The Bairnsdale Fly Fishers Club, located in Richmond Valley Council, was established in 1967 and aims to promote the sport of Fly Fishing and provide a supportive community for men and women in the East Gippsland region to enjoy this sport together and improve their skills. The club offers a wealth of experienced fly fishers who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge in fishing, fly tying, and stream craft. To facilitate the club's activities, they operate a Lodge on the Mitta Mitta river, providing members and their guests with excellent conditions to practise their craft.
Throughout the season, the club organises a range of competitions, including trips to Lake Eucumbene and Western Victorian Lakes. Additionally, the club is affiliated with the Council of Victorian Fly Fishing Clubs, allowing members to engage with a broader community of fly-fishing enthusiasts. The Bairnsdale Fly Fishers Club is open to new members, and their meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p. m.
at the Bairnsdale Club, Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale, with the option of using the rear entrance behind Cheap as Chips.
The Club's history dates back to its inaugural meeting on March 3, 1967, at the Bairnsdale High School Hall. Mr. Jim Neville chaired the meeting, which resulted in the formation of the club as a branch of the Victorian Fly Fishing Association. Mr.
Bill Fisher was elected as the first president, and Mr. Dudley Lee became the Secretary-Treasurer. The Victorian Fly Fishing Association President, Mr. F.
Hall, conveyed his congratulations to the newly elected officials and assured them of the association's continuous support. At that time, the annual subscriptions were set at $1.
The club's early activities included constructing a casting platform on the “Mitchell” backwater and organising its first trip to the McAllister River in April 1967. In 1970, the club introduced the “Bert Webb Trophy” for the biggest trout caught during the season. Furthermore, Bill Fisher generously offered his dam for club usage in 1981, and it was stocked with 300 yearling rainbow trout. Over the years, meetings were held at various members' homes, such as Bill Fisher, Syd Davies, and Alfie Smith.
From 1970 to 1983, the venue shifted to Dudley and Beryl Lee's residence, with Dudley being a past president and founding member who was later awarded life membership in the Victorian Fly Fishing Association in 1977.
One of the club's significant events is the Annual Dinner and competition for the “Thing,” now known as the Dudley Lee Donger trophy, which has had continuous support from the Victorian Fly Fishing Association. In 1979, the club decided to increase the dinner fee to cover the cost of guests and accommodate 8 members from the association. In 1981, discussions about establishing a club building in the Mitta River area commenced, with Brian Hopkins confident about sourcing the necessary materials. The club's subscription fees also increased to $10, of which $2 was allocated as an affiliation fee to the Victorian Fly Fishing Association.
Moreover, in the same year, the club was successful in securing the removal of a Fisheries Research Building from its site on the Nicholson River, competing against the Nicholson Angling Club.
To stay connected with its members and the wider community, the Bairnsdale Fly Fishers Club maintains an official website developed with assistance from the Victorian Government's Country Action Grant Scheme. The website features a comprehensive events calendar, newsletters, a photo gallery, information about the club's river rehabilitation project, and various helpful web links. Additionally, the club embraces sustainable practises by incorporating solar power into its operations.
Whether you are an avid fly-fishing enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this exciting sport, the Bairnsdale Fly Fishers Club offers a warm and welcoming environment for all. With its rich history, experienced members, and regular activities, this club is the perfect place for individuals in Richmond Valley Council and the East Gippsland region to immerse themselves in the world of fly-fishing.