A Guide to Fly Fishing in Victoria

By Mike Tenner, Fly Guide and Angler for Over 60 Years

Victoria is home to some of Australia’s finest fly fishing spots, with a diverse range of rivers, lakes, and streams. After more than six decades of fly fishing, I’ve come to love the variety that Victoria offers, from the crystal-clear mountain streams to the expansive lakes filled with trophy-sized trout. Whether you’re looking to wade through a high-country stream or fish from the banks of a serene lake, Victoria has something to offer anglers of all skill levels.

Here are some of my favorite fly fishing spots in Victoria that will keep you hooked.

1. Goulburn River

The Goulburn is undoubtedly one of Victoria’s premier fly fishing rivers. Stretching from the foothills of the Great Dividing Range down to Lake Eildon, this river is renowned for its large brown and rainbow trout. The tailwater sections below Lake Eildon offer fantastic fishing opportunities all year round. Dry fly enthusiasts will love the evening rises in summer, especially when the caddis are hatching in abundance. For a challenge, try nymphing the faster runs or sight casting to cruising fish in the slower, glassy sections.

2. Eildon Pondage

If you’re after large trout, Eildon Pondage is the place to be. Located just below the Eildon Dam, this area is stocked regularly with hefty fish, making it a favorite among local anglers. Though it can get crowded at times, the rewards are well worth it. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times, especially with nymphs or streamers. I’ve landed some of my best fish here using bead-head Woolly Buggers in olive or black.

3. Rubicon River

A tributary of the Goulburn, the Rubicon River offers a more intimate fly fishing experience. Its clear waters are perfect for sight fishing, and you’ll often find yourself casting to trout feeding on the surface during the warmer months. Dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams work wonders here, especially in the late afternoon. I recommend wading carefully to avoid spooking the fish, as the waters are often quite shallow.

4. Lake Wendouree

This historic fishing lake in Ballarat is one of Victoria’s top spots for fly fishers chasing big browns and rainbows. The lake offers great opportunities for both bank fishing and wading, and it’s famous for its trophy-sized trout. Spring and autumn are the best times to fish here, with hatches of mudeyes and dragonflies bringing the fish to the surface. Don’t forget to try some larger wet flies or streamers to tempt the lake’s bigger fish.

5. Mittagundi Plains (Mittagundi River)

This high-country gem is nestled in the Alpine region and provides some of the most scenic fly fishing you’ll find in Victoria. The river is teeming with small to medium-sized brown trout that eagerly rise to a well-presented dry fly. A summer day spent here casting to rising trout while surrounded by the alpine wilderness is hard to beat. Be sure to pack some Stimulators and Royal Wulffs to mimic the abundant terrestrial insects.

6. Lake Eucumbene (On the Border)

While technically on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Lake Eucumbene deserves a mention due to its world-class fishing. The lake is known for its massive brown and rainbow trout, particularly during the cooler months. Polaroiding in the shallows during the warmer months can be a lot of fun, and I’ve found that streamers and large wets are particularly effective here.

7. King River

For those who love a fast-flowing river, the King River offers excellent fly fishing, particularly for brown trout. The upper reaches, closer to the headwaters, provide the best fly fishing opportunities, especially during summer. Dry flies work well in the clearer water, while the lower sections closer to Lake William Hovell offer good fishing with nymphs and small streamers. The scenery here is stunning, making it a great spot to escape the crowds.

8. Ovens River

The Ovens River, located in Victoria’s High Country, offers some of the best fishing during the warmer months. The river is known for its healthy population of wild brown and rainbow trout, particularly in the upper reaches. Early morning and evening dry fly action can be spectacular, with fish rising to caddis and mayflies. I also like using small nymphs, particularly in the riffles and runs, to target trout feeding below the surface.

9. Yarra River

The Yarra River might be famous for flowing through Melbourne, but its upper reaches are a fly fishing haven. The cold, clear waters provide a perfect habitat for brown trout, and while the fish here are generally smaller, the challenge of catching them makes it all the more rewarding. Dry flies are effective during summer, especially when the hopper season starts. I often find success using a small hopper pattern with a trailing nymph.

10. Lake Toolondo

One of Victoria’s best-kept secrets, Lake Toolondo is a haven for anglers looking for big browns. This lake is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip. The weed beds around the lake provide ideal conditions for trout, and during the cooler months, you’ll find fish cruising the edges. Streamers and Woolly Buggers work well, and if you’re looking for a trophy fish, this is the place to be.

11. Macalister River

Flowing through Gippsland, the Macalister River offers excellent fly fishing, especially for brown trout. The river runs through picturesque countryside and offers a variety of fishing conditions, from fast runs to slow, deep pools. Early in the season, nymphing is productive, but come summer, dry flies take center stage. I’ve had great success using small mayfly patterns during the evening hatches here.

12. Steavenson River

A tributary of the Acheron River, the Steavenson is a small stream that holds a healthy population of brown trout. The river is best fished in the early morning or late evening during the summer months, when trout are rising to take dry flies. It’s a great spot for anglers looking for a quiet, peaceful fishing experience, and the surrounding scenery is stunning.

13. Big River

The Big River offers a true wilderness fly fishing experience. Flowing from the alpine regions near Mt. Buller, this river is home to wild brown trout. The river’s upper reaches are fast and cold, making them perfect for nymphing. In the summer, dry flies like Stimulators and hoppers can produce exciting surface action. Be prepared to hike into some of the best spots, but the effort is well worth it.

14. Mitta Mitta River

The Mitta Mitta is one of Victoria’s best-known fly fishing rivers. Flowing from the Alpine region, the river holds large populations of brown and rainbow trout. The tailwater sections below Dartmouth Dam provide excellent fishing throughout the year. Dry flies work well during the summer, but don’t overlook nymphs and streamers in the deeper runs.

15. Eucumbene River (Near the Border)

Flowing into Lake Eucumbene, this river is another fantastic fly fishing spot on the Victoria–New South Wales border. The river is known for its big brown trout, particularly during the annual spawning run. Large streamers and nymphs work well here, especially in the deeper pools. It’s a must-visit for serious anglers looking for trophy fish.

Final Thoughts

Victoria offers a wealth of opportunities for fly fishers, from tranquil lakes to fast-flowing rivers and everything in between. Whether you’re hunting for a trophy-sized trout or just looking to spend a day on the water, these spots offer some of the best fly fishing in Australia. As always, a good selection of flies is key to success.

To help you get started, be sure to check out this specifically curated for these waters. These flies are designed to mimic the insects found in Victoria’s rivers and lakes, making them a must-have for any fly angler.

With over 60 years of experience, I can confidently say that Victoria’s fly fishing is some of the best in the country. So pack your gear, grab your fly box, and head out to experience these incredible waters for yourself.

Tight lines!

Mike Tenner, 

Fly Guide and Angler

Call me if you need advice 0408 469771