In the mid-1800’s (around the time the European population in the Daylesford Macedon region began to boom) American essayist Henry David Thoreau said, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”

And it’s true; fishing – for me at least – is about removing myself from the noise of daily life, to sit in a beautiful spot and gaze at the water. Catching fish is a bonus.

Our stunning region has countless waterways on which you can remove yourself from the day-to-day hustle. These picturesque lakes, rivers and reservoirs are teeming with trout, redfin, blackfish, golden perch and other species.

Fishing is a wonderful thing to do with kids. Great family fishing spots include Lake Daylesford and Jubilee Lake in Daylesford and Creswick’s pretty, history-laden Calambeen Park is also a perfect locale.

Reservoirs provide easy access, often with picnic spots, so they are ideal for families, as well as more adventurous fishers. Try Bullarto, Cosgrave, Dean and Hepburn. Then there’s Moorabool, Russells, Wattle Flat and Cairn Curran. Not to mention Pykes Creek, Bostock and Tullaroop.

Personally, I love standing on a quiet river bank, rhythmically casting lures into deep pools. If you do too, try the Lerderderg River in the Lerderderg State Park, Campaspe River near Kyneton, Jim Crow Creek near Daylesford, or the Tullaroop Creek near Clunes.

If you’re not game to leave dinner to chance, Tuki Trout Farm guarantees a catch. Have your trout either expertly prepared for lunch or cleaned and wrapped to take home.

Finally, please make sure you have your Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence with you and help us protect our fish stocks by observing all fisheries rules and regulations. Not everyone is like me and wants to come home with just a fish or two, so it’s vital we look after our fish stocks.

About the author

Steve Wroe, Daylesford Macedon Tourism

Steve’s passion for mountain biking takes him all around our region. He lives in Daylesford with his wife, two young girls and three chickens. On most weekends, he and his family explore; either piling into the car and taking a drive to a small town, or putting on the hiking boots and going for a bushwalk. Steve is a big believer in the benefits of rural living and loves introducing his girls to the history, culture and nature of the region. Occasionally they take their bantam chook, Lulu, on their adventures.