Rods at the ready – fishing season in the Snowy Mountains of(fish)ally begins in spring! Pristine waters teeming with trout and spectacular mountain views make fishing in the Snowy Mountains an unforgettable experience. So, whether you consider yourself an experienced or novice angler, come cast a line in some of Australia’s best trout fishing lakes and rivers…
Want to book the best fishing holiday in the snowy mountains? Check out some great deals on accommodation, plus other fantastic experiences!
When is the best time for fishing in the Snowy Mountains?
The Snowy Mountains’ offer options for the keen fisher in every season. The rivers and streams around the region are closed June-October, but the lakes are open all year round. If it’s trout you are chasing, the best time to fish in the Snowy Mountains is spring.
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 cool waters of the Snowy Mountains are renowned for brown and rainbow trout, along with Atlantic Salmon. There are also a number of native fish such as Murray cod and golden perch.
Where is the best place to fish in the Snowy Mountains?
Rivers, streams, lakes… there’s definitely no one spot fits all, but there are plenty of fantastic fishing spots to explore in the Snowy Mountains!
Known as the ‘jewel in the crown’, you can’t look past Lake Eucumbene when on the hunt for that elusive ‘trophy trout’. As the largest lake of the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme (when full it holds nine times the volume of Sydney Harbour and has an average depth of over 30 meters), Lake Eucumbene offers over 145 sq km of shoreline meaning ample spots to fish straight from the shore or boat.
The river systems around the region offer clear, cool water making for the perfect trout conditions. It’s hard to beat the picturesque Thredbo River when it comes to idyllic fishing spots in the Snowy Mountains. With plenty of easy access river spots and pondages, it’s the perfect waterway for both novice and experienced fly fishers to enjoy.
To find a location that suits your style and ability, take a look at these handy maps!
Can I hire a local fishing guide?
With so many varying waterways to explore around the region, booking a guided tour with an experienced local fishing guide is the best way to ensure a big catch. Whether it’s your first time fishing, or you simply want to work on your casting, a fishing guide is a great way to upskill.
Thredbo: Clear Water fly fishing Guides, Lake Crackenback Tours
Jindabyne: High Country Outfitters
Cooma: Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing
Adaminaby: Lake Eucumbene Fishing Charters
Where can I purchase fishing gear in the Snowy Mountains?
Whether you are ready for your first fishing set up or an avid flyfisher looking to upgrade, there are plenty of stores around the Snowy Mountains full of gear to purchase and hire.
Adaminaby: Ampol Adaminaby
Cooma: The Alpine Angler
Jindabyne: Snowy Mountains Sports
Do I need a fishing Licence?
A fishing licence is required for all anglers in the rivers, lakes and streams of the Snowy Mountains. You can purchase a licence online from the Service NSW website with prices ranging from $7 for 3 days to $85 for 3 years.
Snowy Trout Challenge
Sure catching your first trout in some of the most renowned freshwater fishing systems in Australia is cool.. But what about winning some prizes for doing so? The Snowy Trout Challenge runs for 7 months over the fishing season and offers huge cash prizes. 500 rainbow trout have been released in waterways right across the Snowy Mountains. Catch a rainbow trout with a yellow STC tag and go into the fortnightly $1,000 cash prize draws, from 13 November 2022 until 30 April 2023.