Talking Trout Event Information

Join us for Talking Trout 2026 - a FREE conference on Saturday 1 August.

Brought to you by the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) in partnership with us at the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA).

Think recreational fishers, scientists, fishing guides, experts and everyone shaping trout fishing in Victoria all in the one room, swapping the latest on research, fisheries management, habitat work, and where trout fishing is heading.

You'll be joining hundreds of other like-minded people who are passionate about our fantastic trout fisheries. You’ll learn lots to improve your fishing, make new contacts, and catch up with old friends, all at the same time.

This year we're hosting Talking Trout at a brand-new venue in Ringwood - a little closer to home for most - and lunch, tea and coffee is on us. Best of all, it's completely free to attend!

Our 2026 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.

We’ve got plenty more amazing speakers lined up this year, covering a range of topics that includes trout fishing in all types of lakes, as well as rivers. Panel discussions will accompany sessions with questions from the audience.

What are you waiting for? Tap the registration link below to secure your seat.

When: Saturday 1 August, 2026

Where: George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar, Ringwood

Time:  8:30am - 4pm

Cost: FREE. Register here.

Conference presentations include:

• Keynote speaker:  Tom Jarman, Australia's National Fly Fishing Champion - "Showcasing a season on Victoria's trout waters."
• Andrew Briggs, Senior Project Manager (VFA) - “Life in the Antipodes; trout in Australia – what a journey!”
• Associate Professor John Morrongiello, University of Melbourne - "The dynamic nature of Victoria's wild trout fisheries."
• Paul Stolz, Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) - "What do trout need, and how are we getting it to them?"
• Lauren Johnson, Arthur Rylah Institute (DEECA) - "Trout response in the Upper Murray post 2020 bushfire."
• Mark Adams, Fisheries Manager (VFA) - "Outside the tackle box - using modern tools to improve your chances."
• Louise Norney - "Tailrace fishing tips and tricks."
• Tim Vincent - "South-west rivers - Merri and Hopkins River trout."
• Matthew Midlren - "Fishing Lake Dartmouth."
• Jo Dobson - "Small stream trout fishing."
• Alistair Vanstan - "Western trout lakes."
• James Norney, Mountain Fly - "Trout AlterNatives."

Panel discussion will encourage questions from the audience throughout the day.

Find the full conference program here.

Registration

Registering helps us plan seating and catering, which includes free lunch and refreshments. Seats are limited so register early!

To reserve your free seat go here.