide pools separated by substantial riffles. Substrate is rock, River at Glencairn for East Victorian uplands, dissected rubble and gravel. Further downstream, the banks are more plateau. eroded resulting in the pools becoming filled with sediment. There are wide fluctuations in flow and water level and very The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority high turbidity during floods. manages the waterways in the region through the West Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes Identifiable structures activities including habitat restoration activities such as Lake Glenmaggie, Stratford-Maffra Road, Thomson- fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and banks, willow Macalister river junction. removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep water and snags, and building fishways and fishing platforms. Classification

The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to Trout - above Lake Glenmaggie and Thomson Reservoir, respond to pressures facing water resources including Aberfeldy River and tributaries. climate change, drought, and land use change. The Strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment Mixed – Thomson River downstream of Thomson Reservoir and agriculture for the next 50 years. and Macalister Reservoir downstream of Lake Glenmaggie.

Threatened fish species Native - Junction of the Thomson and the Macalister rivers to Lake Wellington. Avon and Perry rivers and tributaries. Australian grayling, Dwarf galaxias, Baw Baw frog, Curve-tail burrowing cray.

Socio-economic value La Trobe Basin Waters valued for angling for trout include - Macalister, Aberfeldy, Wellington, Caledonia, Barkly rivers and Rainbow Preliminary assessment Creek. Species evidence Waters valued for angling for mixed species include - Lake Australian bass, Gippsland spiny crayfish, longfin eel, river Glenmaggie and the Macalister River downstream to the blackfish and southern shortfin eel, brown and rainbow trout, junction of Thomson. The Thomson River from the junction redfin. of the Macalister upstream to Thomson Reservoir. Known range of angling species Waters valued for angling for native species include - the La Trobe River - brown trout and river blackfish are common Macalister River downstream of the junction with the in tributaries but scarce in the main channel downstream of Thomson and the Avon River and tributaries. Lake Narracan.

La Trobe River below Yallourn Power Station - blackfish, redfin, longfin eel and Gippsland spiny crayfish.

12 Fisheries Victoria

La Trobe River between Sale and Lake Wellington - black Lake Hyland is a Premier Lake which is regularly stocked bream, luderick, mullet and estuary perch, some brown trout with large rainbow trout to provide opportunities for those and redfin. new to fishing to try their luck.

Toorongo and Loch rivers – trout and river blackfish. Criteria assessment

Narracan Creek - trout and Gippsland spiny crayfish. Flow Moe River and Hazel, Red Hill, Shady and Bear creeks Unregulated – upstream of Blue Rock Lake. contain blackfish, Gippsland spiny crayfish and trout. Regulated – downstream of Blue Rock and Narracan lakes. Morwell upstream of Boolara - brown trout and river Habitat blackfish. Rivers and streams flowing through the forested north- Tanjil and tributaries upstream of the junction with the La western part of the basin are in excellent condition with Trobe River to Blue Rock Lake - brown and rainbow trout. native riparian vegetation, coarse substrate, little or no sedimentation, fast-flowing riffles, good pools, clear water Tarago - brown trout. and good summer flow. They contain excellent habitat for biota and provide a good environment for fish. Blue Rock Reservoir - Australian bass, brown and rainbow trout. Streams flowing through farmland, including the middle and lower reaches of the La Trobe basin are in poor condition. Waterway management The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Identifiable structures manages the waterways in the region through the West Thomson Valley Tyers Road, Blue Rock Lake, Narracan Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes Lake, Yallourn Power Station, Moe-Rawson Road, Tyers, activities including habitat restoration activities such as junction of the East and West branch of the Tanjil, Hawthorn fencing, revegetation, stabilisation of beds and banks, willow Creek on the La Trobe River. removal, reinstating fish habitat such as deep water and snags, and building fishways and fishing platforms. Classification Trout - the Toorongo and Loch rivers. Tanjil River upstream The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to of Blue Rock Reservoir, La Trobe River upstream of Mount respond to pressures facing water resources including Hawthorn Creek. climate change, drought, and land use change. The Strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment Mixed - La Trobe tributaries, Tanjil, Moe, Tyers and Morwell and agriculture for the next 50 years. rivers. Hazelwood Pondage.

Threatened fish species Native - La Trobe River and tributaries downstream of Tyers Australian grayling, Dwarf galaxias, Curve-tail burrowing and Thomson Valley Tyers road. crayfish, Gippsland burrowing crayfish. Socio-economic value South Gippsland Basin Waters valued for angling for trout include - Morwell River, Traralgon Creek, Tyers River and the Tanjil River between Preliminary assessment Blue Rock Dam and Lake Narracan. Tanjil River above Blue Rock Dam, including both branches and tributaries, upper La Species evidence Trobe River and tributaries, including the Loch and Toorongo Australian bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, estuary perch, rivers. longfin eel, river blackfish, redfin and southern shortfin eel.

Waters valued for angling for mixed species include - Lake Known range of angling species Glenmaggie and the Macalister River downstream to the Bass - blackfish, brown trout, rainbow trout. junction of Thomson. The Thomson River from the junction of the Macalister upstream to Walhalla. Tarwin - blackfish, brown trout, rainbow trout.

Waters valued for angling for native species include - La Tarwin Estuary - estuary perch, trevally, flathead. Trobe River and tributaries downstream of Tyers. Powlett - black bream, estuary perch.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 13

Merriman Creek east of the Gippsland Highway - blackfish, Criteria assessment estuary perch. Flow Agnes River - brown trout, shortfin eel. Unregulated flow - Tarwin, Franklin, Little Albert and others.

Albert River - brown trout, river blackfish, southern shortfin Regulated flow - Tarra, Agnes, Tarago below Tarago eel and longfin eel. Reservoir.

Franklin River north of Gippsland Highway - brown trout. Habitat

Franklin River south of Gippsland Highway - river blackfish This western part of the basin is almost entirely cleared and brown trout. farmland with very small patches of forest North West of the Bass River and in the upper reaches of the Tarwin River Wilsons Promontory - river blackfish, estuary perch. West Branch. The terrain is steep hills except in the central area including the catchments of the Powlett River and the Waterway management lower Tarwin River, which is flat farmland with The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority unconsolidated soils. manages the waterways in the region through the West Gippsland River Health Strategy. The Authority undertakes The eastern part of the basin has extensive forest, the activities including habitat restoration on the Tarra River, wilderness area of Wilsons Promontory and numerous removal of willow and pest plants and the protection of banks coastal inlets and estuaries. The terrain consists of forested by fencing, re-establishing native vegetation and engineering mountains and hills in the northwest, and flat plains in the works when necessary. east with a flat coastal strip composed of dune complexes.

The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy is Farmland is managed for grazing and some cropping. Rivers currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing in the region start in cleared or forested hills and have coarse water resources including climate change, drought, and land substrates at their headwaters. use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Identifiable structures industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. South Gippsland, Hyland, Strzelecki highways.

Threatened fish species Classification Australian grayling, Australian Mudfish, Cox's gudgeon, Trout - Franklin, Agnes and Tarra rivers and Merriman Dwarf galaxid, Australian whitebait, striped gudgeon, South Creek and tributaries upstream of the South Gippsland and Gippsland spiny crayfish, Lilly Pilly burrowing crayfish, Hyland Highways. Tarwin east and west Branch and Narracan burrowing crayfish, Strzelecki burrowing crayfish, tributaries north of the South Gippsland Highway. Hyland Gippsland burrowing crayfish, South Gippsland burrowing Reservoir. crayfish. Mixed - Bass, Tarwin and Powlett rivers south of South Socio-economic value Gippsland Highway. Waters valued for angling for trout include - upper Tarra and Native - East South Gippsland south of South Gippsland Merrimans, Agnes, Albert, Turtons, east and west Tarwin Highway including Wilsons Promontory. Jack and Albert and Reedy rivers. rivers and tributaries. Waters valued for angling for native species include - Jack, Albert, Agnes, Franklin, Merrimans, Franklin and Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory.

14 Fisheries Victoria

North East River Basins

Native Trout Mixed

Endangered sp recovery site

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 15

North East

The North East region encompasses the Upper Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Murray, Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, Ovens, Goulburn industry, farms and the environment in the context of and Broken basins and includes some of the growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use changes and drought. most popular angling waters in Victoria. Popular angling species include brown and rainbow Natural Catchment Area - Log Bridge Creek. trout, Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch, Threatened fish species Murray spiny crayfish, blackfish and redfin. Murray cod, trout cod, alpine spiny crayfish and Murray Macquarie perch is regionally valued at Lake spiny crayfish. A Governor in Council order allows anglers Dartmouth. to take Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from waters in this Basin. Upper Murray Basin Socio-economic value Cudgewa Creek - brown trout, Murray cod. Preliminary assessment Nariel, Thowgla Corryong, Wheelers, Buckwong and Species evidence Limestone creeks - brown and rainbow trout. Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, trout cod, blackfish, rainbow trout, brown trout and redfin. Criteria assessment

Known range of angling species Flow Cudgewa Creek downstream of Cudgewa - Murray cod, Regulated - Tributaries of the Murray River downstream of redfin and brown trout. Towong.

Cudgewa Creek upstream of Cudgewa - brown and Unregulated - Tributaries of the Murray River downstream rainbow trout and blackfish. of Towong.

Corryong Creek downstream of Colac Colac - brown and Habitat rainbow trout, Murray cod, redfin. All rivers in the north-east edge of this Basin are Murray River tributaries upstream of Lake Hume. The terrain Corryong Creek upstream of Colac Colac - brown and consists of steep hills or mountains with forests south of rainbow trout. Corryong and good stream condition and scattered forest and farmland in the north of the Basin. The lower reaches Thowgla, Nariel, Limestone and Wheelers creeks - brown flow in mature valleys with broad alluvial plains. There has trout and rainbow trout. been loss of native riparian vegetation because of the Koetong Creek - brown and rainbow trout, blackfish, introduction of willows, however instream habitat for biota redfin. is in good condition. All rivers had very low flows during the past drought years, however fish populations are still Lake Hume - redfin, golden perch, brown and rainbow intact. trout, Murray cod. Identifiable structures Waterway management Colac Colac, Cudgewa, Murray Valley Highway. The North East Regional River Health Strategy guides waterway management and is implemented by the North Classification East Catchment Management Authority in this basin. Trout – Corryong and Cudgewa creeks upstream of Activities undertaken through the Strategy include habitat Briggs Gap Road. All other Murray River tributaries improvement in the Nariel, Koetong and Thowgla creeks. upstream of the Murray Valley Highway including the Nariel Creek. The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Mixed - all waters downstream of the Murray Valley agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Highway not mentioned elsewhere. Corryong Creek and Cudgewa Creek downstream of Briggs Gap Road. Sandy, Flaggy and Jarvis creeks.

16 Fisheries Victoria

cod and Murray spiny crayfish from waters in this Basin. Mitta Mitta Basin Macquarie perch may be taken only from Lake Dartmouth and silver perch only from Lake Hume. Preliminary assessment Through the National Trout Cod Recovery Program - Trout Species evidence cod have been stocked into the Mitta Mitta River upstream Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, Macquarie perch, trout of Lake Dartmouth. cod, blackfish, rainbow trout, brown trout and redfin. Socio-economic value Known range of angling species Lake Hume - golden perch, redfin, brown and rainbow Lake Hume - redfin, golden perch, brown and rainbow trout, Murray cod. trout, Murray cod. Big River (upper Mitta Mitta River), Morass, Middle, Mitta Mitta and tributaries - Macquarie perch, Murray cod, Livingston and Snowy creeks and Gibbo, Dart, Victoria, blackfish, redfin, brown and rainbow trout. Bundarra and Cobungra rivers - brown and rainbow trout.

Mitta Mitta upstream of Dartmouth - Macquarie perch. Lake Dartmouth - Macquarie perch, brown and rainbow trout. Lake Dartmouth - Macquarie perch, brown and rainbow trout. Banimboola Lake - brown trout, rainbow trout.

Gibbo River - brown and rainbow trout and blackfish. Mitta Mitta River upstream of Lake Dartmouth - brown and rainbow trout. Cobungra, Dart and Bundarra rivers - brown and rainbow trout and blackfish. Mitta Mitta River downstream of Lake Dartmouth - brown trout and Murray cod. Waterway management The North East Regional River Health Strategy guides Criteria assessment waterway management and is implemented by the North East Catchment Management Authority in this basin. Flow Activities undertaken through the Strategy include habitat Unregulated - Mitta Mitta River and tributaries from Omeo improvement in the Little Snowy Creek at Eskdale, to Lake Dartmouth. Livingstone Creek, Bundarra Cobungra and the lower Mitta Mitta rivers. Regulated - Lake Dartmouth to Eskdale Tailrace to Peters Bridge at Tallandoon. The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Regulated - Eskdale to Lake Hume. agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Habitat industry, farms and the environment in the context of The Mitta Mitta Basin is mostly steep mountains or hills growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, with extensive forest covering about more than two-thirds land use changes and drought. of the area. The Mitta Mitta River and tributaries drain into Lake Dartmouth and into a wide valley to Lake Hume. Heritage River Area - Mitta Mitta River from Glen Valley to Most of the waterways are in good to excellent condition. Lake Dartmouth. Some sections of river bank have been cleared of native vegetation and/or damaged by stock but habitat for aquatic Representative Rivers - Upper Big River (above Glen biota is generally very good throughout the Basin. Valley) and Snowy Creek (below Granite Flat) representative rivers of East Victorian dissected uplands. Cold water released from Lake Dartmouth enhances the suitability of the Mitta Mitta River and tributaries for trout. Natural Catchment Areas - Mount Tabor Creek and The Mitta Mitta is a tailrace trout fishery below Lake Banimboola Creek. Dartmouth. Threatened fish species Identifiable structures Macquarie perch, trout cod, Murray cod, silver perch, Banimboola Lake, Lake Dartmouth, Murray Valley alpine spiny crayfish and Murray spiny crayfish. A Highway, Lockhardt Creek. Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Murray

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 17

Classification Cold water released from Mount Beauty Pondage Trout - All other rivers and creeks upstream of the Murray enhances the suitability of the river and tributaries for trout. Valley Highway. The Kiewa River is a tailrace trout fishery below Mount Beauty pondage. Mitta Mitta River from Lake Dartmouth to Omeo Highway Bridge. The North East Regional River Health Strategy guides waterway management and is implemented by the North Mixed - Lake Hume, Lockhardt, Sandy, Shady creeks. East Catchment Management Authority in this basin. Activities undertaken through the Strategy include Mitta Mitta River (Big River) and tributaries between the determining the sustainable limit of water use in the Hinnomunjie Bridge crossing and Lake Dartmouth. catchment, negotiating an environmental flow for the Kiewa River and habitat improvement works in the Kiewa Lake Dartmouth and Toke, Murtagh, Soldier, Shady River and Yackandandah Creek. creeks. The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan Gibbo River from Lake Dartmouth to Corryong Road to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Bridge. agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Mitta Mitta River downstream of Omeo Highway Bridge Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, near Tallandoon. industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use changes and drought.

Kiewa Basin Threatened fish species Murray cod, trout cod, alpine spiny crayfish and Murray Preliminary assessment spiny crayfish. A Governor in Council order allows anglers Species evidence to take Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from waters in this Basin. Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, golden perch, trout cod, blackfish, rainbow trout, brown trout and redfin. Socio-economic value Known range of angling species Kiewa River downstream of Mount Beauty Pondage - brown and rainbow trout. Kiewa River and tributaries above Dederang including both branches – brown and rainbow trout. West and East Kiewa rivers and tributaries – brown and rainbow trout. Kiewa River downstream of Keegan's Bridge Dederang to the Murray River - Murray cod, brown and rainbow trout. Kiewa River downstream of Dederang to the Murray River - Murray cod and brown trout. Allans Flat Dredge Hole - rainbow trout and golden perch. Mount Beauty Pondage, Lake Guy (Junction Dam), Rocky Mount Beauty Pondage - redfin, brown and rainbow trout. Valley Reservoir and, Pretty Valley Pondage - brown and rainbow trout. Pretty Valley Pondage – brown trout. Rocky Valley Reservoir and Lake Guy – brown and rainbow trout. Criteria assessment

Yackandandah Creek - brown and rainbow trout, Murray Flow spiny crayfish and redfin. Unregulated - west branch of Kiewa River at the end of Waterway management Simmonds Creek Road Weir. The Kiewa River downstream of Mount Beauty Pondage is Regulated - all other waters. a Premier River because it can provide high quality, accessible and sustainable fishing for developing and Habitat experienced anglers. The Kiewa River was selected to be The Kiewa starts in forest in the Alpine National Park and developed and promoted as a Premier River through the flows through farmland with the valley widening in the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative to enhance the social and lower reaches until it flows into the Murray River, economic contribution of fishing to Victorian communities. downstream of Lake Hume. Half the Basin is forested or with alpine vegetation and the rivers have excellent instream habitat.

18 Fisheries Victoria

Water temperatures in the Kiewa are coldest above Mount Activities undertaken through the Strategy include bank Beauty Pondage; cool from the Pondage to House Creek; revegetation, willow removal and improved water flow on and warming towards the Murray River. the Ovens and King rivers and Fifteen Mile and Happy Valley creeks. Identifiable structures Rocky Valley Storage, Lake Guy, Clover Dam, Mount The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan Beauty Pondage. to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Classification Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, industry, farms and the environment in the context of Trout - Kiewa River and all tributaries upstream of growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, Mongans Bridge, Yackandandah Creek upstream of land use changes and drought. Osbournes Flat Road. Running Creek and tributaries. Heritage River - Ovens River from Killawarra to Lake Mixed - Kiewa River from Mongans Bridge to Gundowring Mulwala. Bridge. Natural Catchment Areas - Yarrarabula Creek and Long Native - Kiewa River downstream of Gundowring Bridge. Jack Creek (two upper Buffalo River tributaries) and Devils Wodonga, Middle, Huon and House creeks. Creek-Middle Branch (a tributary of the Buckland River).

Threatened fish species Ovens Basin Trout cod, silver perch, catfish, Macquarie perch, Murray cod, Murray River rainbowfish, Murray spiny crayfish. Preliminary assessment A Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Murray Species evidence cod and Murray spiny crayfish from waters in this Basin. Macquarie perch, Murray cod, golden perch, blackfish, trout cod, redfin, brown and rainbow trout. Socio-economic value Ovens River and tributaries upstream of Myrtleford - brown Known range of angling species trout, rainbow trout. Barwidgee, Fifteen Mile, Morses, Boggy creeks - brown and rainbow trout, blackfish, redfin, Ovens River and tributaries downstream of Myrtleford to Lake Mulwala - Murray cod, golden perch. Ovens, King, Dandongadale, Rose, Buckland and Catherine rivers and Barwidgee, Hurdle, Happy Valley, King River upstream and downstream of Lake William Fifteen Mile and Boggy creeks - brown and rainbow trout, Hovell - brown and rainbow trout. blackfish, redfin, Murray spiny crayfish. Lake William Hovell – brown and rainbow trout, blackfish, King River downstream of Edi - brown, rainbow trout, Macquarie perch. redfin blackfish, golden perch, Murray cod. Buffalo River and tributaries upstream of Lake Buffalo - Ovens River downstream of Myrtleford - Murray cod, brown and rainbow trout. golden perch, Murray spiny crayfish, blackfish, Murray River rainbowfish. Buffalo River and tributaries downstream of Lake Buffalo - brown and rainbow trout and blackfish, Murray cod, Buffalo River above Lake Buffalo - brown and rainbow Murray spiny crayfish. trout, blackfish, redfin, Murray spiny crayfish, Macquarie perch. Criteria assessment

Buffalo River below Lake Buffalo - brown and rainbow Flow trout, redfin, blackfish, golden perch, Murray cod, Unregulated – Ovens River above Myrtleford, King River Macquarie perch, Murray spiny crayfish. upstream of William Hovell, Buffalo River above Lake Buffalo. Waterway management The North East Regional River Health Strategy guides Regulated – Ovens River downstream of Myrtleford, King waterway management and is implemented by the North River downstream William Hovell to Wangaratta, and East Catchment Management Authority in this basin. Buffalo River below Lake Buffalo.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 19

Habitat Goulburn Basin The Ovens Basin extends from high altitude forested mountains in the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River Preliminary assessment at Lake Mulwala. Almost two-thirds of the Basin (south of Wangaratta) has steep mountains and hills and most of Species evidence this is covered with forests. The main rivers (Ovens, Rainbow trout, brown trout, blackfish, golden perch, Buffalo, Buckland and King) flow in wide valleys of cleared freshwater catfish, Murray cod, Macquarie perch, redfin, farmland. trout cod, silver perch, spiny freshwater crayfish.

Cold water flows from alpine areas flows above Burgoigee Known range of angling species Creek and from William Hovell to Edi. Water warms from Rainbow trout, brown trout, blackfish, Murray cod. Edi to Moyhu. Goulburn River (above Lake Eildon) - rainbow trout, brown Identifiable structures trout. Lake William Hovell, Eurobin, Harrietville Dredge Hole, Ovens River junction with Myrtleford River, Whitfield Road, Delatite River - upper reaches brown and rainbow trout, Buffalo Camp Creek junction, Lake Buffalo. lower reaches also blackfish, and spiny freshwater crayfish and Murray cod. Classification Howqua, Acheron, Royston, Rubicon, Big and Taponga Trout - Ovens River and tributaries upstream of Eurobin. rivers and Home and Gaffneys creeks - brown trout, Rose and Dandongadale rivers. rainbow trout, blackfish, redfin.

Ovens River tributaries downstream of Myrtleford (junction Murrindindi, Yea rivers - brown trout, blackfish, redfin, of Buffalo River) upstream of Woolshed Falls, Fifteen Mile Macquarie Perch and spiny freshwater crayfish and Boggy creeks upstream of Whitfield Road Benalla. (Murrindindi River). Buffalo River upstream of junction with Camp Creek. Goulburn River upstream from Seymour - brown and Buckland River and tributaries. rainbow trout, Murray cod, trout cod, golden perch, Macquarie perch, redfin and blackfish. King River above Lake William Hovell. Mixed - William Hovell, Buffalo, Sambell and Kerford Goulburn River upstream from Molesworth to Eildon - lakes. brown and rainbow trout, redfin and blackfish. King River below Lake William Hovell to Edi. Goulburn River from Goulburn Weir to Shepparton - Murray cod, golden perch, trout cod, redfin, catfish, Harrietville Dredge Holes. blackfish, silver perch, Macquarie perch, brown trout. Ovens River from Eurobin to Myrtleford (junction of Buffalo River). Goulburn River from Shepparton to the Murray River - Murray cod, golden perch, blackfish, catfish, silver perch. Buffalo River from Lake Buffalo to Camp Creek Junction. redfin, Macquarie perch, trout cod, brown trout. Buffalo River below Lake Buffalo. King Parrot and Hughes creeks - blackfish, Macquarie Native - Ovens River and tributaries below Myrtleford. perch, brown and rainbow trout. Hurdles, Horshoe, Didda Didda, Reedy, Black Dog creeks. Jamieson River - Macquarie perch, blackfish, redfin, brown and rainbow trout. King River below Edi. Sugarloaf Creek - brown trout, redfin. Sunday Creek - blackfish, Murray cod, redfin. Major’s creek - blackfish, Murray cod, golden perch, redfin. Goulburn Weir Pool from the Weir to Hughes Creek - Murray cod, golden perch, redfin, blackfish, catfish, spiny freshwater crayfish.

20 Fisheries Victoria

Seven Creeks upstream of Polly McQuins - Macquarie Threatened fish species perch, redfin, brown trout. Murray cod, Macquarie perch, Murray hardyhead, Murray Seven Creeks from Polly McQuins to Galls Gap bridge - River rainbowfish, trout cod, freshwater catfish, flathead trout cod, redfin, and brown trout. galaxias, barred galaxias, silver perch and Murray spiny crayfish. A Governor in Council order allows anglers to Seven Creeks downstream of Galls Gap bridge - take Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from waters in Macquarie perch, blackfish. this Basin. Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa - golden perch, Headwater streams of the Howqua, Rubicon, Torbreck, redfin, blackfish. Acheron, Yea and Goulburn rivers contain barred galaxias Waranga Basin - brown trout, redfin, golden perch, Murray (Galaxias fuscus). Headwater streams of the upper Cod, spiny freshwater crayfish. Taponga River contain a population of the threatened spotted tree frog (Litoria spenceri) Greens Lake (Corop) - redfin, golden perch. Socio-economic value Waterway management Lake Eildon - brown and rainbow trout, redfin, Murray cod, The Goulburn River from Eildon Pondage to Alexandra golden perch. and from Murchison to Loch Garry is a Premier River because it can provide high quality, accessible and Lake Eildon is a Premier Lake which is regularly stocked sustainable fishing for developing and experienced with large rainbow trout to provide opportunities for those anglers. The Goulburn River was selected to be developed new to fishing to try their luck and promoted as a Premier River through the Go Fishing Eildon Pondage - brown and rainbow trout, Murray spiny in Victoria initiative to enhance the social and economic crayfish. contribution of fishing to Victorian communities. Goulburn River Pondage to Alexandra - brown trout, The Goulburn Broken Regional River Health Strategy rainbow trout. guides waterway management and is implemented by the Goulburn River downstream of Shepparton - Murray cod, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority in this golden perch, Murray spiny crayfish. basin. Activities undertaken through the Strategy include habitat improvement works on the Delatite, Howqua, upper Goulburn River from Alexandra to Seymour - brown and Goulburn, Rubicon and Jamieson rivers, the Goulburn rainbow trout. River downstream of the Pondage and the King Parrot and Goulburn River from Seymour to Nagambie - Murray cod, Seven creeks. redfin, spiny freshwater crayfish, golden perch. The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan All Lake Eildon tributaries – brown and rainbow trout. to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Rubicon River and tributaries – brown and rainbow trout. Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Acheron River and tributaries – brown and rainbow trout. industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, Murrundindi River – brown and rainbow trout. land use changes and drought. King Parrot Creek – brown and rainbow trout. Heritage River Areas - Goulburn River (from Lake Eildon to the Murray River), the Howqua River (from the junction Criteria assessment of the north and south branches to Lake Eildon), and the Flow Big River (from the junction of Spring and Oaks creeks to Unregulated - Goulburn tributaries and rivers and streams the junction of Fryer Creek and Big River Arm at Lake upstream of Lake Eildon. Eildon). Regulated - Eildon Pondage to Alexandra, Goulburn Weir Representative Rivers - Cornella Creek is representative to the Murray. of the East Victorian dissected uplands, riverine plains.

Natural Catchment Area - Williams Creek on the Upper Goulburn River.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 21

Habitat Native - Goulburn River from Yea River to the Murray. The Goulburn Basin extends from steep hills northward Seven Creeks from the Goulburn to Galls Gap Bridge. into the Murray Plain. Much of the basin is forested with clear, cold and fast flowing rivers with gravel and rubble King Parrot Creek, downstream of Strath Creek. substrates. Further north the Basin has been cleared for Sunday Creek, Mollisons Creek and tributaries. farmland with isolated patches of forest and an area of intensive irrigation and cropping north of Waranga Majors Creek and all other waters downstream of Seymour Reservoir. Water quality is excellent for aquatic biota. not mentioned elsewhere.

Identifiable structures Some small headwater streams of the Howqua, Goulburn, Rubicon, Taponga, Acheron, Torbreck and Yea rivers and Lake Eildon, Goulburn Weir, Eildon Pondage, Mansfield- Hughes Creek in recognition of threatened species (see Jamieson Road, Mitchells Track, Seymour, Trawool, map). Murray River, Galls Gap Bridge, Poly McQuinn, Flowerdale-Yea Road, Waranga Basin, Shepparton, Casey's weir, Gowangardie Weir. Broken Basin Classification Preliminary assessment Trout - Goulburn River and tributaries upstream of Molesworth to Eildon. Species evidence King Parrot Creek upstream of Flowerdale. Golden perch, Murray cod, trout cod, redfin, blackfish, brown trout, rainbow trout. Eildon Pondage. Delatite, Howqua, Jamieson, Big, Taponga, Rubicon, Known range of angling species Acheron, Steavenson rivers and tributaries. Nillahcootie Lake - redfin, golden perch, Murray cod, trout, blackfish. Murrindindi River upstream from Devlin's Bridge area. Broken River downstream of Benalla Weir - golden perch, Goulburn River above Lake Eildon. Murray cod and redfin. All other Lake Eildon tributaries not mentioned elsewhere. Broken River downstream of Nillahcootie to Benalla and Mixed - Goulburn River upstream from Yea River to Ryans Creek upstream of McCall Say Weir - brown trout. Molesworth Bridge. Upper Hollands creek - brown and rainbow trout and Howqua River downstream from the Mansfield-Jamieson redfin. Road Bridge. Ryans creek - Macquarie perch. Jamieson River downstream from Jamieson Lima Creek - brown trout. Lake Eildon and Goulburn Weir. Lima East Creek - brown and rainbow trout. Yea River downstream of Devlin's Bridge. Waterway management Murrindindi River downstream of Devlin's Bridge. The Goulburn Broken River Health Strategy guides waterway management and is implemented by the King Parrot Creek, downstream of Flowerdale to Strath Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. The Creek. Authority undertakes activities including construction of Hughes Creek upstream of Tarcombe. fishway at Casey’s Weir on the Broken River. A ‘Demonstration Reach’ has been set up in Hollands Creek. Delatite River downstream of Mansfield-Jamieson Road and Jamieson River downstream of Mitchells Track.

22 Fisheries Victoria

The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan Criteria assessment to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Flow Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Regulated. industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing populations, the uncertainty of climate change, Habitat land use changes and drought. The Broken Basin consists mainly of flat farmland with sloping gentle hills. The Broken River drains from steep Ramsar - Barmah State Park and its associated forested hills south of Benalla through flat farmland to the waterways and wetlands including Barmah Lakes, Murray Goulburn River at Shepparton. Downstream of Benalla, River from Tocumwal to Barmah and the lower 5km reach the Broken Creek branches off from the Broken River and of the Broken Creek. flows to the Murray River near Barmah.

Threatened fish species Gravel and rubble substrates are restricted to the upper Freshwater catfish, flathead galaxias, Macquarie perch, reaches of the Broken River with the remainder of the river Murray cod, trout cod, Murray River rainbowfish, and substrates comprised of mud and sand substrate. Healthy Murray spiny crayfish. Murray cod and Murray spiny riparian vegetation, instream snags and fish cover in crayfish may be taken by anglers under a Governor in permanent pools are common, but periods of low flow Council order. occur during spring.

Socio-economic value Identifiable structures Nillahcootie Lake - redfin golden perch, Murray cod. Lake Nillahcootie, Ryans Creek, McCall Say Weir, Loombah Weir (Ryans Creek). Broken River Mansfield - brown trout. Broken River Casey's Weir - Murray cod, golden perch Classification Boosey and Broken Creek downstream of Nathalia - Trout - Ryans Creek upstream of McCall Say Weir and Murray cod, golden perch. between Loombah Weir and Ryans Creek township. Upper Hollands Creek. Broken River downstream of Nillahcootie to Benalla and Ryans Creek upstream of McCall Say Weir - brown trout. Mixed - Lake Nilahcootie, lower Hollands Creek, lower Ryans Creek below and including Loombah Weir, Hollands Creek upstream of the junction with Ryans Creek Baddaginnie Creek, Broken River south of Benalla. - brown and rainbow trout and redfin. Native - Ryans Creek between McCall Say and Loombah weirs and all other waters including Broken River north of Benalla.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 23

Central Region River Basins

Native Trout

Mixed

24 Fisheries Victoria

Central Region

The Central region encompasses all waters south The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to of the Great Dividing Range and includes the secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, inland waters surrounding Port Phillip Bay and agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Western Port including the basins of Bunyip, industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, Barwon and populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use Moorabool rivers. changes and drought.

Popular angling species in the region include Threatened fish species brown and rainbow trout, black bream, Australian Australian grayling, dwarf galaxias, Australian mudfish, bass, estuary perch, redfin and a range of other Warragul burrowing crayfish, Dandenong burrowing crayfish, Narracan burrowing crayfish, foothill burrowing crayfish. estuarine species. Also highly valued are native species which have been moved into the region Socio-economic value from the north of the state including populations of Waters valued for angling for trout include - the Bunyip river golden perch, Murray cod and Macquarie perch. upstream of the Princes Highway and Tarago River both upstream and downstream of Tarago Reservoir.

Waters valued for angling for native species include - Bunyip Bunyip Basin River upstream of the Princes Highway and Tarago River both upstream and downstream of Tarago Reservoir. Preliminary assessment

Species evidence Criteria assessment Black bream, mullet, brown and rainbow trout, redfin, Flow Gippsland spiny crayfish, longfin eel, river blackfish, southern Regulated. shortfin eel and Yarra spiny crayfish. Habitat Known range of angling species The larger rivers originate in steep mountains on the Tyers River - brown trout and river blackfish. northern and eastern sides of the Basin and flow through Main Creek - brown trout, southern shortfin eel, river extensive plains and discharge into Western Port. blackfish. Most of the Basin has been cleared for agriculture with Bunyip Creek - brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish. intensive irrigation and cropping in the south, particularly on Mornington Peninsula, which has many vineyards irrigated Lang Lang River - brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish, from local streams. southern shortfin eel, redfin, Gippsland spiny crayfish. Identifiable structures Waterway management Not applicable. The Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy guides waterway management. Activities Classification undertaken through the Strategy include removal of willow and pest plants and the protection of banks by fencing, re- Mixed - Waters north of Princes Highway including Tarago establishing native vegetation and engineering works in the and Bunyip rivers and tributaries, Dandenong, Cardinia, Cardinia and Deep creeks and the Lang Lang River. Cannibal and Labertouche creeks. Waters south west of Dandenong Hasting Road including Main, Stony, Merricks Cardinia and Tarago reservoirs are domestic water storages and Balcombe creeks and Devilbend Reservoir. managed by Melbourne Water and are closed to angling. Native - Waters south of Princes Highway including Cardinia, Toomuc and Yaloak creeks, Main Drain, and Lang Lang and Paterson rivers.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 25

Yarra Basin Socio-economic value Waters valued for angling for trout include - the Yarra River Preliminary assessment upstream of Launching Place and the Family Fishing Lakes.

Species evidence Waters valued for angling for native species include - the Yarra River including areas upstream and downstream of Australian bass, golden perch, Macquarie perch, Murray cod, Warburton and around Warrandyte and Melbourne. brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin, Gippsland spiny crayfish, river blackfish, Yarra spiny crayfish, snapper, mulloway, Lillydale Lake is a Premier Lake which is regularly stocked Australian salmon, black bream, mullet. with large rainbow trout to provide opportunities for those new to fishing to try their luck. Known range of angling species Yarra River upstream of Warburton - blackfish. Criteria assessment Yarra River upstream of Warburton - brown trout. Flow Yarra River between Warburton and Melba Highway - Regulated. Macquarie perch, Murray cod, blackfish, brown trout. Habitat Yarra River between Melba Highway and Dights falls - The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Macquarie perch, golden perch, Murray cod and brown trout. Reservoir in steep forest closed to fishing. The Yarra flows through forested areas upstream of Warburton and then into Yarra River estuary to Dights falls - black bream, mulloway, agricultural land and finally into urbanised areas and into snapper, trevally, mullet, Australian salmon, Australian bass. Port Phillip Bay.

Natural Catchment Area around Maroondah Reservoir Identifiable structures including Badger Creek currently believed to not contain Melba Highway, Warburton, Yarra Junction. trout.

Sugarloaf Reservoir - brown trout and golden perch. Classification Trout - Yarra and tributaries upstream of Launching Place Waterway management including Don, Hoddles and Dee creeks and Little Yarra and The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to tributaries from Yarra Junction. secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Mixed - Yarra and tributaries from Melba Highway Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Warburton including Woori Yallock, McCrae, Shepphard, industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing New Chum and Paul creeks. populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use Native - Yarra and tributaries from estuary to Melba changes and drought. Highway. Maroondah Reservoir and Badger Creek area Heritage River - Yarra River from Warburton to around Healesville. Templestowe. Natural Catchment Area - upper reaches of the O'Shannassy Maribyrnong Basin River. Preliminary assessment Threatened fish species Australian mudfish, Australian grayling, dwarf galaxias, Species evidence Macquarie perch, Murray cod, Dandenong burrowing Brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin, blackfish, southern shortfin crayfish, Gippsland burrowing crayfish, tubercle burrowing eel, estuary perch and other estuarine species. crayfish, foothill burrowing crayfish and Yarra pygmy perch. An order has been made under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Known range of angling species Act to allow anglers to take Macquarie perch and Murray cod Maribyrnong River from Solomons Ford to Yarra River within the Yarra Basin. estuary - estuary perch, black bream, silver trevally, mullet, flathead, pinkie snapper and mulloway and other estuarine species.

26 Fisheries Victoria

Maribyrnong River and tributaries upstream of Solomons Classification Ford - shortfin eels and brown trout. Native - Maribyrnong downstream of Bulla. Jacksons, Riddells and Deep creeks - short-finned eels and brown trout. Mixed - Jacksons Creek upstream of Gisbourne, streams between Bulla and Clarkfield. Waterway management Trout – all other waters. Melbourne Water manages waterways through the regional Port Phillip and Westernport River Health Strategy and undertakes activities including erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, fencing and Werribee Basin replanting banks and provision of fish passage. Preliminary assessment Most waterways flow through private property, and due to settlement largely taking place before Crown Land Frontage Species evidence was implemented, ownership often extends to the top of the Shortfin eel, river blackfish, brown trout, bank or mid stream. Known range of angling species The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to Lerderderg River upstream of Blackwood - brown trout, secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, shortfin eel, blackfish. agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Werribee River and tributaries above Melton Reservoir – industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing brown trout, blackfish and redfin. populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use changes and drought. Werribee River downstream of Melton Reservoir - shortfin eel. Threatened fish species Werribee River estuary - black bream, mulloway, mullet, Australian grayling and Yarra pygmy perch (Deep Creek snapper, some flathead and other estuarine species. upstream of Lancefield). Kororoit Creek estuary - black bream, mulloway, mullet, Socio-economic value snapper and other estuarine species. Waters valued for angling for mixed species include - Kororoit Creek - shortfin eel. Maribyrnong River above Solomons Ford and tributaries including Deep, creeks and particularly Jacksons Creek Waterway management downstream of Riddells Creek junction. Melbourne Water manages waterways through the regional Waters valued for angling for native species include - Port Phillip and Westernport River Health Strategy and Maribyrnong River downstream of Solomons Ford. undertakes activities including erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, fencing and Criteria assessment replanting banks and provision of fish passage.

Flow The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Unregulated - Deep Creek. agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Regulated - Maribyrnong River and Jacksons creek. Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Habitat populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use River flows in a deep valley through cleared farmland and changes and drought. Melbourne suburbs. Substrate is mud, sand, rock and Heritage River - Lerderderg River downstream of Roach boulders. Very extensive pools with sluggish flow and Road and the boundary of the southern extremity of discoloured water. Lerderderg State Park. Identifiable structures Representative River - The Lerderderg River, at O'Briens Solomons Ford, Donnybrook Road, Calder Highway. Crossing, has been listed as a Representative River of West Victorian dissected uplands, volcanic plains.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 27

Ramsar - western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, which is the Ramsar - western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, which is the receiving body for all water flowing out of this Basin. receiving body for all water flowing out of this Basin.

Threatened fish species Threatened fish species Australian Mudfish. Australian grayling, Yarra pygmy perch.

Socio-economic value Socio-economic value Waters valued for angling for native species include - Bostock Reservoir - trout. Werribee River downstream of Melton Reservoir including Werribee River estuary. Moorabool Reservoir - trout.

Waters valued for angling for mixed species include - Moorabool River between Bungal Dam and Sheoaks - brown Lerderderg River upstream of Blackwood. trout.

Waters valued for angling for trout species include - Pykes Hovell Creek estuary - black bream. Creek Reservoir and Lerderderg and Werribee rivers. Criteria assessment Classification Flow Native - Kororoit Creek. Regulated. Mixed - all other waters. Habitat The Moorabool River rises as two major tributaries on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range near Ballan and Moorabool Basin flows in a southeast direction joining the Barwon River near Geelong. There is intensive, irrigated cropping in the Preliminary assessment headwaters, but most of the river flows through open Species evidence farmland used for grazing and broad acre cropping. Brown and rainbow trout, redfin, river blackfish, shortfin eel. Flow in the Moorabool River is controlled by releases from Lal Lal Reservoir (Bungal Dam) and Bostock Reservoir and Known range of angling species flow in the southern streams is generally low during summer Hovell Creek - shortfin eel, redfin, tupong and estuarine and autumn. species including black bream, flathead, silver trevally and snapper. Identifiable structures Not applicable. Moorabool River including east and west branch - brown trout, shortfin eel, river blackfish and redfin. Classification Waterway management Mixed - all waters. The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority manages waterways in the region through the Corangamite Regional River Health Strategy and undertakes activities Barwon Basin including erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, fencing and replanting banks and Preliminary assessment provision of fish passage, primarily in the Moorabool River. Species evidence The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to Brown trout, river blackfish, shortfin eel, black bream, secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Australian salmon, sand mullet, mullet, flathead, silver agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The trevally, black bream, King George whiting, mulloway. Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Known range of angling species populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use Barwon River from Forrest to Lake Connewarre - brown changes and drought. trout, river blackfish, redfin, shortfin eel.

Representative River - Moorabool River east branch is a Barwon River downstream of Lake Connewarre - Australian volcanic plains, west Victorian dissected uplands river. salmon, sand mullet, mullet, flathead, silver trevally, black

28 Fisheries Victoria

bream and King George whiting, mulloway, brown trout, the Otway Ranges upstream of Forrest and descends quickly redfin, flounder, sea mullet, tupong, silver trevally, estuary into flat farmland of the western basalt plain. Salinity is the perch, luderick, shorthead lamprey, King George whiting and major water quality problem and the Barwon River has little tailor. riparian vegetation except for some sections with river red gums and willows, but rushes and sedges are abundant in Lakes Modewarre Murdeduke, Wurdee Boluc and most localities. Wendouree and West Barwon Reservoir - brown trout and rainbow trout. Outcrops of basalt rock particularly around Inverleigh, Pollocksford and at Buckleys Falls create rapids and Waterway management cascades. The lower reaches experience extended periods The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority of very low flow during summer and autumn. There are manages waterways in the region through the Corangamite numerous deep pools, particularly in the lower reaches of the Regional River Health Strategy and undertakes activities Barwon River, which provide permanent habitat supporting including erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow good fish populations. and weed removal, fencing and replanting banks and provision of fish passage, primarily in the Barwon River. Identifiable structures Buckley's Falls, Lake Connewarre. The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Classification agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Trout – Wurdee Boluc, Modewarre, Wendouree and industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Murdeduke lakes, Gong Gong and West Barwon reservoirs populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use and the Family Fishing lakes. changes and drought. Native - below Lake Connewarre. Ramsar - western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, which is the receiving body for all water flowing out of this Basin. Mixed - all other waters.

Threatened fish species Australian grayling, Yarra pygmy perch, Australian mudfish, Corangamite Basin dwarf galaxid, Otways crayfish, western burrowing crayfish, hairy burrowing crayfish. Preliminary assessment

Socio-economic value Species evidence Barwon River estuary - estuarine species. Australian bass, golden perch, river blackfish, silver perch and short-finned eel, Atlantic salmon, brown trout, Chinook Barwon River above estuary (above Buckleys falls) - brown salmon, redfin, rainbow trout. trout, shortfin eel, and redfin. Known range of angling species Yarrowee (Leigh) River – brown trout. Lake Bullen Merri – trout, Chinook salmon and Australian Lake Wendouree - brown and rainbow trout. bass.

Wurdee Boluc, Modewarre and Murdeduke lakes, Gong Lake Tooliorook - trout and eel. Gong and West Barwon reservoirs when water levels are Woady Yaloak Creek - trout, redfin, eel, blackfish. appropriate to support fish, and the Family Fishing lakes - trout. Waterway management The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Criteria assessment manages waterways in the region through the Corangamite River Health Strategy and undertakes activities including Flow erosion control, bed and bank stabilisation, willow and weed Regulated. removal, fencing and replanting banks. Work has primarily Habitat been undertaken at Lake Bullen Merri, Lake Colac and on the Woady Yaloak River. The Barwon River flows through southern end of the Basin and through Geelong. It rises in steep, forested mountains in

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 29

The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Otway Basin agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Preliminary assessment industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Species evidence populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use Estuary perch, black bream, river blackfish, and short-finned changes and drought. eel, redfin, Atlantic salmon, brown and rainbow trout, Ramsar - Lake Beeac, Lake Corangamite, Lake Colongulac, Chinook salmon. Lake Cundare, Lake Gnarpurt, Lake Milangil and Lake Known range of angling species Terangpom. Rivers and creeks east of Cape Otway - brown trout, shortfin Threatened fish species eels. Yarra pygmy perch, mountain galaxias, hairy burrowing Estuaries of rivers and creeks - black bream, estuary perch, crayfish. mullet, Australian salmon and flounder. Socio-economic value Gellibrand and Carlisle rivers and tributaries and Kennedy's, Lake Bullen Merri – trout, Australian bass and salmonid Sandy, Chapple creeks and tributaries - blackfish, brown species. trout and eels.

Lake Tooliorook (Ettrick) - trout and eel. Aire River and tributaries including Ford River - brown trout.

Woady Yaloak River - trout, redfin, eel, blackfish. Aire River estuary including Lake Hordon - estuary perch, black bream, mullet, brown trout and shortfin eel. Criteria assessment Lake Purrumbete – brown and rainbow trout, Chinook Flow salmon, redfin and eels. Regulated. Lake Elingamite – brown trout, redfin and eels. Habitat Woady Yaloak Creek is the largest waterway in the basin Curdies River – Estuarine species, brown trout, redfin and and flows into the highly saline Lake Corangamite. Lake eels. Bullen Merri is a deep, brackish lake enclosed in a volcanic Waterway management crater. The catchment includes mixed species forest in the northern hills and southwest of Lake Corangamite and the The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority remainder of the basin is grazing or broad acre cropping. manages waterways in the region through the Corangamite There is no riparian tree cover except along the upper River Health Strategy and undertakes activities erosion Woady Yaloak River and sections of Kuruc-A-Ruc Creek. control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, fencing and replanting banks, restoring fish passage, habitat Identifiable structures and improving angler access in selected waters. Work has Not applicable taken place in the Barham, Curdies, Gellibrand and Wye Rivers.

Classification The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently Mixed - all waters. in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water resources including climate change, drought, and land use Trout - Bullen Merri and Tooliorook (Ettrick) lakes. Although change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Bullen Merri is classified as 'Trout', this does not preclude industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 stocking of other salmonids such as Chinook or Atlantic years. salmon where such a decision is made through the Vic Fish Stock process.

30 Fisheries Victoria

Representative Rivers - Kennedy Creek a tributary of the Criteria assessment Gellibrand River has been listed as a Representative River of dissected coastal plains, volcanic plains. The Gellibrand Flow River upstream of Carlisle has been listed as a Unregulated. Representative River for Otway Ranges, dissected plains. The entire length of the Aire River is recognised as a Habitat Representative River. The Otway Ranges in the basin are a large area of moderate to steep forested hills and all the larger streams drain from Heritage River - Aire River from Hopetown Falls to the sea. the ranges southern slopes into the sea, east and west of Cape Otway. The remainder of the Basin is all cleared Threatened fish species farmland. There are two large rivers, the Gellibrand and the Australian grayling, Australian mudfish, Yarra pygmy perch, Curdies. Other waterways are small streams flowing a short Otway burrowing crayfish, hairy burrowing crayfish. distance from forested hills to the sea. They have high gradients and are characterized by cascades and rapids, Socio-economic value with coarse substrates and small estuaries. Purrumbete Lake - trout, eel, redfin. Identifiable structures Gellibrand and Carlisle rivers and tributaries - river blackfish Lavers Hill to Colac Road, Princetown Road, Great Ocean and brown trout. Road. Aire River and tributaries including Ford River - brown trout. Classification Aire River estuary including Lake Hordon - estuarine Trout - Lake Elingamite and Lake Purrumbete. Although species, brown trout and shortfin eel. these lakes are classified as 'Trout', this does not preclude stocking of other salmonid species such as Chinook or Lake Elingamite – trout, redfin Atlantic salmon where other conditions are met. Otway coastal streams from and including Barham River to Native - Barwon Heads Road to Erskine River and and including Erskine River – brown trout, estuarine species Gellibrand and Carlisle tributaries including Chapple, Sandy, in estuaries. Boggy, Cole, Bryant and Kennedys creeks. Curdies River – estuarine species Mixed – Gellibrand and Carlisle rivers and Lardners Creek and all other waters. Aire, Gellibrand and Ford rivers – downstream of the Great Ocean Road Bridge.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 31

North Central River Basins Native Mixed

32 Fisheries Victoria

North Central Region

The North Central region encompasses the Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Avoca, Loddon and Campaspe basins. Popular industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing angling species include brown and rainbow trout, populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use changes and drought. redfin, golden perch, silver perch, Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish and blackfish. Threatened fish species Murray cod, Macquarie perch, silver perch and Murray spiny crayfish. A Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Campaspe Basin Macquarie perch from the Upper Coliban Reservoir in this Basin. Preliminary assessment Species evidence Socio-economic value Golden perch, Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, Macquarie Lake Eppalock - redfin, brown trout, golden perch, Murray perch, silver perch, trout cod, brown trout, rainbow trout, cod. redfin. Campaspe River immediately below Lake Eppalock to Known range of angling species Axedale - brown trout, golden perch. Lake Eppalock - redfin, brown trout, golden perch, Murray Campaspe weir at Elmore - golden perch, Murray cod. cod. Lauriston Reservoir (and Malmsbury Reservoir when full) - Campaspe River immediately below Lake Eppalock to brown trout, redfin. Axedale - brown trout, golden perch. Coliban and Campaspe River above Eppalock - brown trout, Campaspe weir at Elmore - golden perch, Murray cod. redfin, Macquarie perch. Coliban River - Macquarie perch, brown trout, redfin. Upper Coliban Reservoir - brown trout and Macquarie perch. Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs - brown trout, redfin. Lower Campaspe River below Campaspe Weir - Murray cod, Coliban and Campaspe River above Eppalock - brown trout, golden perch, redfin. redfin, Macquarie perch. Criteria assessment Upper Coliban Reservoir - Macquarie perch, redfin, brown trout. Flow Regulated with some natural flow Waterway management The North Central River Health Strategy guides waterway Habitat management and is implemented by the North Central This is a long, narrow Basin with one main river and several Catchment Management Authority. The North Central large reservoirs in the south which provide most of the Catchment Management Authority conducts annual fishing. The Basin includes both the Coliban and Campaspe monitoring within selected sites along the Campaspe and river systems. The Campaspe River valley is grazed and Loddon rivers as part of the Victorian Environmental Flows cropped with scattered patches of woodland, particularly Monitoring and Assessment Program. The information around Lake Eppalock. gathered includes a brief habitat description and condition assessment for each site and indicates which species were Identifiable structures caught at each site using various sampling techniques. McIvor Highway, Northern Highway, Calder Highway. River improvement works are also continuing at several Upper Coliban reservoirs, Lake Eppalock and Campaspe locations along the Campaspe River. Works include control Weir. of erosion, eradication of weeds, revegetation and fencing off the river bank to stock. Classification Axe Creek is listed as a Representative River of the North Mixed - the Campaspe River south of McIvor Highway and West uplands. Northern Highway including Lauriston and Upper Coliban lakes. The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, Native - the Campaspe River north of McIvor Highway and agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Northern Highway and Lake Eppalock.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 33

Loddon Basin South Threatened fish species Murray cod, silver perch and freshwater catfish. A Governor Preliminary assessment in Council order allows anglers to take Murray cod and Species evidence Murray spiny crayfish in this Basin. Golden perch, redfin, rainbow trout and brown trout, bony Socio-economic value bream, Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, blackfish, freshwater catfish, silver perch. Cairn Curran Reservoir - redfin, brown trout, golden perch, Murray cod. Known range of angling species Laanecoorie Reservoir - golden perch, Murray cod. redfin. Loddon River at Bridgewater Weir - Murray cod, golden perch, redfin. Jim Crow Creek - brown trout.

Cairn Curran Reservoir - redfin, brown trout, golden perch, Bridgewater Weir - Murray cod, golden perch. Murray cod. Loddon River and tributaries - Golden perch, redfin, brown Loddon River north from Pyrenees Highway including Cairn trout, bony bream, Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, Curran – brown trout, golden perch, blackfish, freshwater blackfish, redfin. catfish and Murray cod. Tullaroop, Newlyn and Talbot reservoirs – brown trout and Dean, Cosgrove, Bullarto, Wombat, Newlyn, Barkers creeks redfin. (Harcourt), Talbot and Kennington reservoirs, Hepburn Lagoon and Jubilee Lake – brown and rainbow trout. Dean, Wombat, Bullarto, Cosgrove and Harcourt reservoirs and Hepburn Lagoon - brown trout. Upper Loddon tributaries - blackfish. Expedition Pass Reservoir – golden perch, Murray cod, Newlyn, Barkers Creek and Kennington Reservoir - redfin redfin,

Loddon River system and tributaries above and including Kennington Reservoir and Jubilee Lake are Premier Lakes Cairn Curran Reservoir - blackfish, redfin and brown trout. which are regularly stocked with large rainbow trout to provide opportunities for those new to fishing to try their luck. Tullaroop creek system above Tullaroop Reservoir – trout, redfin and blackfish. Jubilee Lake and Kennington Reservoir – rainbow trout, redfin. Tullaroop Reservoir – brown trout, golden perch and redfin. Tullaroop Creek - blackfish. Jim Crow Creek - brown trout. Catchments above Tullaroop and Cairn Curran reservoirs - Cosgrove Reservoir – brown and rainbow trout, redfin brown trout, blackfish. Talbot Reservoir – brown trout, redfin Criteria assessment Expedition Pass Reservoir – golden perch, Murray cod, redfin, Flow Regulated downstream of Cairn Curran. Natural flow Waterway management elsewhere. The North Central Catchment Management Authority manages waterways in the region through the North Central Habitat River Health Strategy. The South Loddon Basin is mostly gentle to moderate hilly terrain with some flat farmland in the Tullaroop and The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to McCallum Creek catchments. The headwaters of the Loddon secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, are located in the Wombat State Forest in the Great Dividing agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Range and the river descends into grazing land with Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, numerous scattered areas of mixed species forest. Rock, industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing rubble and gravel are common substrates in the waterways. populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use changes and drought.

34 Fisheries Victoria

Identifiable structures delivery of environmental flows in the Loddon River and Pyrenees Highway, Tullaroop, Harcourt, Expedition Pass associated wetlands. Flow in Gunbower Creek has been and Cairn Curran reservoirs, Laanecoorie and Loddon River increased improve wetland habitat by more frequently system weirs. flooding areas of the Gunbower Forest. The North Central Catchment Management Authority Classification conducts annual monitoring within selected sites along the Trout - Lakes and impoundments including Kennington, Loddon Rivers as part of the Victorian Environmental Flows Tullaroop, Dean, Talbot, Cosgrove, Bullarto, Wombat, Monitoring and Assessment Program. The information Newlyn reservoirs Hepburn Lagoon and Barkers Creek gathered includes a brief habitat description and condition (Harcourt Reservoir) and Lake Jubilee. assessment for each site and characterises species present.

Mixed - Cairn Curran Reservoir. Tullaroop Creek system The Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to south of Tullaroop Reservoir. secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and the environment for the next 50 years. The Native - Loddon River and tributaries north of and including Strategy sets out a plan to meet the water needs of towns, Laanecoorie Reservoir and Expedition Pass Reservoir. industry, farms and the environment in the context of growing Loddon River and tributaries between Laanecoorie and Cairn populations, the uncertainty of climate change, land use Curran. All other waters north of Calder Highway. changes and drought.

Ramsar - numerous lakes and swamps in the Basin. Loddon Basin North Threatened fish species Preliminary assessment Murray cod, trout cod, silver perch, freshwater catfish, Species evidence Murray hardyhead, unspecked hardyhead, Murray River Golden perch, bony bream, Murray cod and Murray spiny rainbowfish and Murray spiny crayfish. crayfish, freshwater catfish, blackfish, brown trout, redfin and silver perch. A Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from any water and silver Known range of angling species perch only from lakes or impoundments in this Basin. Serpentine creek and Lower Loddon River - blackfish have a low tolerance for salinity and now possibly occur only in Socio-economic value Serpentine Creek and the Lower Loddon River. Gunbower Creek - Murray cod, golden perch, redfin. Serpentine Weir – blackfish, golden perch, Murray cod. Serpentine Weir and Creek - golden perch, Murray cod and Gunbower and Pyramid creeks, Loddon Weir and Kerang blackfish. Weir pool – Murray cod, golden perch. Kow Swamp - redfin, silver perch, golden perch, Murray cod, Kangaroo Lakes - redfin, bony bream, golden perch, Lake Charm - redfin, golden perch, Murray cod, European carp, Murray cod, silver perch. Kangaroo Lakes - redfin, bony bream, golden perch, Kerang Weir pool – golden perch, Murray cod. European carp, Murray cod, silver perch. Kow Swamp - redfin, silver perch, golden perch, bony bream, Loddon weir - golden perch, Murray cod. freshwater catfish, Murray cod, Pyramid creek - golden perch, Murray cod. Waranga Western Channel - brown trout, redfin, golden perch. Little Murray River - golden perch, Murray cod, redfin.

Little Murray River - catfish, golden perch, Murray cod, silver Criteria assessment perch, redfin. Flow Waterway management Regulated. The North Central Catchment Management Authority manages waterways in the region through the North Central Habitat River Health Strategy. Work includes the Loddon Stressed The North Loddon catchment has numerous wetlands River project, installation of a Kerang Weir fishway and connected to the Loddon River and swampy depressions

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 35

and landforms developed by wind erosion. The area is used Avoca River is listed in the Victorian River Health Strategy as for grazing and cropping with isolated patches of red gum a Representative River of the North West floodplains. woodlands and a denser strip of forest along the Murray River. Due to a regulated water delivery system the natural Ramsar wetlands - Lake Bael Bael and The Marshes. flow regime has been altered with low flow during winter and Threatened fish species spring and high flows during summer. Murray cod, Murray River rainbowfish, freshwater catfish, Identifiable structures flathead galaxias, silver perch, unspecked hardyhead and Loddon (Fernihurst) Serpentine, Kerang and Kow Swamp Murray spiny crayfish. A Governor in Council order allows weirs and weirs regulators on Gunbower Creek. anglers to take Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from any water and silver perch from any impoundment in this Classification Basin. Native - all waters. Socio-economic value Teddington Reservoir Top and Bottom lakes - brown trout. Avoca Basin Avoca River - Murray cod, golden perch, redfin. Preliminary assessment Species evidence Charlton Weir - redfin, golden perch, Murray cod. Golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch, Murray spiny Lake Bael Bael. crayfish, freshwater catfish, brown trout, redfin. Old St Arnaud swimming pool – rainbow trout Known range of angling species Teddington reservoirs (Top and Bottom lakes) - brown trout. Bealiba and Redbank reservoirs – redfin, golden perch.

Teddington Reservoir Bottom Lake – redfin. Tchum Lake – golden perch.

Avoca River - Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch Criteria assessment recorded in 1976, blackfish, redfin and small numbers of freshwater catfish. Flow Unregulated - variable ranging from extended periods of low Old St Arnaud swimming pool – rainbow trout flow to floods. In dry years, flow stops for many months.

Bealiba and Redbank reservoirs – redfin, golden perch. Habitat

Tchum Lake – golden perch. The Avoca River rises in the Central Highlands near Amphitheatre and flows north into Lake Bael Bael. Below Waterway management Charlton the river is subject to water levels and pools of The North Central Catchment Management Authority various depths with the lower reaches subject to extensive manages waterways in the region through the North Central artificially constructed banks that prevent a naturally River Health Strategy. Activities undertaken through the functioning floodplain ecosystem The river is subject to Strategy include habitat improvement in the upper reaches of salinity with anaerobic (low oxygen concentration) water in the Avoca River, within the section nominated as a the bottom of deeper pools during low flow periods. Representative River. The river has native riparian vegetation along its entire length The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently and reasonably stable banks and the lower floodplain is in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water subject to natural stands lignum that form valuable habitats. resources including climate change, drought, and land use Identifiable structures change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 Not applicable. years. Classification The entire Avoca River is a Representative River. The upper Trout - Old St Arnaud Swimming Pool and Teddington Avoca River is listed in the Victorian River Health Strategy as reservoirs. a Representative River of the North West uplands. The lower Native - all other waters including Avoca River, Bealiba and Redbank reservoirs and Tchum Lake.

36 Fisheries Victoria

Glenelg Hopkins River Basins

Native

Trout Mixed

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 37

Wimmera Mallee River Basins Native

38 Fisheries Victoria

West Region

The West Region encompasses the Hopkins, Premier River through the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative to Portland, Glenelg, Hopkins, Mallee and Wimmera enhance the social and economic contribution of fishing to basins. Popular angling species include brown Victorian communities. and rainbow trout, redfin, golden perch, silver Ramsar site – Lake Bookar. perch, Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish, blackfish and a range of estuarine species. The Threatened fish species Wimmera basin is unique because freshwater Australian grayling, Yarra pygmy perch, Portland burrowing crayfish, hairy burrowing crayfish and dwarf galaxias. catfish may be taken by anglers. Socio-economic value Hopkins Basin Hopkins River estuary - estuary perch, black bream. Lower Merri including the estuary - brown trout, black bream, Preliminary assessment and estuary perch, yellow-eye mullet. Species evidence Estuary perch, black bream, river blackfish, southern shortfin Lake Burrumbeet - redfin, brown trout and eels. eel, brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin. Beaufort Lake – brown trout. Known range of angling species Greenhill Lake – brown trout. Lake Burrumbeet - brown trout, redfin, eels.

Merri River downstream Bromfield St Weir (Wollaston Weir) - Criteria assessment brown trout, estuary perch, black bream, mullet, Australian Flow salmon and short-finned eel. Unregulated. Merri River upstream of Bromfield St Weir (Wollaston Weir) - Habitat brown trout, river blackfish. This basin is mostly cleared for agriculture except for small Mount Emu Creek and Hopkins River - river blackfish, areas of low mixed-species forest north of Beaufort. All the shortfin eel and brown trout. rivers flow through grassland and riparian tree cover is usually absent apart from scattered individual trees. Hopkins River estuary - estuary perch, black bream, mulloway and other native estuarine species. The absence of forest, the predominance of finely textured soils and low rainfall results in slow-flowing, mud-bottom Hopkins and Merri rivers and tributaries - shortfin eel, brown streams with relatively high summer salinity. The numerous trout. lakes provide excellent fishing.

Waterway management Identifiable structures The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Merri River weir. manages waterways in the Region through the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy. Activities undertaken through Bromfield St Weir (Wollaston Weir). the Strategy include habitat improvement through erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, Princes, Glenelg and Hopkins highways. fencing and replanting banks. Classification The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently Trout - Merri River downstream of Drysdale Creek to Princes in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water Highway, Mount Emu Creek from Hopkins River junction to resources including climate change, drought, and land use Skipton. change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 Mixed - all other waters including Hopkins River downstream years. of the Hopkins Falls and Merri River downstream of Bromfield Weir The Hopkins River estuary is a Premier River because it can provide high quality, accessible and sustainable fishing for developing and experienced anglers. The Hopkins River estuary was selected to be developed and promoted as a

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 39

Darlots Creek, Eumerella River, Shaw River and Moyne Portland Basin River are the main freshwater rivers in this basin. Preliminary assessment Most rivers of the Portland Coastal Basin are in poor Species evidence environmental condition having limited riparian vegetation, Estuary perch, river blackfish, southern shortfin eel, brown elevated nutrients and elevated salinity. trout, rainbow trout, redfin. Freshwater sections of these rivers support populations of Known range of angling species shortfin eels, tupong and river blackfish. Some of the rivers Surry, Fitzroy, Eumerella, Shaw and Moyne rivers and also support small populations of brown trout. Darlots Creek - shortfin eels, redfin, tupong, river blackfish and brown trout. Identifiable structures Not applicable. Yambuk Lake, Fitzroy, Moyne, Surrey and Eumerella river estuaries - black bream, mullet, Australian salmon, estuary Classification perch and flounder. Trout - Aringa Reservoir. Aringa Reservoir - brown and rainbow trout. Native - all other waters. Waterway management Mixed – Moyne River. The Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy guides waterway management and is implemented by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. Activities undertaken Glenelg Basin through the Strategy include habitat improvement through erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed Preliminary assessment removal, fencing and replanting banks. Species evidence The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently Estuary perch, Australian bass, river blackfish, shortfin eel, in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water brown trout, rainbow trout, tupong, redfin. resources including climate change, drought, and land use Known range of angling species change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Trout fishing is largely dependent on stocking. industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Blackfish - Kangaroo and Muddy creeks, Stokes, Crawford, Threatened fish species Glenelg and Wannon rivers, Mombeong Lake, Rocklands Reservoir. Yarra pygmy perch, dwarf galaxias, Portland burrowing crayfish, Glenelg spiny crayfish, hairy burrowing crayfish. Glenelg estuary - Estuary perch, black bream, yellow-eye mullet, Australian salmon, mulloway, luderick, flathead and Socio-economic value flounder. Aringa Reservoir - brown trout, rainbow trout. Glenelg estuary and Glenelg River to Casterton - estuary Yambuk Lake & Fitzroy River estuary - black bream, yellow- perch and rainbow trout. eye mullet, Australian salmon, estuary perch and flounder. Glenelg River – Australian bass and rainbow trout. Moyne River – brown trout, and estuarine species in estuary. Waterway management Criteria assessment The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority manages the waterways in the region through the Glenelg Flow Hopkins River Health Strategy. Activities undertaken through Unregulated. the Strategy include erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, willow and weed removal, fencing and Habitat replanting banks. Works have been carried out on numerous The Portland Basin is primarily a flat volcanic plain with a waterways in this basin. coastal strip of dune complex. Land use is primarily grazing and broad acre cropping. The Surry River, Fitzroy River, The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water

40 Fisheries Victoria

resources including climate change, drought, and land use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Millicent Basin industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 Preliminary assessment years. Species evidence Heritage River - The Glenelg River from Dartmoor to the sea Murray cod, golden perch, brown and rainbow trout, redfin. (excluding the section in South Australia). Known range of angling species Threatened fish species Bringalbert Lake, Carpolac Lake, Charlegark Lake and Miga Dwarf galaxias, Yarra pygmy perch, variegated pygmy perch, Lake - Murray cod, golden perch. Glenelg spiny crayfish, Glenelg freshwater mussel, Wallace Lake - brown and rainbow trout. Australian grayling, Portland burrowing crayfish and Macquarie perch. Mosquito Creek - brown and rainbow trout

Socio-economic value Waterway management Waters valued for angling for trout include - the Konong The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Wootong and Rocklands reservoirs, Lake Hamilton and the manages the waterways in the region through the Glenelg Family Fishing Lakes. Hopkins River Health Strategy. No activities have been undertaken in this basin. Waters valued for angling for native species include - Glenelg River and Glenelg River estuary. The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water Criteria assessment resources including climate change, drought, and land use change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, Flow industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 Unregulated apart from Glenelg below Rocklands Reservoir. years. Habitat Threatened fish species Many waterways in this basin including the Glenelg and Murray cod, Australian mudfish and Yarra pygmy perch. Wannon Rivers carry elevated sediment loads from erosion of tributary streams. The Glenelg River downstream of A Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Murray Rocklands Reservoir to Dartmoor has almost continuous cod. riparian vegetation of mature gums along both banks. The Wannon River downstream to the Wannon Falls on the Socio-economic value Glenelg Highway is in good, moderate and excellent Lake Charlegark and Booroopki Swamp - Murray cod. condition at various localities. It is in poor condition Wallace Lake - brown and rainbow trout. downstream of Tahara deteriorates towards the Glenelg River because of sedimentation. Criteria assessment The top of the Glenelg River estuary has sedimentation but Flow habitat further downstream in the Lower Glenelg National Park is in excellent condition. Not applicable.

Identifiable structures Habitat Rocklands Reservoir This basin is mainly located in South Australia. The small area extending into Victoria includes a sand dune complex Classification with mallee, saltbush and heathland scrub, some farmland and scattered low forest. Surface water consists of a large Mixed - Rocklands Reservoir, Konong Wootong Reservoir number of shallow, brackish lakes and swamps and the (Lake) and Lake Hamilton upper reaches of Mosquito Creek. Only a few waters are Native - all other waters. suitable for angling. Murray cod and golden perch have been introduced into a number of waters.

Identifiable structures Not applicable.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 41

Classification Wimmera Basin Trout - Wallace Lake. Preliminary assessment Native - all other waters. Species evidence

Golden perch, Murray cod, freshwater catfish, silver perch, Mallee Basin river blackfish, brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin. Preliminary assessment Known range of angling species Species evidence Wimmera River and tributaries - freshwater catfish, redfin, Murray cod, golden perch, Murray spiny crayfish, silver perch golden perch, silver perch, Murray cod. freshwater catfish, redfin. Richardson River - golden perch, freshwater catfish, Murray Known range of angling species Cod, and redfin.

Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch, yabby and MacKenzie River - trout, blackfish and redfin. freshwater catfish. Upper Wimmera River creeks and streams - blackfish, redfin. Waterway management The Mallee Catchment Management Authority manages the Mount William and Burnt Creek - blackfish, golden perch and waterways in the region through the Mallee River Health redfin. Strategy. Environmental flood flows for red gum forests were provided for Lindsay and Walpolla islands and Hattah Lakes Lakes Lonsdale, Taylors, Hindmarsh, Albacutya and Buloke - as part of the Regional River Health Strategy. yabbies.

The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently Lake Hindmarsh - yabbies, redfin and golden perch. in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water Rich Avon weir pool on the Richardson River near Marnoo – resources including climate change, drought, and land use redfin, Murray cod, golden perch. change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 Lakes Bellfield, Fyans, Wartook and Toolondo – brown and years. rainbow trout, redfin.

Ramsar sites - Lakes Bitterang, Cantala, Konardin, Yelwell, MacKenzie River between Horsham Water Supply channel Yerang, Mournpall, Bulla, Hattah, Arawak, Brockie and diversion weir (Dad & Dave’s Weir) and the outlet of Lake Kramen in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Wartook – brown trout and blackfish.

Threatened fish species Fyans Creek - brown trout, rainbow trout (blackfish?) and Murray cod, freshwater catfish, Murray hardyhead, Murray redfin. River rainbowfish, silver perch, unspecked hardyhead, southern purple-spotted gudgeon and Murray spiny crayfish. Waterway management The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority manages Murray cod, silver perch freshwater catfish and Murray spiny waters in the region through the Wimmera River Health crayfish - a Governor in Council order allows anglers to take Strategy. Activities undertaken through the Strategy include Murray cod and Murray spiny crayfish from any water and habitat improvement in the headwaters of the Wimmera silver perch only from lakes or impoundments in this Basin. River, in the McKenzie Creek and the Avon-Richardson river.

Socio-economic value The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is currently Waters valued for angling for native species such as golden in preparation and will respond to pressures facing water perch and Murray cod include - Cullulleraine Lake, Lindsay resources including climate change, drought, and land use and Mullaroo rivers, Walpolla Creek and the Hattah lakes change. The strategy aims to secure water for towns, when holding water. industry, the environment and agriculture for the next 50 years. Classification Heritage River - Wimmera River from Polkemmet Bridge to Native - all waters. Wirrengren Plain.

42 Fisheries Victoria

Threatened fish species Criteria assessment Murray cod, silver perch, freshwater catfish. A Governor in Flow Council order allows anglers to take Murray cod, freshwater catfish and silver perch from waters in this Basin. Regulated.

Socio-economic value Habitat The Wimmera Basin is of statewide significance because it is Most waters in the region originate in the southern Pyrenees the only area of Victoria where anglers are legally permitted and Grampian ranges and flow north via the Wimmera and to take catfish. It has significant populations of Murray cod, Avon-Richardson rivers. Flows are reduced north of the golden perch, redfin and brown and rainbow trout. Wimmera Plains, through upper catchment water harvesting, diversion and consumptive use in the Wimmera River and Waters valued for angling for native species such as tributaries. Lake Hindmarsh periodically receives water from freshwater catfish, golden perch, Murray cod - Wimmera the Wimmera River and the terminal Buloke lakes River both downstream of Horsham and lakes Taylor and occasionally receive water from both the Avon and Hindmarsh. Richardson river catchments.

Waters valued for angling for trout include lakes Fyans, The Basin has several large natural lakes and four man- Wartook and Toolondo Reservoir. Other waters stocked by made storages, located south of Horsham. These contain Fisheries when conditions are suitable, such as Lake trout from regular stocking and self-sustaining populations of Natimuk, are periodically important. redfin. Murray cod, silver perch, golden perch and catfish have also been introduced into lakes in the Basin. Rich Avon weir pool on the Richardson River near Marnoo – redfin, Murray cod, golden perch. Identifiable structures Not applicable. Waters valued for redfin include – lakes Lonsdale, Wartook, Toolondo and Fyans. Classification Mixed - Lakes Bellfield, Fyans, Wartook and Toolondo, and other impoundments periodically stocked with trout by Fisheries Victoria through Vic Fish Stock. McKenzie River upstream of Horsham Water Supply channel diversion weir (Dad & Dave’s Weir), and Fyans Creek.

Native - other all waters.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 43

Appendix 1 - Impoundments

The following is a classification of lakes and impoundments Jack Emmett Lagoon (Rupanyup) that are stocked or have been stocked by Fisheries Victoria Jack Roper Reserve Lake (Campbellfield) to enhance recreational fisheries outcomes. Jubilee Lake (Daylesford) Jubilee Lake (Skipton) Karkarook Lake (Moorabbin) Trout Kennington Reservoir (Strathdale) Kialla Lake (Shepparton) Alexandra Lake (Ararat) Konong Wootong Reservoir Arboretum Dam (Euroa) Lauriston Reservoir Aringa Reservoir Learmonth Lake Banimboola Lake (Dartmouth) Lethbridge Lake (Lethbridge) Bannockburn Lagoon (Bannockburn) Malmsbury Reservoir Barker's Creek Reservoir (Harcourt Reservoir) Marysville Lake (Marysville) Beaufort Lake Morwell Lake (Morwell) Bellfield Reservoir Mt Beauty Pondage & the impoundments in the Upper Kiewa Berwick Springs Estate (Berwick) River Catchment Bittern Reservoir Murdeduke Lake Bullarto Reservoir Natimuk Lake Bullen Merri Lake (Salmonid Classification) Navan Lake (Melton) Cartcarrong Lake Newlyn Reservoir Casey Fields (Cranbourne) Nhill Lake Cato (Stawell) Narracan Lake (Moe) Caulfield Racecourse Lake (Caulfield) Nillahcootie Lake Cobden Lake (Cobden) Nursery Reservoir (Macedon) Colbrook Reservoir Old Hamilton Reservoir (Pedrina Park) Coliban Reservoir Old St. Arnaud Swimming Pool (St Arnaud) Coleraine Lagoon (Coleraine) Pertobe Lake (Warrnambool) Cosgrave Reservoir Police Paddock Dam (Horsham) Cummins Reserve Lake (Yea) Purrumbete Lake Darlingsford Lake (Melton) Quarry Street Reserve Lake (Trentham) Dean Reservoir Rocklands Reservoir Don Lake (Healesville) Rowville Lakes Dunkeld Arboretum Dam (Dunkeld) Roxburgh Park Lakes (Roxburgh Park) Eildon Pondage Saint Augustine's Waterhole (Geelong) Elingamite Lake Seagull Lake (Geelong) Emerald Lake (Emerald) Snake Valley Reservoir Esmond Lake (Ballarat) Spavin Lake (Sunbury) Ess Lagoon (Casterton) St. Georges Lake (Creswick) Foletti Caravan Park (Donald) Talbot Reservoir (Evansford) Forest Lake (Kangaroo Flat) Tea Tree Lake (Mortlake) Fosters Dam (Glenrowan) Tom Thumb Lake (Eaglehawk) Fyans Lake Tooliorook Lake Garfield Lake (Garfield) Toolondo Reservoir Gillear Lake Tullaroop Reservoir (Carisbrook) Glenlyon Dam (Glenlyon) Upper Sandy Creek Dam Golf Course Dam (Longwood) Victoria Lakes (Ballarat) Gong Gong Reservoir Wallace Lake Great Western Racing Recreation Reserve Waranga Basin Greenhill Lake Wartook Lake Guthridge Lake (Sale) Watonga Drive Dam (Horsham) Guyatt Lake (Sale) Wendouree Lake Haddon Reserve Lake (Haddon) West Barwon Reservoir Hamilton Lake Wodonga Racecourse Hanging Rock Lake (Hanging Rock) Wombat Reservoir Hepburn Lagoon Wurdee Boluc Reservoir Heyfield Racecourse (Heyfield) Yarrambat Park Lake (Yarrambat) Hyland Lake (Churchill) - Premier Lake

44 Fisheries Victoria

Native Mixed Bartlett Lake Allans Flat Dredge Hole (Allans Flat) Bealiba Reservoir Amaroo Lake (Kialla Lakes, Shepparton) Benalla Lake Anderson Lake (Chiltern) Bolac Lake Batyo Catyo Booroopki Lake Blue Rock Lake Bringalbert Lake Buffalo Lake Charm Lake Cairn Curran Reservoir Carpolac Lake Calembeen Lake (Creswick-swimming pool Lake) Casey's weir Dartmouth Dam Impoundment Charlegark Lake Devilbend Reservoir Cowwarr Weir/Thompson River Eildon Lake Craigmuir Lake (Mooroopna) Glenmaggie Lake Crusoe Reservoir Goldfields Reservoir Cullulleraine Lake Greens Lake (off Midland Hwy near Corop) Eldorado Dredge Hole Hazelwood Pondage Eppalock Lake Hume Weir/Lake Expedition Pass Reservoir Kerford Lake Garry Loch Kialla Lake (Shepparton) Green Lake (at Sea Lake) Lonsdale Lake Gowangardie Weir Lillydale Lake Greens Lake (off Midland Hwy near Corop) Moorabool Reservoir Harrietville Dredge Hole Mooroopna Recreational Reserve Lake (Mooroopna) Inglewood Reservoir Nagambie Lakes (includes Goulburn Weir and connecting Kangaroo Lake (also known as Lake Charm including waters) Racecourse) Narracan Lake (Yallourn storage dam) King Lake (Rutherglen) Rabl Park Lake (Murtoa) Kow swamp Sambell Lake (Beechworth) Laanecoorie Reservoir Stanley Ditch Dam Lake Lascelles (Hopetoun) Sumpton Gardens (Wodonga) Little Boort Lake Tatura Reserve Lake Lowanna Lake (Kialla Lakes) Tungamah Weir pool Nagambie Lakes (includes Goulburn Weir and connecting Waranga Basin waters) Nagambie Lakes (includes Goulburn Weir and connecting Numurkah Lake waters) Pine Lake Nillahcootie Lake Ratzcastle Lake Victoria Lake (Shepparton) Reedy Lake (first) Wodonga Wetlands Serviceton North Reservoir Sumsion Gardens Lake (Wodonga) Taylors Lake (near Horsham) Tchum Lake (Birchip) Victoria Lake (Maryborough) Walkers Lake Waranga Basin Watchem Lake Wooroonook Lake (Charlton)

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 45

Appendix 2 - Species names

The following is a list of common and Latin names for the fish Gippsland Spiny Cray (Euastacus kershawi) species mentioned in the Classification. Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) The key angling species considered in the Classification are identified in bold. King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus)

Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) Luderick (Girella tricuspidata)

Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica)

Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri) Mullet (Family Mugilidae)

Australian salmon (Arripis trutta) Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus)

Barred galaxias (Galaxias fuscus) Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis)

Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) Murray River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)

Blackfish (Gadopsis spp.) Rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss)

Bony beam (Nematalosa erebi) Redfin (Perca fluviatilis)

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) Silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus)

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Snapper (Pagrus auratus)

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Southern short-finned eel (Anguilla australis)

Cox’s gudgeon (Gobiomorphus coxii) Longfinned eel (Anguilla reinhardtii)

Dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla) Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix)

Eel (Anguilla spp.) Trevally (Family Trevally)

Estuary Perch (Macquaria colonorum) Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis)

Flathead (Family Platycephalidea) Tupong (Pseudaphritis urvillii)

Flounder (Family Pleuronectidae) Unspecked hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus) Freshwater catfish (Tandanus tandanus) Whiting (Family Sillaginidae) Freshwater spiny crayfish (Euastacus spp.) Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura) Garfish (Hyporhamphus spp.)

46 Fisheries Victoria

References

Department of Primary Industries 2005, Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series. Report No. 24. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Department of Primary Industries 2008, Fish Stocking for Recreational Purposes. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Department of Primary Industries 2008, Victorian Inland Waters Classification Model. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Department of Primary Industries 2009, Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (Version 2). Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series. Report No. 65. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Department of Sustainability and Environment 2007, Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna- 2007. Melbourne.

VRFish 2009, 'Economic Study of Recreational Fishing in Victoria'. Prepared by Ernst and Young Australia. VRFish, South Melbourne. www.vrfish.com.au.

Inland Waters Recreational Fishing Classification 47

50 Fisheries Victoria