Plenty of people book a guided trip without ever having held a fly rod. That’s fine. A day with a guide beside you is one of the quickest ways to learn, because you get help with your cast, your wading and your choice of fly at the moment you need it.
Here’s what a guided day with John looks like, from booking to the drive home.
Do you need any experience?
No. John guides complete beginners as well as anglers who have fished for years, and he picks the water to suit. For a first trip that usually means a smaller, clear river where you can see the runs and pools and learn where trout hold.
If you’d like to get the basics of casting sorted first, a three hour casting lesson in Benalla covers it on the grass and on the water. It’s a good way to make sure your first day on the river isn’t spent untangling line.
Experienced anglers can ask for harder water, small stream fishing or time on a bigger river to work on Euro nymphing.
Booking your trip
Trips are a half day or a full day, for one angler or two sharing a full day. A 50% deposit secures your date, and the balance is paid before the trip starts. Deposits are refundable with at least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation.
When you enquire, tell John:
- how much fly fishing you’ve done, if any
- what you’d like to get out of the day
- any river you’d especially like to fish
- any dietary requirements
- any mobility needs
What’s supplied
Everything you need to fish is supplied and maintained:
- rods for small streams, all round use and Euro nymphing
- reels, lines and leaders
- flies, many of them tied by John for these rivers
- breathable chest waders, wading boots, a wading belt and a wading staff
- landing nets, polarised sunglasses and the small tools you need on the bank
- a dry bag for your things and a first aid kit
On a full day, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided. A half day includes snacks and drinks. See the full gear list.
What to wear and bring
- Clothes in natural or neutral colours. Bright colours stand out to trout in clear water.
- A long sleeved shirt and long pants.
- A hat, sunscreen and your own polarised sunglasses if you have them.
In the warmer months there’s wet wading gear available if you’d rather not wear waders.
You’re welcome to bring your own rod, reel, waders, boots or favourite flies. A 4 to 6 weight rod covers most of the water John fishes. Let him know ahead of time so he can check your setup suits the river.
On the water
John chooses the river and the stretch on the day, based on the season, the flows and what you’ve told him you want. He stays beside you on the water the whole time.
A first trip usually covers:
- reading the water, so you know where trout are likely to be
- casting and putting the fly where you want it
- wading safely in moving water
- choosing a fly and changing it when something isn’t working
- hooking, playing and landing a fish
There’s no script. If you’d rather spend more time on one thing, like dry fly fishing or nymphing, say so.
If you have limited mobility
John can find good, safe, comfortable water to fish from. If you’re after more of an adventure, he can find more challenging water too. Mention it when you book so he can plan the right spots.
Getting the most out of the day
- Ask questions. A guide can only fix what they can see, so say when something feels wrong.
- Have a few casts in the backyard or local park before your trip if you can.
- Remember the trout are wild. Some days they’re easy and some days they’re not. The skills you learn stay with you either way.
Not sure which river to try? Read about the best rivers for fly fishing in north east Victoria.