GREAT ALPINE ROAD VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 57 OMEO Josh Van Heek of Big River Fishing and Outdoors is an expert in High Country fishing. Enjoy wild river fishing in the High Country The Victorian trout fishing season officially kicked-off in Spring and ends on the King’s Birthday weekend (around 10th June 2024) – making now a great time to hit the Omeo region to fish the beautiful rivers of the Victorian High Country. This region has some of the only wild-bred, self sustaining trout rivers in Australia – meaning there is no fish stocking, making it a truly natural and satisfying fishing experience. One of the best ways to get among the big fish is to have a chat with local freshwater fishing expert Josh Van Heek, owner of the Big River Fishing and Outdoors store in Omeo. Drawing on his 30-plus years of dedicated fishing experience, Josh can help you with advice on prime river-fishing spots, the best times of day to fish, and the complexities of how freshwater fish feed. Josh’s store is well stocked with quality fishing, camping, outdoor equipment and clothing, hunting apparel, accessories and workwear, ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy even the most remote corners of the High Country. Josh also runs a variety of personally guided fishing trips in the region, imparting his expert skills and knowledge to maximise your chance of catching your dream fish. Rare opportunity Victoria’s High Country region offers anglers an opportunity to fish the Mitta Mitta River for the Macquarie Perch. The Mitta Mitta is a breeding ground for this species, and one of the few places where anglers are permitted to catch this elusive fish (which has a daily bag limit of a single, legal-sized fish per angler). With the Macquarie Perch fishing season closed from 1 October until 31 December (inclusive), mid-summer and early autumn are ideal times to chase them. Drop into Big River Fishing and Outdoors to ask Josh for information and advice on catching this fish. Family fishing Omeo township also has some places to take the kids fishing, including Livingstone Park – on the Livingstone Creek – which provides easy access to some excellent fishing spots. The town is also an excellent base from which to explore the area’s large network of trails, which are punctuated with gnarled snow gums and rambling streams. In the cooler months, the scenery becomes something new to explore, with crisp, still and misty mornings, icicle-speckled foliage and dustings of snow. Whether fishing, walking or just taking a scenic drive, winter and spring in the High Country offer so much to see and enjoy. To book a guided fishing tour or find out more about fishing in the High Country, visit bigriverfishingandoutdoors.com.au Big River Fishing and Outdoors in Omeo has everything you need for your High Country adventures. JOSH VAN HEEK 0428 505 871 jvanheek5@bigpond.com 188 Day Avenue, Omeo Vic 3898 www.bigriverfishingandoutdoors.com.au Guided fly fishing tours and lessons available. Bookings essential. PB15976
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