FLY FISHING IN VICTORIA

Alright, we know it’s not Australia but we couldn’t ignore a Australia is a vast and ancient island nation, as large as the USA or the whole of Europe and classified as moderate to semi-arid in climate, with a total population of less that 25 million people.

Victoria, the smallest and southern-most mainland state, (only the island state of Tasmania is smaller), is the second most heavily populated state in Australia and roughly equal in landmass to the whole of Great Britain. It is recognized as being trout fishing headquarters for mainland Australia and enjoys a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, as opposed to states further north which experience just two main seasons, the dry and the wet.

There are many beautiful and fishable rivers, lakes and streams in Victoria, with the very best and most numerous being in the northeast’s alpine high country, a four hour’s drive from Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city. All rivers and mountain streams in the high country are officially listed as “blue ribbon” trout fishing waters, holding large and excellent quality populations of naturally bred brown trout and rainbow trout. Streams and rivers are mostly located in pristine alpine wilderness and semi-wilderness areas, amid thousands of square kilometers of national parks and Eucalyptus forests, much of which has been mapped only from the air.

All rivers, lakes and streams enjoy public ownership (the Crown) and free public access, there being no privately owned or controlled naturally occurring waters in Victoria. Some man-made, purpose built reservoirs are privately owned and closed to the public, as are smaller waters on private land (farm dams, etc.) and others that are operated as private fisheries, a service that is relatively new to Australia. Streams in the alpine high country are all drinking quality water, with some small townships and many rural properties drawing all their water requirements direct from this source.

Fly fishing activities in the alpine high country are carried out on nine rivers, three lakes and numerous mountain streams, which are but lightly to moderately fished on a year-round basis. [closed season applies on rivers.] In fact, one may fish some streams on almost any day without ever sighting another angler. Only during the Christmas holidays and over Easter is there any noticeable increase in fishing traffic, but even then it’s not very much.

Our fly fishing instructor and guide is very experienced and provides excellent quality fishing equipment and accessories on trips. With his wife he runs a lovely little fishing lodge that accommodates up to six people with country-style home cooked meals included. He provides expert fly fishing tuition on a one-on-one basis and operates a private fishery that is stocked with medium to large size brown, rainbow and brook trout and large to very large Atlantic salmon, with “catch and release” and “catch and keep” options available.

If you would like more information on alpine wilderness fly fishing with accommodation and meals in northeast Victoria please do not hesitate to contact me, as we have a range of very reasonable packages available for this tour.