Over the past months the fishing in this region has really slowed – so much so that my reports could have been as simple as “go somewhere else if you want to catch a few fish”. As we get into September, however, the river trout season is again open and trout will be the main target species for most anglers in this region. Let’s have a look at some good places to try.

The Goulburn River anywhere between Seymour and the Eildon Pondage will have its usual band of devoted followers, and with good reason – this river is an exceptional trout fishery. Each year sees more and more anglers coming to this region.

One thing that makes this river so different from many of our trout streams is the way that it changes so much along its entire length. One moment you can be in knee-deep crystal clear water, with plenty of rock pools and rapids, and the next you can be in an area that has large deep holes with steep banks that make access difficult. Yet all of these waters hold good stocks of trout. The changing features are one of the things that actually make this river so appealing to anglers, as the river caters to all different passions whether that be fly, bait or lure fishing. So if you haven’t already joined the happy band of Goulburn followers, its high time you did.

The King Parrot is a small stream that in my opinion is definitely best suited to flyfishing. I have fished this creek on a number of occasions and I especially like the challenge that it offers. It’s certainly not easy, but it is well worth the effort.

When it comes to a challenge this river is right up there. The Murrindindi runs from the Great Dividing Range, through many vastly different types of country, until it runs into the Yea River. In many areas, bankside vegetation can make fishing difficult. The rewards are there for anglers who are prepared to put in the time. The Murrindindi also caters to all forms of angling. It’s worth noting that much of this river runs through private property, so make sure you obtain permission before entering.

This is another small stream that can be difficult to access, but does hold some very big fish. One of the attractions of this stream is that it also holds some very big redfin. A camping area can be found off the Melba Highway south of Yea in an area known as the ‘Three Bridges’. However it is a very popular area so you may arrive only to find that others have beat you to the draw.

When it comes to trout fishing no report would be complete without a mention of these two wonderful trout streams. I have fished both with great success. Flyfishing is certainly my favourite method of fishing these streams, although other methods are also effective. The best time is when the weather warms up and the grasshoppers start to move. In my experience no self-respecting trout in these streams can refuse a well-presented ‘hopper’. They may not be big trout, but they are a lot of fun.

There are many other streams beside the ones I have mentioned here, but as space is limited I can only give basic information. If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to send me an email and I will try to help further.