About your guides
Born on the river
Over three decades wading Victoria's wild trout streams — from the headwaters of the High Country to the broad tannin rivers of East Gippsland.
A life spent on the water
I grew up in the Victorian High Country, where rivers aren't just scenery — they're a way of life. My father handed me my first fly rod when I was eight years old, and I haven't put it down since.
After years fishing across Australia, I come back to the Victorian High Country because nowhere else compares. Along the way I've had the privilege of representing Australia in competition fly fishing — an experience that sharpened every aspect of my reading of water, presentation, and fish behaviour. The diversity here in Victoria is extraordinary — wild browns in remote mountain streams, big fish in tannin-stained lowland rivers, and everything in between.
Raft fishing opened up a whole new dimension of these rivers for me. Running the big lowland stretches by oar — covering water that wade fishers never reach, drifting into pools that haven't seen a fly in years — it's some of the most exciting fishing I've ever done. I run all float trips alongside my good mate Brent, a qualified raft guide who knows these rivers as well as anyone alive.
I started Big River Fishing & Outdoors because I wanted to share these rivers with people who are serious about fly fishing — whether you're just starting out or you've been casting for decades. Every trip is personal. I don't run groups of ten. I guide small parties, I know my rivers intimately, and I care deeply about the experience you take home.
Meet the guides
Fly fishing guide & owner
Josh
Born and raised in the Victorian High Country. Licensed fishing guide, Australian competition fly fishing representative, and the founder of Big River Fishing & Outdoors. Specialises in wade fishing remote mountain streams and technical dry fly presentation.
- Licensed Victorian fishing guide
- Australian competition fly fishing representative
- 30+ years on Victorian trout rivers
- First Aid certified
Qualified raft guide
Brent
Brent is our dedicated raft guide and the reason our float trips are something special. With deep knowledge of Victoria's river systems and years of experience running oar-frame rafts through remote gorges, Brent puts you on water most anglers never see.
- Qualified raft guide
- Expert on Victoria's river systems
- Remote river access specialist
- Safety-first approach on big water
Qualified and licensed
Licensed Guide
Victorian recreational fishing guide licence — fully insured and compliant
First Aid Certified
Current First Aid certification for remote river environments
30+ Years Experience
Over three decades guiding and fishing Victoria's trout rivers
Qualified Raft Guide
Certified raft guide — safely running Victoria's remote lowland rivers for float fishing expeditions
Local Knowledge
Born and raised in the High Country — intimate knowledge of seasonal conditions, hatches, and access
How we guide
Small groups only
Maximum two anglers per guide. You get our full attention, not a shared experience.
Catch and release
We practise and encourage ethical catch and release to protect these wild fisheries for future generations.
Tailored to you
Whether you want to learn the basics or target trophy fish in remote backcountry, we build the day around your goals.
Honest about conditions
Rivers change. We'll always give you a straight answer about what to expect — no overselling.
Ready to fish?
Get in touch to discuss dates, rivers, and what kind of trip you're after. We'll give you an honest picture of what's fishing well.