The Howqua runs gin-clear through Victoria's high country, and it is worth the drive for wild rainbow and brown trout on a dry fly in summer.
It is a freestone river along the southern foothills of Mount Buller, running down to Lake Eildon and the Goulburn. Run, riffle and pool repeat, and long shallow glides become a feature lower down.
Come in the warmer months. FlyLife's writers describe the fish as few and very spooky, so this is a stealth river: fish early, stay well back and expect to earn each trout.
Check the current Victorian fishing guide, then pick a track or camp and start walking.
Water and habitat
The Howqua is a freestone river on the southern foothills of Mount Buller. It enters Lake Eildon and joins the Goulburn there. As a freestone stream it repeats run, riffle and pool, and in the lower reaches long shallow glides are a feature.
In our experience, clear water like this rewards a slow look before you step in. The head of a pool, the seam beside faster current and the tail of a riffle are the places to check first.
FlyLife's writers note that the river's east to west lie leaves it in sun all day. That can bring low flow and high temperatures that put trout off the feed, so summer fishing times and fish care both need thought.
Fish and forage
FlyLife's writers say the Howqua holds good numbers of wild rainbow trout and brown trout, though they also describe the fish as few and very spooky, which makes the fishing genuinely tough. The stocking chart shows what has been released, and it is the wild fish you are after.
Mayfly and caddis nymphs make up most of what the trout eat, with the odd stonefly. That points at a fly box built around nymphs, caddis dries and a hopper for the warmer months.
When to fish it
Excellent summer dry-fly fishing is a listed highlight, so the warmer months are the season to plan around. Traditional attractor flies are described as working consistently then, with parachute and CDC caddis patterns even more effective.
The same sun that brings the dry-fly fishing can leave the river low and warm. In our experience the sensible answer is the cool end of the day, and a firm decision to rest the river when the water is running warm. Take any season for the river from the current Victorian Fisheries Authority guide before you settle on dates.
How to fish it
FlyLife's writers describe the Howqua as well suited to dry-dropper fishing. A buoyant dry with a mayfly or caddis nymph beneath it lets you cover the water and cover the bottom in one drift.
The flies listed for both trout are a CDC Caddis in sizes 14 to 16, a Hopper in sizes 10 to 14 and a Plume Tip in sizes 16 to 18.
With fish this wary, a guide's read is to approach low, make your first cast count and move on rather than flog a pool you have already spooked.
Access and safety
FlyLife's writers say the upper and middle river is reached by a number of 4WD tracks and walking trails, and that easy access and camping are highlights. Treat that as description, not permission, and read the signs and fences you meet on the ground.
As on any bush river, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, carry water and a first-aid kit, and never wade a crossing you are unsure of.
Regulations
Victorian seasons, bag and size limits and closed waters are set by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and change from year to year. Read the current Inland Angling Guide, including its closed-waters list, and take any season, limit and licence requirement from it before you fish.
