The Ovens River and its tributaries in Victoria's north-east offer some of the most accessible quality trout fishing in the country. Here is how to make the most of a weekend.
The River System
The Ovens River runs from the Great Dividing Range down through Myrtleford and Wangaratta to join the Murray. The upper reaches — above Bright — are the best trout water. The Buckland River tributary is arguably finer still: smaller, tighter, full of wild browns and the occasional rainbow that has pushed up from the main stream.
Access
Most of the Ovens above Bright is accessible from the road with short walks to the river. The Buckland requires 4WD access to the upper sections and rewards the extra effort with water that sees a fraction of the fishing pressure of the main river. The area around Harrietville produces well consistently and is thirty minutes from Bright's accommodation options.
What Works
Evening dry fly fishing from November to March is the classic approach. Parachute Adams in sizes 14–18 covers the majority of hatches encountered. The Buckland browns are selective — match the hatch or expect refusals. The upper Ovens fish are less pressured and more forgiving.
Nymphing through the deeper runs in the middle of the day fills in the hours between rises effectively. Hare's ear and pheasant tail nymphs in size 14–16, weighted, fished tight line with a strike indicator for beginners.
The Town
Bright is excellent. Good accommodation at every price point, genuinely good restaurants for a town its size, and a bakery that opens early enough for pre-dawn anglers. The autumn colour along the main street is a bonus if you go in April–May outside the main trout season.
Waders and good footwear are essential for the Ovens. Browse our fly fishing range.
