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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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