Fly Fishing | Victoria | Cobungra River

Fishery 4 Rating

Waterway Type

River
River

Target Species

brown troutbrown trout
rainbow troutrainbow trout

Highlights

  • A more technically demanding river than others in the region
  • Pristine alpine valley in the upper reaches
  • Cold beer at the Blue Duck Tavern after fishing

Target Species - Seasons

brown troutjanfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
rainbow troutjanfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec


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Fishing

The upper Cobungra River is a fly fisher's dream, with crystal-clear water ideal for dry flies and bead-head nymphs. However, trout here can be easily spooked, requiring careful stalking and delicate presentations. Pay attention to the substrate, as large sections of bedrock seem to be less preferred lies. The river regularly produces brown trout up to 2 pounds, and during autumn, large brood fish can be observed near the confluence with the Mitta Mitta.
Grasshopper action in early autumn can be especially productive in the lower reaches, with dry flies like Stimulators or Elk Hair Caddis performing well. The river’s colder waters make it more challenging early in the season, but late spring through autumn provides more consistent fishing. Anglers have reported large browns in the Cobungra, and despite the sometimes sparse fish population, the rewards can be significant for those who fish patiently.

Access

Access to the Cobungra River varies significantly along its course with large section being a long way from vehicle access. The most straightforward access is at Anglers Rest, where the river meets the Mitta Mitta River. This section is popular and offers easier wading and a cold beer afterward at the Blue Duck Tavern. However, most other access points require more effort—either via steep walks, 4WD tracks, or crossing private property (with permission).
The upper reaches near Mount Hotham are more remote and typically only reachable by foot or 4WD, but these less fished areas offer excellent opportunities for solitude and rewarding fishing. The river flows through the mountains among snow grass plains in the upper reaches and rugged terrain, with gravel beds and an uneven, slippery bottom, making wading tricky in many areas. The walking trail to Dibbin's Hut provides a unique high country twigwater opportunity in the warmer months and there is also access from the Mount Hotham area via the Brandy Creek fire trail if you're fit and up for a hike.

Flies

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

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