VRFish

A favourite among freshwater fishers, the Talking Trout conference is set to return in August, co-hosted by Victorian Fisheries Authority and Australian Trout Foundation Inc

This year’s Talking Trout conference will be held in Ringwood, and provides a great opportunity for recfishers to learn more about the latest in research, fisheries management, habitat improvements, and trout trends.

Australia's National Fly Fishing Champion Tom Jarman, will present the keynote address on "showcasing a season on Victoria's trout waters".

Other presentations will include: Paul Stolz (Australian Trout Foundation), Lauren Johnson (Arthur Rylah Institute), Jo Dobson (Aussie Angler), James Norney (Mountain Fly guide), Andrew Briggs (VFA Senior Project Manager) and Mark Adams (Fisheries Manager) and a panel discussion.

VRFish will also be attending the Talking Trout conference. If you see our stand, stop by and say hello!

The conference will be held at the George Wood Performing Arts Centre in Ringwood between 8.55am and 4.15pm on Saturday 1 August. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided.

Find out more: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/events/talk-wild-trout-conference/twt-event-info-page

There’s still time to share your thoughts on the draft Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.

Read the strategy and share your feedback by 29 June. For more information visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-waterway-management-strategy

There’s only two weeks left to share your thoughts on the draft Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.

We’re calling for your feedback on the third iteration of the Strategy, which will guide how we manage waterways over the next 10 years.

The new strategy is needed to guide the protection and care of Victoria's waterways as our population grows and the climate changes.

Read the strategy and give us your feedback through an online survey or written submission before 29 June. For more information visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-waterway-management-strategy

There's still time to register for the Women in Recreational Fishing & Boating Network's upcoming Marine Licence Test and Boat Familiarisation sessions on Sunday 19 July in Elwood.

Ladies – there’s still time to register for our FREE Marine Licence Test and Boat Familiarisation sessions on Sunday 19 July in Elwood.

Hosted by the Women in Recreational Fishing & Boating Network, these sessions are a great opportunity for women to obtain their boat licence and build their boating knowledge in a supportive environment.

Join for part of the day, or stay on for both sessions. Register for the sessions here: https://betterboating.vic.gov.au/news/make-your-boating-easier-with-free-boat-trailer-launching-clinics

📅 Date: Sunday, July 19
⏰ Time: 10am – 1.15pm (full schedule below)
➡️ 10-12pm: Marine licence course and test
➡️ 12-12:30pm: Light lunch and networking
➡️ 12:30-1:15pm: Boat familiarisation Q&A session
📍 Location: Elwood Angling Club, 3 Warrain Loop, Elwood VIC 3184

There’s still spots left in our all-gender launching clinics at Lake Eppalock near Bendigo on Sunday 9 August and a new Altona clinic on offer on Saturday 22 August. Register for the clinics via the above link.

Mitcham Angling Club's talk nights are not to be missed!

Tomorrow night, MAC will welcome freshwater fisher Andrew Colston for a deep dive into all things Murray cod!

If you're keen to get involved, the details are:
📅 Wednesday, 17 June
⏰ Free BBQ from 6:30pm; talk from 7pm
📍Mitcham Angling Club
➖Book your FREE ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/murray-cod-with-andrew-colston-tickets-1990691452723?

For more than 30 years, Victoria's independent peak body for recreational fishing, VRFish has proudly represented Victorian recreational fishers and continues to advocate for better recreational fishing across the state.

As with any advocacy organisation, the more support VRFish has, the stronger voice we have as recreational fishers when advocating for recreational fishing interests.

By joining VRFish, you'll be a part of Victoria's largest recreational fishing community, you can help us fight for the future of fishing and make fishing better for all Victorians.

Join VRFish today: https://vrfish.com.au/membership-join/

Join South Gippsland Landcare Network along with OzFish Unlimited and Austral Consulting for a live electrofishing demonstration and discover what fish species call the Tarwin River home. Come hear about the plan for a new Ozfish chapter in South Gippsland and help shape what this new chapter becomes from the ground up.

Electrofishing is a safe and effective method that uses an electric current to temporarily stun fish, helping scientists understand fish populations and improve habitats. This family-friendly event offers a rare opportunity to learn about river health, water quality, and the native aquatic life of the Tarwin River.

The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will be there to share river knowledge and answer any questions. Venus Bay Angling Club are also involved in the event.

📅 Saturday, 20 June 2026
⏰ 10am-1pm
📍Tarwin Lower Boat Ramp
➖

Electrofishing on the Tarwin River Electrofishing in action! See who's living beneath the surface of the Tarwin River.

Portsea Pier, along the western tip of the Mornington Peninsula, is set to temporarily close to the public for major maintenance works in July 2026.

Portsea Pier to close for maintenance works in July - VRFish Portsea Pier will be closed for major maintenance works in July 2026.

VRFish was founded in 1995 as the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body and has proudly represented Victoria’s recreational fishers for 30 years.

Whether it’s fish habitat, water security, fishing access and infrastructure or best practice, we work in partnership to make sure Victoria’s fishing experiences continue to improve, be sustainable and are more enjoyable for all generations of Victorians.

Find out more: https://vrfish.com.au/

Fishcare Victoria Inc.'s next FREE fishing clinic is at Barwon Valley Park in Geelong on Friday, 12th June!

They'll be running two clinics on the day - an All Abilities Fishing Clinic and a Come & Try Fishing Clinic. Register your spot via fishcare.org.au/events

🎣 Our Next FREE Fishing Clinic is at Barwon Valley this Friday, 12th June!

We’ll be running two free sessions on the day:

🎣 AllAbilities Fishing Clinic
🎣 Come & Try Fishing Clinic

The Barwon River is famous for its carp fishing and offers plenty of action for anglers of all ages and abilities.

👉 Head to fishcare.org.au/events to register.

📍 Barwon Valley Park, Geelong