Eight trout rivers run off the high country between Mansfield and Mount Beauty, and all of them are within a couple of hours of Benalla, where John is based. They’re not all the same kind of water. Some are small, clear mountain streams where every cast counts. Others are big enough to spend a whole day working long runs.
Here’s how they compare, and which one might suit you.
Mountain streams and bigger water
Most of the rivers in the region are freestone rivers. They rise in the Alpine National Park or the ranges around it and run clear over stone and gravel, through pocket water, riffles and pools. The higher up the valley you go, the smaller and quicker the water gets.
The lower Goulburn is the odd one out. It’s a tailwater. Water released from the bottom of Lake Eildon keeps it cold and clear, and the flow rises and falls with releases from the dam.
The Mansfield rivers
Delatite River
The Delatite rises below Mount Buller and Mount Stirling and runs past Merrijig and Mansfield into the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon. It’s a mid sized freestone river with a steady pattern of runs, riffles and pools. The water is clear enough to see the structure trout hold on, so it’s one of the best rivers in the region for learning to read water and for dry fly fishing.
Howqua River
The Howqua starts in the Alpine National Park and winds through the Howqua Hills to Lake Eildon, with bush on its banks for most of the way. A lot of the best water is reached on foot, so a day here is as much about walking a beautiful valley as it is about fishing. Casting under the trees is part of the challenge.
Goulburn River
The Goulburn is Victoria’s longest river. Above Lake Eildon it’s freestone water running through forest past Jamieson. Below the dam it becomes a bigger river of long glides, riffles and willow banks past Eildon, Thornton and Alexandra, holding brown and rainbow trout. The lower river has room to practise Euro nymphing and swinging flies through long runs.
The Bright and Myrtleford rivers
Ovens River
The Ovens rises below Mount Hotham and Mount Feathertop and runs through Harrietville, Bright, Porepunkah and Myrtleford towards Wangaratta. Near Harrietville it’s small and quick. Through Bright it becomes a valley river of riffles and willow lined pools, and below Myrtleford it widens into longer, slower runs. There’s water for a first timer and water that will test an experienced angler, all in one valley.
Buckland River
The Buckland comes down a long, narrow valley from the Alpine National Park and joins the Ovens near Porepunkah, a few minutes from Bright. It’s smaller than the Ovens, with short runs, pocket water and pools tucked against the banks. The water is so clear that trout can see you as easily as you see them, so a careful approach pays off. It pairs well with a session on the Ovens on the same day.
Buffalo River
The Buffalo runs down past Abbeyard into Lake Buffalo, then a short way north to meet the Ovens near Myrtleford. Above the lake it’s a small to mid sized mountain stream with boulder runs and pocket water. It’s a good river for learning to pick the likely spots in fast water.
The King and Kiewa valleys
King River
The King flows out of the Alpine National Park into Lake William Hovell, then down the King Valley past Cheshunt, Whitfield and Moyhu to Wangaratta. Above the lake it’s small bush streams. Below the dam there are runs and pools between gravel bars. The valley is better known for its wineries than its trout, which keeps the river quiet.
Kiewa River
The East and West Kiewa come down off the Bogong High Plains and meet near Mount Beauty. From there the river runs north past Tawonga towards the Murray. The upper reaches are fast, clear mountain water. Lower in the valley it opens into broader runs with room for longer drifts and Euro nymphing.
Which river suits you?
If you’re new to fly fishing, start on the Delatite, the upper Ovens or the Buckland. Small, clear water makes it easier to see what’s happening and why. A casting lesson in Benalla before your trip helps too.
If you’re happy to walk, the Howqua, the upper Buffalo and the upper King can give you long stretches to yourself.
For bigger water, or to learn Euro nymphing, the lower Goulburn and the lower Kiewa have the room. For dry fly fishing, it’s hard to beat the Delatite and the riffles of the Ovens.
John picks the river and the stretch on the day, based on the season, the flows and what you want from the trip. If you have a river in mind, tell him when you book.
Where to stay
- Mansfield for the Delatite, the Howqua and the Goulburn. See trips from Mansfield.
- Bright, Porepunkah or Myrtleford for the Ovens, the Buckland and the Buffalo. See trips from Bright and Myrtleford.
- Mount Beauty for the Kiewa. It’s over Tawonga Gap from Bright.
- Wangaratta or Benalla for the King Valley and the lower Ovens. See trips from Wangaratta and Benalla.
Coming from further away? Find your town for drive times to each river.
Before you go
Guided trips run seven days a week, season permitting, and every trip includes rods, reels, flies, waders, boots and catering. See what’s supplied and rates and booking.