A deadly tiger snake has caused disruption in central Melbourne, forcing police to block off part of a busy city street until it could be bagged by a reptile catcher.

The snake was spotted by lunchtime crowds in a gutter near the corner of Spencer and Collins streets.

Police set up a wide cordon around it.

The tiger snake may have come into the city up the Yarra River or through the drains. ( ABC News )

The snake was eventually trapped by reptile catcher Barry Goldsmith, who said it was unusual to see tiger snakes in central Melbourne.

He said the snake could have "hitch-hiked" into town.

"They come up the Yarra, they come up the drains," he said.

"But they do live around here, they eat mice and rats and we're swamped with those at the moment.

The snake, dubbed "Spencer Collins", was found to be injured.

Mr Goldsmith said he would be taking it to the vet and was optimistic it would make a full recovery.