Fishing, Kayaking & Swimming

Water activities in the Macedon Ranges

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Fishing and kayaking

There are a number of spots to fish in the Macedon Ranges for those who like to get a line or paddle wet.

Our family and dog-friendly* reservoirs are the main source of fishing action. Shoreline fishing and on-water recreation is allowed at all three reservoirs featured below.

Kayaks, canoes and small portable craft (car toppers) with electric motors only are permitted. There’s also only one single entry point designated at each reservoir for on-water recreation.

Please note swimming is not allowed in the reservoirs.

Find out more about on-water entry points and conditions of entry

Bank fishing Lauriston Reservoir macedon ranges

Upper Coliban Reservoir fishing

In the Upper Coliban Reservoir you can fish for trout and redfin all year round surrounded by picturesque forest and farmland. A release of 20,000 golden perch fingerlings by the Victorian Fisheries Authority occurred in 2019.

Find out more about Upper Coliban Reservoir fishing

Releasing Murray Cod into the Upper Coliban

Malmsbury Reservoir fishing

In 2019, the Victorian Fisheries Authority released 30,000 golden perch fingerlings into Malmsbury Reservoir. Free picnic and barbecue areas are available, in addition to sheltered seating.

Find out more about Malmsbury Reservoir fishing.

Lauriston Reservoir fishing

Lauriston Reservoir has trout, yellow belly and stocks of Macquarie perch. In 2019, the Victorian Fisheries Authority also released almost 30,000 Murray cod and 25,000 golden perch fingerlings into the reservoir. Free picnic and barbecue areas are available, in addition to sheltered seating and a playground and toilet facilities.

Find out more about Lauriston Reservoir fishing.

Fishing-Lauriston-Reservoir

Hanging Rock Reserve dam fishing

Stocked each year with Rainbow trout, the dam at Hanging Rock Reserve is a great place for families to relax with a line in beautiful surrounds. The Hanging Rock Cafe is also a convenient pit stop post-fishing for a cold beer, lunch or coffee. Note there’s an admission fee to enter Hanging Rock Reserve. And don’t forget your fishing license.

Fishing Hanging Rock

Campaspe River fishing

For river fishing try Kyneton, where the Campaspe River flows for nearly three kilometres around the township. Here you can picnic and dangle a line in relaxed surrounds. There’s fishing holes along the river, such as the Trout Hole, and an old fishing platform accessed from the end of Mill Street. Alternatively, drive to the end of Piper Street and turn right towards the Kyneton Racecourse.

Campaspe River Kyneton

Where to purchase fishing bait

Bait can be purchased from:

Kuppers Service Station, Burton Avenue, Kyneton
Woodend Produce Store, 31 Bourke Street, Woodend
Tylden General Store, 36 Trentham Road (corner of Tylden-Kyneton Road), Tylden

Recreational fishing licences

Adults require a fishing licence when fishing in the Macedon Ranges. You can purchase a fishing licence from:

Kyneton Newsagency, 95 Mollison Street, Kyneton
Malmsbury General Store, Mollison Street, Malmsbury

Alternatively, pre-arrange a Victorian Recreational fishing licence online

Lauriston Reservoir

Angling and fishing clubs in the Macedon Ranges

- - Calder Fly Fishing (Gisborne based): www.calderflyfishing.com.au
  - Kyneton Angling Club: www.facebook.com/KynetonAnglingClub

Fishing tips in the Macedon Ranges

Local fishing enthusiast and writer for Fishing Monthly Magazine gives tips for autumn tips on how and where to fish in the Macedon Ranges.

For more information, drop into the Visitor Information Centres in Kyneton and Woodend or call 1800 244 711.

*Dogs must be kept on leads at the reservoirs.

Swimming in the Macedon Ranges

For freshwater swimming surrounded by nature, locals enjoy a cool dip at what’s affectionately known as ‘the Macedon Res’. Here’s a handy article and video by Swimming Hole Heaven to help you find it.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling with kids, drop by the Kyneton Community Park, with fun waterplay fountains active over summer to run and splash in.

You’ll also find a number of indoor and outdoor swimming pools to enjoy across our villages: