As trout season in Australia wound down, our family decided to head south and see what all the fuss was about on the Eucumbene River. We journeyed to the snowy mountains, eager to experience the much-talked-about trout fishing. We arrived on the last weekend before the trout fishery closed for the season. The rumors we’d heard were mixed—some described the scene as a chaotic “combat fishing” experience, akin to Alaska or the Fraser River, where anglers often find themselves in a competitive frenzy. I was curious to see how Australians interpreted “combat fishing” and hopeful that we could find some peaceful spots to enjoy quality fishing time.
This time of year, the river sees a spawn run of mostly brown trout. The season was still open, with a mix of anglers using spinning gear and fly rods. We were scheduled to meet our friend Josh and his son Oscar, who were already on the river. They had warned us about the cold, and they weren’t kidding—it was freezing, with temperatures dropping to minus two degrees Celsius. It felt like a Canadian winter, but we were well-prepared with all our gear, including scarves, gloves, and warm layers.
Despite the chilly weather, we were excited. Josh greeted us warmly, and after some quick catching up, we got ready to fish. The river was bustling with activity, yet the atmosphere was friendly. People were considerate, allowing us to swing a few flies without much hassle.
The Eucumbene River is stunning, with a desolate beauty punctuated by wombat holes, rabbits, kangaroos, and wallabies. As we traversed the ridges and walked down to the river, we found some quieter spots away from the crowd. The trout here are big, and we saw some impressive catches, including one monster trout that weighed just under ten pounds.
Fishing during the spawn run is a topic of debate. In Canada, it’s generally frowned upon or even illegal in some areas to fish on redds (trout nests). However, in Australia, it’s allowed, and the season closure is timed to protect the fish during their spawning period. The Department of Primary Industries manages the fishery and stocks the waters, ensuring a balance between recreational fishing and conservation.
As the day progressed, we managed to catch several beautiful fish, including a stunning brown trout with vivid red spots. Each catch was a reminder of why we love fishing—connecting with nature, the thrill of the catch, and the joy of spending time together as a family.
The snow began to fall the day after we left, signaling the start of winter for anglers across New South Wales. Reflecting on our trip, I’d say it was a success. The Eucumbene River offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience that I think I’ll be trying again.
