Goulburn Valley Fly Fishing / Frequently asked questions
A few things worth knowing before you book
If you already know what you want, use the links below and book directly. If you are deciding between a lesson, a guided day, a drift boat or a longer trip, start with the first section. For anything unusual, call or text Anthony on 0418 995 611.
Start here
Which booking is right for me?
Private lesson
For a first cast, a return after time away, or a specific casting problem.
Streamcraft
You can cast, but want to become better at finding fish, choosing an approach and getting a natural drift.
Guided fishing
You want to spend the day fishing on foot, with a local guide choosing suitable water.
Drift boat
You want to fish a longer section of the Goulburn and reach water that is difficult to access on foot.
Local rates
What do the local trips cost?
| Service | Half day | Full day | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private lesson / Streamcraft / Guided fishing | A$590 | A$790 | Total for 1 or 2 anglers |
| Goulburn drift boat | A$850 | A$990 | Per boat for 1 or 2 anglers |
| Beginner workshop | A$490 per person · two days | Per participant | |
International trip prices, room choices and departure dates are kept on the destination pages so you always see the current offer.
Booking & planning
Before the day
Do local prices cover one angler or two?
Private lessons, streamcraft, guided bank fishing and drift boat trips are priced for the booking, not per angler, and can take one or two people. The beginner workshop is priced per participant. We never combine unrelated private bookings simply to fill a second place.
What deposit do I need to pay?
Local private lessons, guided fishing and drift boats require a A$100 deposit. The balance is due on the first day unless another arrangement has been confirmed. Beginner workshops are paid in full when booking. International trips have their own deposit and balance schedule on the relevant trip page and invoice.
What happens if I need to cancel?
The rules differ between local bookings, workshops and hosted trips. Rather than repeat the full policy here, please read our current booking and cancellation policy before paying. If something has happened and you need to move a booking, call us as early as you can.
Where do we meet?
There is no single meeting point for every trip. The best place depends on what you booked, the river level and the section we plan to fish. We send the meeting point and start time before your visit. Save the map pin or screenshot the location because reception can be patchy near the river.
Can I request a particular guide?
Yes. Returning guests are welcome to ask for a guide they have fished with before. We will check their availability before confirming the booking.
Can you organise several boats or a private group?
Yes. We regularly arrange multi-boat days for friends, families, clubs and work groups, subject to guide and boat availability. Each boat still carries no more than two anglers with its own guide. For several consecutive days, see The Goulburn River Journey.
On the water
Gear, weather and river conditions
Do I need my own fly fishing gear?
No. For lessons, workshops and guided days we can supply the fishing equipment you need. If you already own a rod, reel, waders or boots, bring them if you would like to become more comfortable using your own gear. Let us know in advance if you need waders or boots so we can organise sizes.
What should I bring?
Polarised sunglasses are essential for eye protection and useful for seeing into the water. Bring a hat, sunscreen, weather-appropriate layers and a rain jacket when needed. Bring lunch and snacks for full-day local trips, plus a reusable drink bottle. We carry drinking water.
Do I need a Victorian fishing licence?
Most anglers need a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence unless an exemption applies. Because licence fees and exemptions can change, check the Victorian Fisheries Authority before your trip rather than relying on an old price list.
What if the weather forecast looks poor?
Rain, cloud or a cool day do not automatically make poor fishing. We look at the forecast, wind, river releases and the water itself. We may change the start time, meeting point or river section. We do not fish through unsafe conditions such as lightning or extreme flows. If safety requires a change, we will contact you.
Why can the Goulburn look completely different from one week to the next?
The Goulburn below Lake Eildon is a regulated river. Releases can change the depth, bank access, current speed and the places trout choose to feed. That is why we choose the reach and method close to the day rather than promise one fixed location months in advance. Our Goulburn fishing reports are the best place to see what has been happening recently.
When is the best time of year to fish the Goulburn?
There is no single best month. Spring can mean lower, clearer water and technical hatches; summer releases open up edge water and make the drift boats particularly useful; autumn brings another change in flows and insect activity. If your dates are flexible, tell us the style of fishing you enjoy and we can suggest a window. Always check current regulations before travelling.
Experience & suitability
Who can come?
I have never fly fished before. Where should I start?
Our two-day beginner workshop is the most complete introduction. If you prefer one-to-one tuition or cannot make a scheduled workshop, book a private lesson. A drift boat can also suit a developing angler, but if you are completely new it is worth talking to us first so we can recommend the best start.
Can two people with very different experience levels fish together?
Usually, yes. Tell us when you book. On a private trip we can adjust the level of help each person receives. If one person is completely new and the other wants an uninterrupted fishing day, a lesson followed by a separate guided day may sometimes work better.
Can children or teenagers join?
Often, yes, but the right format depends on their age, attention span, swimming confidence, the water and who else is attending. Contact us before booking a younger angler so we can recommend the safest and most enjoyable option rather than apply an arbitrary minimum age to every activity.
What if walking, wading or getting into a boat is difficult for me?
Tell us before you book. Bank access, gravel, wading depth and the step into a drift boat vary between locations. We would rather discuss what you are comfortable doing and choose the right activity than leave you uncertain on the day.
Can a non-angler come along?
For a local river outing, our scenic drifts are often a better fit than using a fishing place for someone who does not want to fish. For international trips, companion arrangements vary by destination; Patagonia is particularly well suited to couples where one person wants days away from the fishing. Ask us before booking.
Vouchers & travel
A few other common questions
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes. You can give a particular experience or choose a dollar amount and let the recipient decide. New vouchers are valid for three years from the issue date; older vouchers issued without an expiry date are still honoured. See the voucher options.
Do you still have a walk-in fly shop?
No. The Alexandra shop closed in November 2025. Guiding, lessons, workshops and hosted trips continue as before, with meeting arrangements confirmed when you book. If you need equipment for one of our sessions, contact us beforehand.
Where do you travel overseas?
We host small-group programs in Southland, New Zealand, Montana and the greater Yellowstone region, and Trevelin, Patagonia. Each is quite a different trip, so the international overview is the best place to compare them.
Still not sure?
Tell me who is coming, what experience you have and what you would like the day to feel like. I can usually point you towards the right booking in a couple of minutes.