Hopper Session in Stunning Victorian Trout Streams | Australian High Country Fly Fishing in December

Late December in the Victorian High Country is hard to beat, and this two–day camping and fly fishing mission was one for the books. Pat Ryan heads back to Victoria for the third time this season, chasing trout through classic alpine pocket water and camping riverside in the middle of summer.

Day one kicks off on a tight, crystal-clear mountain stream. Thigh-deep pools, fast pocket water, and fish that have only seconds to inspect a fly. Armed with a single dry, Pat works upstream, reading water on the fly and quickly finding fish spread everywhere: deep buckets, skinny riffles, and shaded edges. Rainbows come early and often, a welcome turnaround after a run of slower trips, with aggressive takes and plenty of heart-in-mouth moments as bigger fish show themselves and slip away just as fast.
As the light fades, camp is made beside the river. Dinner on, rods leaned against a tree, and the sounds of running water set the scene for what’s shaping up to be a special Victorian trip.
Day two starts strong. First cast, a slow-motion rise, and one of the most beautifully coloured brown trout Pat has ever caught slides into the net. Reds, whites, and deep golden hues glow in the morning light — a reminder that size isn’t everything. With a fresh net and rising confidence, the dry fly mission continues as rainbows and browns keep looking up.

Later, the trip shifts gears. A move to a much larger river brings warmer water, deep runs, back eddies, and classic evening rise water. Fish begin to show themselves, but they don’t give it up easily. What follows is a true test of patience and problem-solving: high sticking across tricky currents, stealthy approaches, refusals, missed eats, and a full rotation through the fly box as rising fish stubbornly ignore everything on offer.
As dusk settles in, persistence finally pays off. After countless fly changes, a perfectly timed cast and a tiny parachute dry bring a stunning brown to the surface. Dark, moody colours and electric blue behind the gill plate. A hard-earned fish and one of those moments that make fly fishing unforgettable.
With the sun dropping behind the hills and the river warming just enough for a swim, the trip wraps up the best way possible. Dusty boots, tired arms, and a jump into the water to close out an incredible couple of days.
Middle of summer. Alpine rivers. Dry flies. Camping by the water.
This is what it’s all about.

Presented by Pat Ryan
Filmed and edited by Dean Johnson

Important Disclaimer:
This video was filmed in late December 2025. Since then, parts of Victoria — including areas of the High Country — have experienced severe bushfires. Conditions may have changed significantly, and access restrictions, closures, or safety hazards may be in place. Do not enter these areas without first checking current fire warnings, park closures, and advice from emergency services and land managers. Always prioritise safety.