Few places in Australia offer fly fishing as rewarding as the Snowy Mountains. Crystal-clear rivers, high-country lakes and healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout make this one of the country's premier angling destinations.
Whether you're casting a line for the first time or chasing a trophy fish, here's what you need to know before your next Snowy Mountains fishing trip.
What is the best time for fishing in the Snowy Mountains?
The Snowy Mountains offer good fishing across most of the year, though the experience varies by season. Rivers and streams are closed from June to October, but the lakes remain open year-round.
Spring is widely considered the best time to visit. Early season conditions bring untouched water and spring mayfly hatches, making it ideal conditions for the experienced fly fisher. Summer opens up exceptional dry-fly fishing as warmer temperatures draw fish to the surface and long daylight hours give you more time on the water.
Late season is famous for lake-run fishing, particularly along the Eucumbene River system where strong numbers of fish move through. This is also one of the best times to sight fish for large brown trout.
If you want to know more about what’s biting and where, you can’t look past High Country Outfitters’ honest and up to date fishing reports.
What fish can you catch in the Snowy Mountains?
The region's cool, clear waters are best known for brown trout and rainbow trout, along with Atlantic salmon. Native species including Murray cod and golden perch are also present in some waterways.
Where is the best place to fish in the Snowy Mountains?
The region has no shortage of quality spots, the challenge is choosing between them.
Lake Eucumbene is widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Snowy Mountains fishing. As the largest lake in the Snowy Mountains Scheme (holding nine times the volume of Sydney Harbour) it offers over 145sq/km of shoreline. There's ample room to fish from the bank or by boat, making it well suited to a range of styles and experience levels.
The Thredbo River is another standout. Picturesque and easily accessible, it's a great option for beginners while still offering enough variety to keep experienced anglers engaged. The pondages along the river add to the appeal.
For those looking to get higher into the mountains, Guthega Pondage and the Snowy River around the Guthega area are hard to beat. The fishing is excellent and the surrounding scenery ranks among the best in the region, which reason enough to make the trip on its own.
For help finding a spot that suits your skill level and target species, local guides and fishing reports are your best resource.
Can I hire a local fishing guide?
With so many varying waterways to explore around the region, booking an experienced local guide is a smart investment. Whether you're new to fly fishing or just want to make the most of limited time in the region, the Snowy Mountains have a number of experienced guides.
Guides & Tours
Finding the right gear - buy or hire fishing equipment
Whether you are ready for your first fishing set up or an avid fly fisher looking to upgrade, gear can be purchased or hired from local stores throughout the region:
COOMA
Complete Angler
Your Outdoor Store
JINDABYNE
High Country Outfitters
Lakeside Lures
Snowy Mountain Sport
Do I need a fishing licence?
A valid fishing licence is required for all anglers fishing the rivers, lakes and streams of the Snowy Mountains. Licences can be purchased online through the Service NSW website. Pricing starts at $7 for a 3-day license, with longer-term options available up to $85 for 3 years. Check the Monaro Recreational Fishing Guide to make sure you're across current bag limits and any seasonal regulations before you head out.
If a bit of friendly competition appeals, the Snowy Trout Challenge runs across seven months of the fishing season and offers significant cash prizes.
Find out more