Frequently Asked Questions & Prices

A transparent and easy-to-follow guide to ensure your fly fishing experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

1. Bookings and Cancellations: Understanding the Process

To guarantee your reservation, a credit card or EFT payment of $100 is required. Please note, the deposit requirements might vary for specialty trips such as those to New Zealand, Montana, or Patagonia. Beginner workshops necessitate full payment at the time of booking.

Remember to familiarise yourself with our Cancellation Policy before securing your booking.


2. One-on-One or Group Experience: You Decide

If you’re seeking a more personalised adventure, booking solo ensures a 1:1 ratio with your guide. Opt for a more social experience by booking with a friend, increasing the guide ratio to 1:2. If your group exceeds two people, we can either introduce an additional guide or offer a reduced fee for the third person.

For larger groups, we’re happy to negotiate a rate that fits your needs and budget.

Note: Drift boat trips accommodate a maximum of two anglers per boat. If your party is larger, we have additional boats. Group workshops vary with a ratio of up to 1:5 to maintain affordability.


3. Advance Reservations: Beating the Crowd

While last-minute bookings are generally accommodated, we recommend securing your spot as early as possible. Peak holiday periods and long weekends may require bookings up to a month in advance. However, don’t hesitate to enquire about last-minute availability – with eight guides on staff, we’ll do our best to fit you in.


4. Non-Fishing Partners: Everyone’s Welcome

Non-fishing companions are welcome aboard the drift boat. Plentiful wildlife and stunning scenery make for an enjoyable trip for all. Remember to pack weather-appropriate attire, a camera or binoculars, and perhaps a book for downtime.


5. Guide Allocation: Matching Expertise with Your Needs

Unless a specific guide is requested, allocation occurs on the day of your trip. We endeavour to pair clients with the most suited guide for their desired experience. If unforeseen circumstances arise, we’ll provide a substitute guide of equal expertise.


6. Consistent Guidance: Request the Same Guide

If you’d prefer to fish with the same guide each day, let us know during booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate this request.


7. Meeting Point: Where the Adventure Begins

Our guided trips commence from our Alexandra base unless pre-arrangements are made. We’ll contact you 24 – 48 hours before your trip to finalise details. We suggest arriving 15 minutes prior to the start time for a smooth kick-off.

Note: Fishing in high-summer or during full days and late afternoon sessions can result in late finishes. If you have time constraints, please communicate this during booking.


8. Weather Conditions: Rain or Shine

Fly fishing is an outdoor activity, and some of the best experiences can occur in less than ideal weather. If conditions appear unfavorable, trust our expert judgment. We’ll postpone your trip or offer a full refund if necessary. Remember, the conditions on our side of the Great Divide often differ from Melbourne’s weather.


9. What’s Included in Your Adventure

The fee covers:

  • The guide’s time
  • Use of fly gear (replacement costs apply if broken)
  • Transportation to/from local accommodation
  • Flies/terminal tackle
  • A memorable day on the water

10. Selecting Your Fishing Destination

Whether you’ve got your heart set on a specific waterway or you’re open to exploring new territories, we’ve got you covered. While many of our clients prefer us to use our local knowledge to select the best fishing spots, we’re also open to your suggestions. Your guide, equipped with up-to-date information, will make the perfect call to ensure an outstanding fishing experience.

Remember, your guide’s recommendation is based on years of experience, but do voice any specific expectations or preferences you might have for the day.


11. Preparing for Your Trip

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, here are a few tips to get ready for your trip:

  • Experienced Anglers: Practice makes perfect. Brush up on your casting skills at a local park or nearby water body. However, remember that water-based practice is the most beneficial.
  • Beginners: Avoid practicing casting before your trip. We aim to impart the right techniques from the start, thus eliminating the need to unlearn any misguided habits.

12. Essential Gear for Your Session

Don’t stress about what to pack for your fly fishing adventure. Here’s a quick checklist:

For Beginners:

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (avoid bright colours)
  • Belt for waders (we’ll provide the waders)

For Experienced Anglers:

  • Regular trout fly fishing gear
  • Floating fly line (preferably olive, green, grey, brown, or any dull colour)
  • Appropriate waders or hip boots depending on the season
  • A small day pack for personal items
  • A personal water bottle or camelback for non-boat sessions in summer

Please remember, bright colours can spook the fish. Stick to subdued hues for your gear and clothing.

If you don’t have the correct gear or need help setting it up, notify us in advance. We’ll ensure everything is ready for your fishing adventure.


13. Staying Informed: Local Fishing Conditions

We operate Australia’s longest-running fly fishing report website. Members can access up-to-date reports on the site, while non-members can call us for brief reports.

Dial 03 5774 3928 to get the current river level information, updated daily at 9am.

And remember, if you have any questions or need further advice, we’re just a call or an email away.


14. Sustainable Practices: Our Catch and Release Policy

In our commitment to protecting Australia’s fisheries, we enforce a strict catch and release policy. Every fish caught under our guidance must be returned to the water unharmed. By promoting sustainable fishing practices, we aim to safeguard our waterways for generations to come.


15. Can children participate in the fly fishing sessions?

Indeed, we warmly welcome the involvement of children in our fly fishing sessions. The pursuit of fly fishing can be a rich and rewarding experience for young people, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and instilling a conservation ethic that can last a lifetime. However, due to the technical nature of fly fishing and for safety reasons, we suggest that children should be at least 10 years old. Nevertheless, age can be just a number and a child’s maturity and interest level are often better indicators. If your child is younger but you believe they are ready for the experience, please discuss this with us so we can make an informed decision together.


16. Can children participate in the guided fishing sessions?

Absolutely! We believe in nurturing the love for fly fishing in younger generations, so we welcome children to our sessions. However, we do ask that children under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult. This ensures not only the safety of the child but also makes the experience more enjoyable and meaningful as they share it with a loved one.


17. Do you accommodate for special needs and mobility issues?

We are committed to making fly fishing accessible to everyone. If you or someone in your party has special needs or mobility issues, please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate and ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and rewarding fishing experience. However, it’s important to note that some of our fishing locations may be difficult to access for those with severe mobility issues.


18. How do I book a session?

To book a session, simply contact us via phone or email. We’ll discuss your needs, expectations, and availability to select the perfect day for your guided fly fishing trip. Please book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak fishing season.


19. What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel, we ask that you do so at least 48 hours in advance to avoid any cancellation charges. Cancellations within 48 hours of the session will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No-shows or cancellations on the day of the session will be charged the full amount.


20. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my session?

Safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. In the event of severe or unsafe weather, we may need to postpone or cancel your session. In such cases, we will attempt to reschedule your session at a mutually convenient time. If rescheduling is not possible, we will provide a full refund. We monitor the weather closely and will keep you updated if anything changes that may impact your session.


21. Payment Methods: Convenient and Easy

We accept various forms of payment, including cash, bank transfers, and all major credit cards. However, to enjoy a $50 discount, we recommend paying the balance in cash on the day of your trip.


22. Safety Precautions: Our Priority

All our clients are supplied with a top-of-the-range inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), ensuring your safety during the trip. We conduct a brief safety talk at the beginning of each drift. Self-inflating PFDs can be supplied upon request, but users are responsible if they activate one unintentionally. The base cost of shipping, reconditioning, and re-certifying a triggered self-inflating PFD is $150.


23. Scenic Drifts: Embrace Nature

We provide drinking water and a pair of binoculars for bird and platypus viewing during scenic drifts. You can learn more about these types of trips here.


24. Pricing Structure: Clear and Straightforward

Our listed prices are for the service advertised, not per person. For example, if you book a half-day drift boat trip at $650, the price is for the boat and guide, irrespective of whether one or two people participate. If you book it 1:1, it would be $650; if you booked with a friend, it would be $650 split two ways, or $325 each.

Please note that our prices are subject to change and will be reviewed on July 1 of each year.


25. Additional Charges: No Hidden Fees

Lost flies are charged at the standard shop rate, aligning us with other drift boat operations worldwide. Any gear supplied by us and broken during the trip will incur replacement costs.


26. Pricing

Regular Guided Trips

Our regular guided trips offer excellent value, allowing you to explore the serene waterways of Victoria under expert guidance.

Price Structure:

  • Half Day (4 Hours): $550 AUD – for 1 or 2 anglers.
  • Full Day (8 Hours): $750 AUD – for 1 or 2 anglers. BYO lunch.

Drift Boat Trips

Join us for an elevated experience as we navigate the waters in specially imported drift boats from the USA. As the only full-time professional drift boat guides in Victoria, we guarantee an unmatched experience.

Price Structure:

  • Half Day (5 Hours): $650 AUD per boat – for 1 or 2 anglers.
  • Full Day (8 Hours): $850 AUD per boat – for 1 or 2 anglers. BYO lunch.

Note: All trips include usage of gear and flies, drinking water, and coolers for storing your lunch. Flies are supplied but not included in the price, lost flies are charged at the standard shop rate. Every client is supplied with a top-of-the-range inflatable P.F.D.


Weekend Fly Fishing Workshops

Our popular two-day workshops provide a comprehensive introduction to fly fishing or a great refresher for the more experienced.

Price Structure:

  • 2 Days Workshop: $490 AUD per person. Includes all gear, instruction, course notes, and drinking water.

Exciting Fishing Trip Itineraries

Trip Name Dates Duration Price (AUD) Details
New Zealand Trip Dec – Apr 7 days $5,500
(AUD)
Includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days guiding. All meals, transport, and flies.
Montana Trip 1 Jun – Aug 12 days $7,900 (USD) Include 12 nights accommodation, 9 days of guided fly fishing.           All transport.
Goulburn Adventure Sep – Jun 5 days $2,900
(AUD)
Includes 5 nights accommodation, 4 days of drift boat fishing,
all guiding, meals, transport.
Autum Mar- May 5 days $3,900 Includes 5 nights accommodation,
4 full days of drift boat fishing.
All  meals, transport, and flies.

Note: Prices are subject to change and will be reviewed on July 1 of each year.

Essential Extras

Fishing Licenses are required for fishing on local rivers.

  • 1 Day Victorian Licence: $5.50
  • 3 Day Victorian Licence: $12.00
  • 1 Year Victorian Licence: $26.00
  • 3 Year Victorian Licence: $66.00

Licences can be purchased online here.


Booking & Cancellation

To book your fly fishing adventure or for more information, contact us on 03 5773 2513 or 0418 995 611. Please note, all bookings require a 100% deposit with the balance due on the day of the trip. Pay the balance in cash and receive a $50 discount.

For our cancellation policy, click here.


27. Airport Pickups

We offer a free airport shuttle service for group bookings of our multiday trips including the Goulburn River Adventure and Autumn Escape. We can also collect individuals if required, but there will be a cost for time and fuel. For those looking to fly in and do a day or two of fishing, renting a car at the airport will be the best and most economical option.


28. Enquiries and Support: We’re Here to Help

For any further questions or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email or phone. We’re committed to ensuring that your fly fishing adventure with us is a memorable one, from the moment you book until your last cast.


We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your fly fishing adventure. Tight lines and happy fishing!

 



Discover. Connect. Respect.


GV FLY FISHING ENDORSED BRANDS

https://www.waterworks-lamson.com/

 

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