Whether you want to net a fish or just escape the office, Henry knows the best spots within a few hours of Melbourne that are rock solid for a great time on the water.

 

We all know that fly fishing requires an outdoor setting that’s the opposite of the typical urban CBD environment. In pursuit of rainforest-lined, crystal-clear freestone trout streams, you’re also unlikely to find your goal in the suburbs. 

However, drive just two to three hours and you’ll find some of the very best spots for fly fishing around Melbourne. Fortunately, the best places are less than a day trip away. 

 

Enjoy stunning scenery, catch a beauty like this, and be home in time for dinner

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1. Yarra River

Location: McMahons Creek
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 90km
Best time of year: September – December

Straight off the bat, don’t get too excited! You’re unlikely to be able to grab a coffee at Yarra Bend, cast a line, and find a trout in the CBD. You need to venture further up the system to stretches of river less impacted by urban development. The river at McMahons Creek is beautiful – seemingly untouched. Any public access point up there is a great place to start.

If you can find cool, clear water, there’s a chance you’ll find some trout. It’s pretty epic to get up to the higher, untouched sections of the Yarra and experience the river as it was before the urban sprawl of Melbourne took over. Getting out during the early parts of the season and capitalising on the larger, clear flows of spring and winter snow melt is best.

Heavier nymphs (3 – 3.5mm beads) in the pheasant tail and hare and copper are deadly effective here. A squirmy worm is a useful fly in high, dirtier water should you come across those conditions.

Want to brush up on your skills or learn how to fish? Consider taking a guided lesson to learn from the pros

 

Patience is required but it’s also rewarded

2. Steavenson River

Location: Marysville
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 40 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 100km
Best time of year: November – January

The Steavenson River is very popular – and for good reason. It holds trout and isn’t very far from Melbourne. What sets this river apart is the beauty of its setting and its incredible natural backdrop.

Not only is it a beautiful place to fish, it’s just a stone’s throw from some absolute first-class Marysville coffee. Make sure to include Keppel Cafe in your plans!

Notwithstanding a fair bit of angling pressure, you can jump in the river right in town and find fish, but try to get there early to beat the crowds. Early on in the season, the fishing tends to be more productive earlier in the day.

While you’re there make sure you also check out Steavensons Falls!

Want somewhere closer to home? Check out this list of the best fishing spots in Melbourne

 

If you really want to avoid other fishers, head out while it’s raining to enjoy the best spots solo

Nearby Accommodation

3. High Country

Location: Mt Buller and surrounds
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Distance from Melbourne: 225km
Best time of year: November  – January / April – May

Strictly speaking, most of the High Country is beyond the three-hour drive time threshold I flagged earlier. However, it’s such a good fishery that it simply must be mentioned! Those lucky enough to live in Melbourne can access first-class trout streams held in the highest regard in the Australian fly fishing community so, so easily.

It’s a memorable experience to be standing knee-deep in a freestone river, amongst the Australian bush, engrossed by the smell of eucalyptus and sunscreen, listening to the chorus of kookaburras echoing down the river valley. Throw in catching trout and it seems too good to be true.

Start with the well-known, and easily accessible Howqua River and go from there. You can rely on the dry dropper rig to help you fish the faster, aerated water on your quest to find fiery Rainbow trout.

The Delatite River is also a beauty not far from Mansfield and within a stone’s throw of Delatite Winery for a post-fishing vino (a luxurious combo that should always be prioritised!).

Read more: Guide to Mansfield: Experience Victoria’s Alpine Foothills From Every Angle

 

The hardest part about fishing this location is dragging your eyes away from the view

4. The Grampians

Location: Halls Gap
Time from Melbourne: 2 hours 50 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 250km
Best time of year: September – December

Now I have to be transparent – I haven’t actually fished the Grampians. My evidence base is not built on first-hand experience, but on plenty of articles detailing the fishing in the region, some glamorous Instagram posts, and of course the wonders of tall fish whispers and tales.

From what I can piece together, the Grampians is a red hot place to go fishing. Start at Smith Mill Campground, tie on a size 10 Royal Wulff with a size 14, 3mm beaded pheasant tail 30cm below, and enjoy the fun!

While sections of the area can suffer from high angler pressure, at its best, it’s a reliable piece of water that I’m keen to fish. Being only a three-hour drive from Melbourne, I hope to bump into you out there!

Read more: The Ultimate Explorer’s Guide to The Grampians

 

These guys are out there and I’m keen to get one

5. Murray River

Location: Lake Mulwala
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours 20 minutes
Distance from Melbourne: 290km
Best time of year: December – August (Murray cod season is closed outside of these dates)

Fly fishing is largely considered synonymous with the pursuit of catching trout. It’s true, the vast majority of fly anglers will only ever target trout with a fly rod. However, an emerging passion for targeting species traditionally fished on conventional gear is growing in the Australian fly fishing community.

One of these species is the mighty Murray cod. This quintessential Aussie fish, native and endemic to the Murray Darling Basin, calls the waterways of northern Victoria home. And out of those many waterways, there’s none it loves more than its namesake – the Murray River.

Fishing literally at any point on the Murray River you’re a shout away from catching a Murray cod. Echuca, Tocumwal, Yarrawonga, or Albury are all great spots within a three-hour drive from Melbourne. While they generally require a fair bit of casting, patience, and dedication, there’s nothing like the thrill of a Murray cod exploding on your fly.

Read more: Will You Murray Me? – It’s Time For A Murray Region Weekender

 

The Five Best Fly Fishing Spots Near Melbourne, Photo by Henry Delves, Lake Mulwala, Murray River, Victoria, sunshine

It’s easy to find a secluded spot too

FAQs Best Fly Fishing Spots Melbourne

Isn’t fly fishing the hardest type of fishing?

Fly fishing may seem like a complex and unattainable pastime, but the basics are so easy to grasp and most beginners are surprised by how quickly they make their first catch. If you like adventure, you’ll likely find something to love about fly fishing too!

What fishing spot near Melbourne has the best views?

It seems the precursor for Victorian trout streams, is an incredible natural backdrop. All of the spots mentioned above are gorgeous in their own unique way. Try them all and let us know which you think is the best!

What fish do you catch fly fishing?

Technically you can catch a lot of different fish while fly fishing. In Australia, most anglers tend to focus on catching trout but this is slowly expanding. In Victoria, Murray cod is another popular option.

What are the best flies for trout in Victoria?

In no particular order, the best flies to catch trout in Victoria are wool buggers, stick caddis, royal wulff, pheasant tail nymphs, and elk hair caddis. You can try others of course but these are the ones that are routinely reliable.

How experienced do I need to be to fish these locations?

These locations are suitable for beginners, right through to advanced fishers. Want some tips to up your game? Check out our fly fishing guide for beginners!

Do I need a fishing license to fish in Victoria?

Yep! But don’t stress, you don’t need to pass a test.

You can buy an annual recreational fishing licence for $39.90, but if you’re just looking for one to last the weekend, a three day licence is only $10. You can buy one online, or at any of these physical locations across the state.

Reely keen to get fishin?

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.