Buckland River

Buckland River

The Buckland River, flowing through the picturesque Buckland Valley in Victoria’s Alpine region, offers anglers a scenic and rewarding fly fishing experience. This delightful river provides many kilometers of clear water, ideal for targeting brown and rainbow trout. While the river can suffer from low levels during dry years, particularly in its lower reaches, the middle and upper sections tend to hold steady and are often more productive. The river flows through State Forest and public land, with access points available along the Buckland Valley Road. However, anglers should be cautious of old gold mining works, which can present unexpected hazards like cliffs and drops along the riverbanks. With pools, runs, and occasional rocky sections, the Buckland offers something for every angler, though summer fishing is best in the upper reaches due to rising water temperatures downstream.

Fly Fishing | Victoria | Buckland River

Fishery 3.9 Rating

Waterway Type

River
River

Target Species

brown troutbrown trout
rainbow troutrainbow trout

Highlights

  • Easy access all along the Buckland Valley Rd after the bridge
  • Grasshopper activity in late summer and early autumn
  • Clear water can be found in headwaters when levels are high

Target Species - Seasons

brown troutjanfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
rainbow troutjanfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec


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Fishing

The Buckland River is an excellent spot for both deep-nymphing and dry fly fishing. Trout in the ¾ to 1½ pound range are common, with the occasional larger fish adding excitement to the mix. Early in the season, the lower reaches near Porepunkah fish well, especially when flows are higher and cooler. As the season progresses, the mid and upper sections are ideal for dry flies, with a Stimulator being a great starting point. Grasshopper activity in late summer and early autumn can make for thrilling surface action, particularly in the cleared stretches of the valley. When road runoff muddies the water after rain, anglers can still find success in the clear upper reaches, making the Buckland a versatile and enjoyable river to fish throughout most of the season.

Access

Access to the Buckland River is plentiful along Buckland Valley Road, which runs from Porepunkah near the Ovens River junction up to the East Branch of the river near Beveridges Station. There are several access points, including Buckland Bridge and Ah Youngs Campsite, which provide good entry to the water. The lower reaches have some private property, but public access remains reasonable, while the middle and upper sections flow almost entirely through public land. Buckland Bridge and Buckland Junction Bridge are among the more accessible spots, reachable with a 2WD vehicle. For anglers willing to venture further, Campflat offers more remote fishing opportunities, though a 4WD vehicle and some hiking are required. With picnic tables, fireplaces, and camping areas available at many of these sites, the Buckland River is not only a great fishing destination but also an inviting place to spend a day or more in nature.

Flies

Royal Wulffrainbow trout
brown trout		#12 – 14janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Parachute Adamsrainbow trout
brown trout		#12 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
CDC Caddisrainbow trout
brown trout		#14 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Elk Hair Caddisrainbow trout
brown trout		#12 – 14janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Klinkhammerrainbow trout
brown trout		#14 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Royal Humpyrainbow trout
brown trout		#12 – 14janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Hopperrainbow trout
brown trout		#10 – 14janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph - tungsten beadrainbow trout
brown trout		#14 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Hares Ear Nymph - tungsten beadrainbow trout
brown trout		#14 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Caddis Nymphrainbow trout
brown trout		#14 – 16janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec

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