Fly fishing guide on the King River.

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.

Fly rod resting beside a river in bushland

About the King

The King rises in the Alpine National Park and flows into Lake William Hovell above Cheshunt. Below the dam it runs down the King Valley past Cheshunt, Whitfield and Moyhu, through vineyards and farmland, and joins the Ovens River at Wangaratta.

Above the lake the King and its feeder creeks are small, clear streams in steep bush country. Below the dam the river is larger and easier to access, with runs and pools between gravel bars.

The King Valley is better known for its wineries than its trout, which is part of the river's appeal. It is a quiet place to fish.

Where we fish on the King

  • Upper King

    Above Lake William Hovell. Small bush streams and feeder creeks.

  • Cheshunt and Whitfield

    Runs and pools below the dam through the upper King Valley.

John picks the stretch on the day, based on the season, the flows and what you want to get out of the trip.

A guided day on the King

The King suits anglers who enjoy small stream fishing: short accurate casts, careful wading and reading pocket water. It is also a good fit if you want a guided day while staying in the King Valley.

Every trip is a half or full day with John beside you on the water the whole time. Waders, boots, rods, reels and flies are all supplied, and catering is included. If your casting needs work before you hit the river, a casting lesson in Benalla is a good place to start.

Book a day on the King.

Trips run seven days a week, season permitting. Tell John which river you'd like to fish and what you're hoping to get out of the day, and he'll plan the trip around it.

Other rivers we guide

See all the rivers and streams we guide