FRESHWATER fishos from across Victoria are invited to learn more about the state’s trout fisheries at a free one-day conference in Ringwood on Saturday 1 August 2026.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the annual Talking Trout conference attracts anglers, scientists, guides and opinion leaders to share the latest in research, fisheries management, habitat improvements, and trout trends.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s Talking Trout conference in Ringwood, Melbourne. It’s a great opportunity for anglers from Melbourne and beyond to get out for the day to hear, learn, and talk about all things trout,” Dowling said.
“The event is jointly hosted by the VFA and Australian Trout Foundation, supported by fishing licence fees and the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan.”
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Australia’s National Fly Fishing Champion Tom Jarman, who will present on “showcasing a season on Victoria’s trout waters”. Tom has been a competition fly fisher for 15 years and has represented Australia 7 times in the World Championships in Spain, Italy and the United States. During his keynote, Tom will discuss the systems he fishes at different times of the year and angling methods and tips for fishing those waters.
Paul Stolz from the Australian Trout Foundation will explain the habitat, water, and food needs of trout and how we are fulfilling them, while Lauren Johnson from the Arthur Rylah Institute (DEECA) will shed light on how trout populations have responded in the Upper Murray after the 2020 bushfire.
Sessions will also be dedicated to spotlighting some of the Victoria’s best cool water fisheries, with Aussie Angler’s Jo Dobson discussing the joys of small stream fly fishing in her talk ‘Small stream trout fishing’, Mountain Fly guide James Norney’s presenting on ‘Trout AlterNatives’, and Wimmera angler Alastair Vanstan highlighting Lake Fyans and surrounds as premium destinations out west.
VFA Senior Project Manager Andrew Briggs will deliver the opening talk “Life in the Antipodes; Trout in Australia – What a Journey!”, while Fisheries Manager Mark Adams will discuss the tools of the trout fishing trade in his talk “Outside the tacklebox – using modern tools to improve your chances”.
Panel discussions will accompany sessions with questions from the audience.
The conference will be held at the George Wood Performing Arts Centre in Ringwood between 8.55am and 4.15pm on Saturday 1 August. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided.
Learn more and book a free conference seat at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/talktrout
