Fishing in the city

Fishing is an excellent, low-cost way to engage with our waterways and take in the iconic city backdrop.

Victoria Harbour has a healthy fish population. There has been 19 species recorded in Docklands. Bream is the most abundant but other common species include snapper, mullet, luderick, trevally, salmon, flathead, tailor and mulloway.

If you are fishing from a pontoon in Docklands, you must give priority to any vessels attempting to berth. Fishing is prohibited near the floating wetlands to protect the new wildlife.

You need a fishing licence for recreational fishing in all of Victoria’s marine, estuarine and fresh waters. Limits apply to size and number of fish taken. You can buy a licence from most fishing tackle shops or online from the Victorian Fisheries AuthorityOpens in new tab.

People who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch, particularly after a flooding or rain event. The risks of eating your catch can be reduced if you make sensible choices about the type and amount of fish you eat. The Better Health ChannelOpens in new tab provides information about consuming fish caught in urban waterways.

Fishing locations

The main fishing locations are:

• Harbour Lights Landing
• Collins Landing Wharf
• Near Webb Bridge (under Charles Grimes Bridge)
• Water Plaza
• New Quay Marina (public arms)
• Melbourne City Marina (public arms)
• Yarra’s Edge Marina (public arms)