The Gibbo runs through forest on a broadly north-south line before it flows into the Mitta Mitta River. FlyLife’s writers think that forest cover keeps the water cooler and the fishing more consistent through summer heat than on more open rivers. In our experience, shade and overhanging growth are where you start looking for a trout.

Brown trout and rainbow trout are both recorded here, and confidence in those records is high. River blackfish, twospine blackfish and Macquarie perch are recorded too, so not every fish you see will be a trout.

Bring the fly box you would carry to any forest trout river and let what is happening on the water choose the fly. Fish the shaded edges first, work upstream, and keep your movements quiet.

The road that follows the river has short side tracks down to it, and informal camping spots are scattered along it. Treat them as descriptions of what is there, not a statement of permission, and respect any sign or fence you meet.

As on any bush river, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, and watch your footing on wet rock and steep banks.

Before you fish, read the current Victorian Fisheries Authority inland angling guide, check its closed-waters information, and take any season, bag and size limits and licence requirements from it.