Victoria River, Hotham High Plains

Springtime fly fishing in the Victoria River on the Hotham High Plains, northeast Victoria. This typical mountain stream holds good numbers of wild-bred trout, mostly browns with a smattering of rainbow trout as well. The angler in the photo came from oversesas just to fish northeast Victoria's sub-alpine rivers including the Victoria and left suitably impressed. Bait and lure anglers also do well in summer but all need to beware of the many copperhead and king brown snakes that are active along the riverbanks during hot weather. In keeping with world's best conservation policy, all trout caught by fly fishers are usually released unharmed on capture. Excellent free camping facilities are available in selected locations along the river during the trout fishing season which runs from early September to mid-June. The dirt road to the camping locations is a dry weather only road and is not suitable for 2-wheel drive vehicles in winter.