The Andrews government has reportedly opted for a heavily watered down approach of 25 yet to be identified pilot sites along the 17,000 kilometres of river frontage.

Mitta Valley farmers were among some of the most vocal critics of the plans ticked off by the upper house late last year and led a protest on the steps of the Victorian parliament earlier this year.

"It feels like a victory," Thomas Giltrap said.

"It just comes down to the government and if they go and do their 25 trial sites, manage them properly and monitor what impact they are having, they might realise they can't just go for a free-for-all."

The pilot sites would initially have to undergo biodiversity and cultural heritage assessments to meet the requirements of environmental bodies and traditional owners.

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Murray River Action Group chairman Richard Sargood was also optimistic of a government back down.

"If it happens along those lines it is a pretty good compromise," he said..

"Let's see them get it right in a small number of places because they had no hope of getting it right in 17,000 kilometres of frontage around the state.

"If what is being said does happen it is a big step in the right direction.

"At least this will ensure a small number of places are monitored by a number of different agencies.

"It was totally unworkable the way it was."

The government is under pressure from the state's peak fishing body to confirm any changes.

VRFish called on Victoria's environment minister Lily D'Ambrosio to publicly clarify the government's position on the issue.

"The Weekly Times has published an article asserting a government back down on an election commitment to millions of Victorians who enjoy accessing public riparian land," VRFish chairman Rob Loats said.

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