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The Eucumbene isn’t a hatch driven river. As it’s a high gradient stream flowing over granite bedrock, it doesn’t have a high diversity of aquatic macro-invertebrates. Nevertheless, it has quite many terrestrial insects. Consequently, fish in the Eucumbene river are typically opportunistic feeders that will readily take generalist and attractor patterns.

A Royal Wulff in #12 – #14 is very effective in the fast water of shallow runs during the Summer. Other attractors such as Stimulators and Humpies work equally well. A black or orange Stimulator in #10-#12 is a useful pattern when the Stoneflies are present in early summer. A black Humpy in #12 is useful for representing the March flies that are present in the middle of summer.
Occasionally Mayfly Duns do hatch, although often very sparsely. The most common Duns are Brown (The Kosciuszko Dun) in #10-#14, Iron Grey in #14 -#16 and Black in #16 – #18. A Parachute Adams in #14-#18 is often satisfactory despite the disparity between these naturals and the fly.

Adult Caddis flies are present throughout the summer, particularly the Snow Caddis in #16 as well as dark brown and grey caddis’ in #12-#16.

Any hopper pattern in #10- #14 works well over the summer months especially in the upper tussock lined reaches when the wind is blowing. Other terrestrial patterns such as black beetles in #16-#18 work well.

Thanks go to Fraser Perry for supplying this comprehensive Eucumbene River report.

In terms of equipment, the optimum equipment is quite diverse as the river changes character quite dramatically. In the lower reaches, the river is quite large and open, holding noticeably larger fish than the upper reaches. A 9’ – 10’ rod in #5 or #6 makes light work of this section. In the middle reaches, the river narrows as it flows through the steep valley. A slightly shorter lighter rod is more suitable to the conditions. In the upper reaches, the river is a small trickle with small fish. Here a 7’ – 9’ rod in #3-#5 is more than adequate. Be prepared to switch to heavier lines and faster rods when the wind picks up. Strong winds on the flats and gusts through the valley are quite common throughout the year. Also adjust your equipment to the rig you cast. Heavier gear assists enormously when casting heavy nymphs, split shot and streamers. A floating line will cover most situations on the Eucumbene River. Delicate presentation tapers are useful although steep nymph tapers are very useful with heavy rigs. A sinking line is only required in the deepest of holes and in the gorges.

During the summer, searching the water with a dry fly can be very rewarding. During normal flows and warm conditions, dry flies cast into the fast water are eagerly taken. When the wind is blowing, terrestrials are engulfed, especially in the open upper reaches of the river. When surface activity is slow, nymphs will catch fish. In the larger deeper pools, a dry fly –nymph dropper rig works well, achieving a long drift and good presentation. In faster water and when flows increase, short line nymphing techniques such as Czech Nymphing prove very effective. Deep runs and large holes can be fished effectively with streamers. Polaroiding is sometimes possible when the water is clear and in the upper reaches where the steep valley walls provide a high vantage point. During the evening rise, an emerger pattern cast to rising fish on the large calm pools can make a nice finish to a day on the water.

The Eucumbene River has a variety of access points for anglers on foot and those with off road vehicles.

The mouth of the Eucumbene River can be accessed from Denison. A well maintained dirt road from the Snowy Mountains Highway leads to Denison camping ground. From there, other tracks lead across the flats to the river requiring an off road vehicle. The River can be crossed at the ford where another track begins leading towards Alpine Creek. The mouth of the River shifts with fluctuating lake levels, although never more than 2km from Denison.

The lower reaches of the Eucumbene River around Alpine Creek can be accessed by walking approximately 1km upstream from Denison or alternatively by entering the Flying Fox Trail from start of the Denison Road and walking along Alpine Creek itself until it meets the Eucumbene River.

The river in the lower gorge can be accessed via walking further upstream from the Alpine Creek junction or by walking along the Flying Fox Trail. This trail continues for 3km from the locked gate at Alpine Creek.

The middle of the reaches of the river can be accessed through Four Mile Fire Trail. At Sawyer’s Hut, Four Mile Fire Trail commences, winding 2km down to the river. It is a dirt road that was graded in 2010, accessible with 2WD although 4WD is recommended, especially in wet conditions. From the base of the trail, there is over 2km of water downstream and 6km upstream until the next access point.
The upper gorge is reached by walking a long distance upstream from the base of Four Mile Fire Trail or by walking the steep descent down Sawyer’s Hill. Both routes require large walking distances and move through very steep terrain. This section is recommended for fit, prepared anglers.

At Kiandra, the Eucumbene River flows underneath the Snowy Mountains Highway. Rough tracks lead upstream and downstream for 1km which require a 4WD. There is over 2km of water downstream until the river flows into the upper gorge at Suicide Hole, whilst there is over 2km of water upstream until the next access point at the Kiandra RTA depot.

The upper reaches of the river are accessed via a short 500m across the tussocks from the RTA depot in Kiandra. The highest section of the river flows parallel to the Snowy Mountains Highway after Kiandra, where another short walk across the tussocks take anglers to the river.

This river rises in the Alpine area and flows into Eucumbene Dam at the western end. Now that the level of the lake has dropped there is a lot more river to fish in the Providence area. This is beautiful water and has a big head of fish at spawning times with Browns entering from around April to the close of the season in June, whilst Rainbows run right up to December. The areas above the dam are best at the start and end of the fishing season, whilst hopper fishing in summer is great through the grassy flats. Always worth a look!!! Once above the flats the river is a pure Alpine stream flowing through gorge areas and up high through tussock. The river around Kiandra is a must to fish. Cold water and big tussock banks make for great fishing and there are plenty of areas to discover. Access is easy but be wary of the wombat holes in between the tussocks. This is open country so always check the weather and take appropriate gear, food and water.