The water
From the Delatite and the upper and lower Goulburn right up to the Ovens, King, Buckland and Kiewa, plus everything in between. Wild trout, clear freestone water and the quiet corners of the Victorian High Country.
John chooses the river for your trip based on the season, the conditions and what you want from the day. A small mountain stream suits a beginner learning to read water. Bigger rivers suit anglers who want to practise Euro nymphing or swing flies through long runs. Tell him what you're after when you book.
Upper Goulburn above Lake Eildon and the lower Goulburn below the Eildon dam
The Goulburn is Victoria's longest river and one of its best known trout waters. Above Lake Eildon, the upper Goulburn is freestone mountain water running through forest country.
Below the Eildon dam, the lower Goulburn runs cold and clear from the lake, with long glides, riffles and willow lined banks. John guides both the upper and lower river.
Mount Buller foothills, Merrijig and Mansfield
The Delatite rises in the high country below Mount Buller and flows past Merrijig and Mansfield into Lake Eildon. It is a classic freestone river with clear runs and pools, well suited to dry fly and nymph fishing.
Alpine National Park, flowing into Lake Eildon
The Howqua starts in the Alpine National Park and winds through steep, forested hills before joining Lake Eildon. Its clear water and remote feel make it a favourite with fly fishers who like to walk and explore.
Harrietville, Bright, Myrtleford and down towards Wangaratta
The Ovens flows from the alps near Harrietville through Bright and Myrtleford, then on towards Wangaratta. Its upper reaches are fast mountain water, opening into wider runs and pools further down the valley.
The King Valley, Whitfield and Cheshunt
The King River runs north out of the high country through the King Valley, past Cheshunt and Whitfield, before meeting the Ovens at Wangaratta. Its upper reaches offer small stream fishing in quiet bush settings.
The Buckland Valley, near Porepunkah and Bright
The Buckland flows down the Buckland Valley from the Alpine National Park and joins the Ovens near Porepunkah. It is a clear, intimate freestone stream that rewards careful wading and accurate casting.
Lake Buffalo and the Buffalo Valley, near Myrtleford
The Buffalo River runs through the Buffalo Valley and Lake Buffalo before joining the Ovens near Myrtleford. Above the lake it is a smaller stream with plenty of pocket water to explore.
Mount Beauty, Tawonga and the Kiewa Valley
The East and West Kiewa rivers come down from the Bogong High Plains and meet near Mount Beauty, then the Kiewa runs north through the valley towards the Murray. It offers fast, clear mountain water in the upper reaches and broader runs below.
Between the major rivers sit many small creeks and tributaries that hold trout. John also guides rivers within a similar radius of the region. If there's a particular water you want to fish, ask when you book.
Trips run seven days a week, season permitting. You'll need a current Victorian recreational fishing licence. Gear, catering and local knowledge are covered.
