Trout and Salmon Farms in Victoria
Trout and salmon can be mighty hard to catch in the wild and fishing for them would test the patience and skill of any child or parent. Fortunately, trout farms have come to the rescue and turn the odds much more in favour of an inexperienced angler since the fish live in well stocked ponds.
Victoria has a range of family-friendly trout and salmon farms where visitors can catch their own fish. Rods and bait are supplied at many locations, although admission charges, fishing rules and fish prices vary. At most catch-and-keep farms, fish must not be returned to the water and are purchased according to weight or species.
Opening days, bookings and fish availability can change seasonally. Check the individual farm's current information before travelling.
We packed our tackle box full of lures and went fishing for all the fish farms in Victoria where families can catch a fish for dinner. We found a fishing basket full of them.
Map of Trout and Salmon Farms in Victoria
The Learmonth Trout and Fauna Park is located in Addington, 140 km north west of Melbourne and has trout and yabbies in the ponds.
The Australian Rainbow Trout Farm at Macclesfield in the Dandenong Ranges has highly stocked ponds with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Golden Trout or Atlantic Salmon which provide a lot of action. There is also a big challenge lake, which is quieter, where you can relax for a while, sit down and wait for the fish to bite.
The Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm is 100 km north east of Melbourne and has a number of ponds with Rainbow Trout or Atlantic Salmon in a natural bush setting. You can fish, have a BBQ or just feed the fish and relax. If you are willing to go big, there is a Challenge pond with rainbow trout weighing 0.5 - 3kg each.
The Stony Creek Fish Farm in Harrietville is 340 km north east of Melbourne. Visitors can catch their own trout or salmon, with fishing poles and bait supplied free of charge. Fish are priced by weight after being gutted and cleaned. You can also feed the fish, explore the gardens, enjoy a picnic or visit the on-site café and produce shop.
The Alpine Trout Farm in Piedmont is 120 km east of Melbourne and offers fishing opportunities for every age and ability. Take advantage of the free rod hire and hook yourself a trout or salmon, or if you're feeling adventurous give fly-fishing a try in the dedicated pond with expert instruction. Afterwards you can cook your spoils in one of the BBQ areas.
At Tuki Trout Farm in Smeaton, 140 km north west of Melbourne, you are guaranteed to catch a trout. There are six ponds you can fish from; a couple at the top of the hill are heavily stocked so success is generally assured, even for anglers who are more inept than myself. After you have caught your trout it can be cleaned and packaged for you to take home or you can have it cooked in the restaurant. For the experienced fisherman the lower ponds offer a chance to practice with your own equipment whether it be a lure or fly rod.
Tommy Finns Trout Farm in Warburton is nestled between Mt Donna Buang and Mt Little Joe. It's a recreational trout fishing farm that provides safe fishing ponds for all ages. The ponds are stocked with lots of plate-sized rainbow trout to test your skill level. There are plenty of picnic tables with some undercover in our 10 acre facility. The large pond format enables you to freely cast your fishing line with plenty of room to feel the outdoor space. Once the fish is caught, they will clean and bag the fish ready for you to take home.
The Broadford Trout Farm in Broadford is approximately 75 km north of Melbourne and has stocked ponds where families can catch rainbow trout, golden trout, brook trout and Murray cod. Fishing rods and bait are provided, making it suitable for beginners. Visitors can bring their own food and use the barbecue and picnic facilities, and there is also a cafe.
The Cripps Family Fish Farm in Baxter on the Mornington Peninsula has four ponds which are stocked with species depending on the season. During the Summer season the ponds have barramundi and Murray Cod. All gear is supplied for fishing, and just pay for what you catch and take home. They also sell fresh seafood including fish and chips on site. If you want to learn how to fish, they also offer learn to fish lessons.
