Coronavirus fishing updates Victoria. Just as things looked like they were getting back to normal recent coronavirus transmission spikes has the state government acting swiftly. Actioning new rules and restrictions in an attempt to combat this fast-spreading virus. Things are changing quickly and it can be confusing for local anglers so here is a breakdown of recent events and how you are impacted.

Update 17.10.2021

As of Friday 29th of October, travel restrictions are completely removed. Metropolitan Melbourne is free to travel into regional and vice versa. This is exciting news that all anglers in Victoria deserve. Masks are also no longer mandatory to be worn outside. Outdoor gatherings increase to 500 patrons. It is expected that rules will ease even further after mid-Novemeber when we reach 90% double vaccination limits.

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Update 17.10.2021

Finally, some relief is in sight. It is expected that by Thursday Melbourne will reach 90% first dosage and 70% second dosage therefore as of 11.59 pm Thursday night travel restrictions, time limits and curfews within metropolitan Melbourne will be removed. This is very welcome news and finally many will finally be able to get out and go fishing without limits. There will also be an increase in outdoor gathering and indoor gathering numbers. It was initially anticipated that a 25-kilometre rule may be introduced but thankfully that won’t be the case and travel within Metropolitan Melbourne will be unrestricted. Travel from metropolitan Melbourne to Regional Victoria still yet is not allowed but it’s expected that won’t be too far away. Those specific details will be shared by the state government in the coming days and we will share that on the website once those details have been formally made public.

As of midnight Thursday.

• 15-kilometre travel restriction changed to no travel limits within Metropolitan Melbourne
• 4 hour exercise limit changed to no time limit
• Curfew removed

Update 05.10.2021

The COVID news around Melbourne today isn’t great as we recorded our highest number of cases since the pandemic began with 1,763 new cases today and 1,377 cases yesterday. It’s a sad number for a city that has overnight been confirmed as the most locked-down city of any in the world.

This is not good news for Melbourne as we venture into a new snapper season and so many are already starved of any fishing action. At this stage confirming that the current rules for recreational activities such as fishing around Melbourne are fishing is permitted but only for 4 hours and only within 15 kilometres from your house. You also need to follow social distancing rules and check for any townships under snap lockdowns.

Update 26.09.2021

It has been confirmed that from 11.59 pm Tuesday that travel will increase from 10 kilometres to 15 kilometres. Also, outdoor activities like golf, tennis, fishing and boating are allowed. ( even though fishing and boating have been allowed for some time already ). These changes are being implemented as Victoria is expected to reach an 80% first dosage rate by Tuesday.

Update 19.09.2021 

Another day passes and another swagger of rule changes. This time Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell shire will enter a week snap lockdown after a spike in covid cases locally. They will now need to follow the same rules set for Melbourne and Ballarat.

Update 17.09.2021 

As of midnight tonight new rules will apply which are important changes for local recreational anglers.

• 2-hour exercise limit has been increased from 2 hours to 4 hours
• 5-kilometre travel restriction has been increased from 5 kilometres to 10 kilometres.

This will provide some form of relief for many.

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Update 09.09.2021 

It is now confirmed that regional victoria is no longer governed by the 5 rules to stay home. meaning our regional friends are free to go out fishing. Do keep an eye on any regions such as Shepparton and Ballarat which have thier own rules due to recent outbreaks in those townships.

Update 08.09.2021 

Another 221 local cases were confirmed today, however, the good news is that regional Victoria ( excluding Shepparton ) is set to come out of lockdown at 11.59 tomorrow. Further details of this will be confirmed over the coming 24 hours.

Update 01.09.2021 

Many around Melbourne were expecting some easing of restrictions today after the state government had suggested relief was on its way. But, once again we have been given little other than confirmation that restrictions are here to stay for longer.

In summary Victoria’s lockdown is extended until 70 per cent of the stats population has their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine which is expected to be achieved around September 23 ( based on modelling assumptions ).

So, for now, in terms of fishing, the same rules apply. Fishing is allowed as a form of exercise but only for 2 hours maximum and only within 5 kilometres from your home, with a maximum of one other person and not at any public facility like a ramp or pier. It’s frustrating for all as our proposed 7-day snap lockdown is likely to exceed 60 days and beyond.

Update 21.08.2021 

Things go from bad to worse as numbers continue to spike the state government has decided that regional Victoria as of 1 pm today will also enter strict lockdown rules joining the greater Melbourne.

Rules from 1 pm today for regional Victoria

• Exercise is allowed only for two hours, with one other person or members of your household. Fishing is considered a form of exercise and allowed.
• You must stay within 5 kilometres from home unless for essential work or care
• You should remain home unless for one of the four reasons including shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving; exercise; and permitted work.
• Facemasks must be worn at all times when leaving home

Update 16.08.2021 

Melbourne is now entering the toughest lockdown rules in the country. As of today, a curfew is in place from 9 pm to 5 am. Residents are unable to leave their homes unless they have an essentials worker permit, and exercise is limited to only with one other person only within 5 kilometres from home. Playgrounds and meeting places have been shut down. These rules are in place with a 2-week extension locked in until 2nd September.

This is terrible news for so many who will be greatly impacted by these new lockdown measures. Fishing is still considered a part of the allowed exercise but do be careful as officers are patrolling and handing out fines.

Update 05.08.2021 

Lockdown 6.0 has been confirmed. As of 8 pm tonight we will enter a 7 day snap lockdown. This is devastating news to local businesses and anglers who have done it so tough over the last 12 months.

Rules as of 8 pm tonight

• Exercise is allowed only for two hours, with one other person or members of your household. Fishing is considered a form of exercise and allowed.
• You are encouraged to get vaccinated
• You must stay within 5 kilometres from home unless for essential work or care
• You should remain home unless for one of the four reasons including shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving; exercise; and permitted work.
• Facemasks must be worn at all times when leaving home
• There’s no guarantee the lockdown will end after the extended seven  days, but restrictions in regional Victoria may end earlier

Update 28.07.2021

Thankfully some relief as the snap lockdown is officially over.

• Recreational activities and sports are once again allowed to resume as long as they adhere to social distancing rules and facemasks are worn.
• Retail outlets will once again be operational which is great news for our local tackle stores.

Update 20.07.2021

With a further 13 new cases confirmed today Lockdown 5.0 has been extended by a further 7 days and will be reviewed on July 27 at 11.59 pm. To confirm the rules in places

• Exercise is allowed only for two hours, with one other person or members of your household. Fishing is considered a form of exercise and allowed.
• You are encouraged to get vaccinated
• You must stay within 5 kilometres from home unless for essential work or care
• You should remain home unless for one of the four reasons including shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving; exercise; and permitted work.
• Facemasks must be worn at all times when leaving home
• There’s no guarantee the lockdown will end after the extended seven  days, but restrictions in regional Victoria may end earlier

Update 19.07.2021

The State Government has confirmed that the 5-day snap lockdown ( lockdown 5.0 ) will be extended. Details of the extension and limits will be confirmed in a press conference tomorrow.

Update 15.07.2021

We had a good run but things have changed so quickly this week and we find ourselves in a 5-day snap lockdown labelled 5.0.  The Andrews Government has announced a 5-day snap lockdown. Starting from 15th July at 11:59 pm and to be reviewed in 5 days time. We go back to the previous rules including.

The updated rules during the 5-day snap lockdown include the following

• Exercise is allowed only for two hours, with one other person or members of your household. Fishing is considered a form of exercise and allowed.
• You are encouraged to get vaccinated
• You must stay within 5 kilometres from home unless for essential work or care
• You should remain home unless for one of the four reasons including shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving; exercise; and permitted work.
• Facemasks must be worn at all times when leaving home
• There’s no guarantee the lockdown will end after five days, but restrictions in regional Victoria may end earlier

Update 17.02.2021

Thank goodness as of midnight tonight the majority of restrictions will be lifted. Recreational activities and sports are once again allowed to resume as long as they adhere to social distancing and mass gathering rules.

This is a massive relief for businesses around the state and for local anglers who will be keen to get back out for a fish.

Update 11.02.2021

Just as we were getting our lives back to some version of normal the Andrews Government has announced a 5-day circuit breaker lockdown. Starting from 12th February at 11:59 pm and proposed to finish on 17th February at 11:59 pm.

The government announced this is being done to prevent the 3rd wave in Victoria which would contain the highly infectious UK variant. The outbreak was linked to the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel at Melbourne Airport.

We will follow these movements closely in the coming days.

The updated rules during the 5-day circuit break include the following

• You must stay within 5 kilometres from home unless for essential work or care
• No recreational activities including fishing
• You should remain home unless for one of the four reasons including shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving; exercise; and permitted work.
• Facemasks must be worn at all times when leaving home
• Schools will be closed, public gatherings are banned, people must work from home when they can, and weddings will be cancelled or postponed. Places of worship and religious gatherings and ceremonies will not be permitted, and funerals will be capped at 10 people.

Despite all of this somehow the tennis is allowed to go on, which is a slap in the face to thousands of small businesses which cannot operate during this time.

Update 08.11.2020

As of midnight tonight

• The 25-kilometre travel restriction will be removed. You are now free to travel within Melbourne and Victoria without limits
• Facemasks are still required to be worn
• Adjustment to outdoor gathering numbers have been increased to 10 people
• Go out and enjoy some fishing everyone you have deserved it

Update 18.10.2020

As of midnight tonight

• The 2-hour time limit will be removed
• The 5-kilometre travel restriction will be increased to 25 kilometres

These are very welcome changes for Melbourne Anglers who have done it very tough over the past 100 days.

Update 02.10.2020

Boat ramps are officially reopened for powered and non-powered vessels. You must continue to follow the rules of fishing only for 2 hours and only within 5 kilometres from your house. Many of us however have restored to land-based destinations close to home as per the video below.

Update 27.09.2020

Fishing is permitted from 28/09 under the rule of extended exercise. However only for 2 hours and only within 5 kilometres from your house. Boat ramps are temporarily closed considered as a facility of gathering. Its not much but at least its something. Stay tuned we will have more updates soon.

Watch a documentary about the real impact of a lenthly lock down and forced isolation to Melbounre anglers.

Update 13.09.2020

From 11:59 pm 13 September 2020, many restrictions will be eased across Regional Victoria.

Update 18.08.2020

The decline in numbers has been very slow, however, it would look as if we are finally on the improve as numbers and averages are slowly declining.

Update 03.08.2020

Clarification about which businesses can and cannot trade over the coming 6 weeks has been detailed here in the Stage 4 Industries Guideline

You can also check out our day 1 in the lockdown video log

Update 02.08.2020

With an additional 671 coronavirus cases overnight Victoria will enter a state of disaster. From 6 pm tonight the following stage 4 restrictions will be in place.

• You must stay within 5 kilometres of home
• Curfew now in place between 8 pm and 5 am ( only allowed to leave home outside of these times for work or medical care ) $1,652 fine can and will be issued
• Daily exercise is allowed for a maximum of 1 hour in groups of no more than 2 people
• Recreational activities have been banned, including fishing & boating
• Only 1 person is allowed out for shopping from your household per day
• Facemasks will continue to be mandatory when leaving your house
• All school levels will be remote learning
• Regional Victoria will move into stage 3 restrictions from 05/08

These new regulations will start from 02.08.2020 and run for 6 weeks.

Update 30.07.2020

Victoria has announced new restrictions which will take place from Sunday 2 August at 11:59 pm following a large rise in coronavirus cases overnight with 723 new cases and 13 deaths.

Premier Daniel Andrews said mandatory face coverings would now apply in regional Victoria, as well as metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. Face covering will be mandatory whenever you leave home wherever you live.

Also from 11:59 pm 30/07 Colac-Otway, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Moorabool, Golden Plains, and Queenscliff residents will no longer be able to visit people or have visitors at home.

Update 20.07.2020

You are still allowed to go fishing and boating but you will need to follow the following strict rules.

• A facemask must be worn out in public at all times as of 23/07
• If you live in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, you cannot attend or participate in community sport elsewhere.
• You can only exercise or undertake sporting activities outside with one other person or household members. You must be able to keep 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.
• Don’t share equipment
• You should exercise and use recreational facilities at the closest available location to your home.

See the video of our team fishing following the latest COVID-19 rules by staying close to home, wearing a mask, sanitising and following social distancing.

Update 07.07.2020

• A spike in coronavirus outbreak sees state government put Melbourne back into restrictions.
• However this time fishing and boating are allowed activities considered part of the essential exercise as long as you don’t travel outside of your allowed zone, you practice social distancing 1.5 meters apart and only go out with one other person. Its a rapidly changing landscape so stay tuned for more updates.

This is one of the more confusing areas which has created a lot of debate. The state government has basically divided travel into 3 sections. Postcode lockdown areas must not travel unless having a legitimate reason. Metropolitan areas not in postcode restrictions can travel but only within metropolitan zones and rural areas can travel but only within rural zones. The state government has provided the following graph to breakdown these areas as a visual aid.

Update 30.06.2020

On the 30^th of June, the state government placed heavy restrictions on the following areas considered high-risk outbreak areas. These including the following suburbs.

• 3012: Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray
• 3021: Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans
• 3032: Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore
• 3038: Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens
• 3042: Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie
• 3046: Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
• 3047: Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana
• 3055: Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West
• 3060: Fawkner
• 3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park and Kalkallo

A few days later they also added Postcodes which are heavily populated with public housing towers and flats including

• 3031 – Flemington, Kensington
• 3051 – North Melbourne

For these suburbs within the nominated postcode restrictions, the message is very clear. They should remain at home unless for absolutely necessary tasks that cannot be done without travel. The government is taking these rules very seriously. Police are patrolling areas and instructed to send people home and fine those caught travelling without legitimate reasons. Therefor for local anglers in these postcode zones boating or fishing is off-limits until further notice from the state government. It’s expected this will be for 6 weeks but this is a rapidly changing landscape.

Thankfully for the rest of us, fishing and boating are allowed in non-restricted postcode areas with the following conditions. This time around boating and fishing are considered part of the key essential exercise. So, if you are not in any of the restricted postcode areas mentioned above then you are free to go fishing and boating as long as you.

• Stay within your metropolitan or rural zone
• Practice safe social distancing.

Under the new Stage 3 lockdown, residents are being told to home unless it complies with one of four following reasons:

• Shopping for food or other essential items
• To provide caregiving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
• For exercise (fishing and boating allowed in your zone, with only one other person or members of your household ( not for restricted postcodes ))
• Work or study, if you are unable to from home. cannot work or study from home

As we can all recall last time around for almost 2 months fishing and boating were not allowed. This time around the state government has loosened the reins and fishing and boating are permitted considered are essential exercise. This is good news and we need to see all locals complying with social distancing and travelling rules to ensure the state government don’t change their mind and tighten the rules again.

Daniel Andrews quoted “You can go fishing and boating but you can’t go fishing outside the metropolitan area down into regional Victoria,” “Regional Victoria has very, very few cases and vast parts of regional Victoria have no cases. This is designed to keep it that way.” Anyone heading outside metropolitan Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire to go fishing or boating faces a $1652 fine.

Update 11.05.2020

• Update 11/05/2020 Daniel Andrews has announced that starting on the 13/05 Victorians will be allowed to go fishing once again.
• Social distancing rules need to be applied so staying 1.5 meters away from others in congested areas.
• Also no more gatherings above 10 people.
• Travelling is allowed but no overnight stays or camping.
• So with some common sense, we should all be able to get back to some fishing. In the coming weeks, the government aims to loosen rules even further providing we don’t see any outbreaks or spikes in infection numbers.

Update March 2020

If you want confusion than look no further at this stage each state has the following rules on fishing.

Victoria – Recreational Fishing and boating is suspended

WA – Recreational fishing is allowed but recreational boating is suspended

SA – Recreational fishing is allowed but recreational boating is suspended

NSW – Fishing and boating is allowed as long as proper social distancing is followed

QLD – Fishing and boating is allowed as long as proper social distancing is followed

NT – Fishing and boating is allowed as long as proper social distancing is followed

TAS – Fishing and boating is allowed as long as proper social distancing is followed

Coronavirus fishing restrictions Victoria

More information about restrictions, including the full list of restricted postcodes, is available on the DHHS website

Final notes from the author

Thank you for visiting this article Coronavirus fishing updates Victoria Victoria COVID-19 Fishing Rules. We hope you find this article useful and encourage you to reach out to us should you feel and details need updating by emailing us at enquiries@fishingmad.com.au

Whilst we are under restrictions feel free to watch our catalogue of fishing videos so you still feel close to the fishing action.