Loddon and Campaspe Rivers

Loddon River 

The Loddon River is Victoria's second-longest river, running from the Great Dividing Range in the south to the Murray River in the north. The middle section of the river has many small anabranches that carry water away from the river onto the wider floodplain. Three main man-made storages, Cairn Curran, Tullaroop and Laanecoorie reservoirs, regulate water to the Loddon River. Below Laanecoorie Reservoir, the flow is regulated by the operation of weirs at Bridgewater, Serpentine, Loddon and Kerang.

In the Central Highlands, the Loddon River transitions from a highland clear headwater to a lowland, meandering turbid river lined by eucalypts. Several locations offer boating access, such as Serpentine Rd at Bridgewater and Ankers Causeway. Near Newstead, Bridgewater and Serpentine, river access, fishing platforms and facilities are available and family friendly.

The Loddon River is within the natural range of Murray cod and golden perch. Extensive VFA stockings supplement any natural recruitment, with trophy specimens available among the many year classes of fish. Redfin are also prevalent in the system. Lure casting or bait fishing from small tinnies, car toppers, kayaks or the shore are perfect. The middle reaches have deep holes that can hold very good fish.

Here is more information on Loddon River boat ramps.

Campaspe River 

The Campaspe River has its source in the Wombat State Forest on the western slopes of Mt Macedon and meanders predominantly north-west. Natural inflows in the catchment are harvested into Lake Eppalock, located near the townships of Axedale and Heathcote, not far from Bendigo. Below Lake Eppalock, the major in-stream storage is the Campaspe / Elmore Weir, built to divert water to the Campaspe Irrigation District. The flow below Lake Eppalock is mostly influenced by releases from the storage and is based on the needs of downstream irrigators.

The Campaspe River is a charming mid-sized stream, perfect for tinnys, kayaks, and shore-based fishing. Upstream from Kyneton, the river is small and shallow, flowing through farmland. Below Kyneton, the river flows through volcanic country with extensive visible rock formations and has good pools closer to Lake Eppalock. There is a small reservoir, Campaspe Reservoir, located upstream of Lake Eppalock, supplying water to Woodend. However, it has little effect on flow in the upper reaches of the river. Upstream of Lake Eppalock, the river flows through sloping farmland with deeper riffles and pools. There is abundant habitat and plenty of in-stream cover for fish. Brown and rainbow trout are caught in this stretch from self-sustaining populations.

The closer you get to Lake Eppalock, the more prevalent golden perch and Murray cod become as the river transitions. Around Kyneton, access is available to approximately 3 kilometres of river around the township. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed and easy atmosphere for picnicking and fishing.

Here is more information on Campaspe River boat ramps.