FlyLife’s writers describe the West Branch as bigger, faster and rockier than the East Branch, and more open for casting. If casting room and bigger trout matter to you, start here rather than on the East Branch.

Brown trout, rainbow trout and River Blackfish are all recorded here. FlyLife’s writers pair the West Branch with bigger trout than its neighbour. Look at brown trout and rainbow trout for how each fish behaves. River Blackfish are also recorded.

At the ford, look before you cast. FlyLife’s writers say fish can be seen from a passing vehicle, so stop, watch the water from the road and pick out a fish before you put a line over it.

The ford on Simpsons Road is described as an easy access point. A forestry track crossing a dilapidated wooden bridge leads to a single campsite on the West Branch; the track is described as walking-only, with an easy way back to the car. As on any bush river, look over an old bridge before you trust it with your weight, and tell someone where you are going.

Check the current Victorian Fisheries Authority fishing guide before you fish. Take licence rules, any season, bag and size limits, and the trout-water and closed-waters lists from it.