About the Ovens
The Ovens rises below Mount Hotham and Mount Feathertop and runs down the valley through Harrietville, Bright and Porepunkah. Along the way it picks up the Buckland near Porepunkah and the Buffalo near Myrtleford, before running out across the plains to Wangaratta, where the King River joins it.
Up near Harrietville the river is small, quick and full of pocket water. Through Bright and Porepunkah it grows into a classic valley river of riffles and pools, often lined with willows. Below Myrtleford it widens again into longer, slower runs.
That range is what makes the Ovens such a good river to guide. In one valley there is water to suit a first timer, and water that will test an experienced angler.
Where we fish on the Ovens
Upper Ovens
Harrietville and the West Branch. Small, fast mountain water.
Bright and Porepunkah
Riffles, pools and willow banks through the heart of the valley.
Myrtleford to Wangaratta
Wider, slower runs as the river leaves the mountains.
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 Ovens
A day on the Ovens can be built around almost anything: dry fly in the riffles, nymphing the deeper runs, or a beginner learning to cast and read water in the smaller upper reaches.
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.
Getting there
The Ovens runs right past Bright, Myrtleford and Wangaratta, so it is the easiest of the alpine rivers to reach from Wangaratta, Benalla and Albury Wodonga.
Nearby towns: Harrietville, Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Wangaratta.
Travelling further? See trips from Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Yarrawonga or find your town.
