What to Expect

What makes the Tasmanian trout fishery unique

Tasmania provides some of the best inland fishing waters in the world. Its abundant streams and lakes and its pristine, unique natural environment make it a highly attractive and exciting fishing destination. Here, you can catch wild trout in crystal clear waters surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, access prime fishing locations easily from major cities, and fish for a variety of trout and salmon at a single water or at several waters within the one day.

Tasmania's wild brown trout fishery, in particular, attracts anglers from interstate and overseas, but the fishery also caters for a wide range of angling interest. Anglers have the choice of fishing one of the many small streams that teem with brown trout in the 500 gram range, to stalking larger fish in the shallow margins of one of the many hundreds of lakes. For the intrepid angler, vast areas of National Park and World Heritage Areas contain excellent trout waters. These areas enable the outdoor enthusiast to combine trout fishing with bushwalking for the ultimate wilderness fishery experience.

Changes during the Season

The angling season extends from August to May, with the best fishing between October and April. There are also seven major waters that are now open for angling all year round. During the course of the season, different types of fishing become prominent, reflecting seasonal shifts in weather, water levels, food availability and consequently, the feeding behaviour of trout.

Early in the season, the cool conditions and high water levels stimulate 'tailing' fish, which feed along the flooded lake (and river) margins looking for snails, worms, grubs and other food items. Fish can be seen cruising along the edges with their tails and dorsal fins exposed, providing exhilarating sport for the fly fisher and baitcaster. Lakes with shallow edges coupled with plant growth are best suited for tailing fish.

At around the same time, sea trout fishing is at its peak, as sea-run browns chase whitebait up the estuaries during their annual migration. These fish offer great angling opportunities on fly, lure and bait. Most of the larger estuaries with the exception of the East Coast rivers offer good sea run trout fishing.

Mayfly hatches are a feature from approximately mid-October on the lowland lakes and mid-November on the highlands. Mayfly activity can last until March and is seen by many as the pinnacle of dry fly fishing in Tasmania. Mayfly activity on the northern "meadow" streams is centred on the red spinner and generally extends from October to December.

Sight fishing for trout with the aid of polarised sunglasses or "polaroiding", is a practice that is used extensive throughout the State. Tasmania's clear water environment readily lends itself to this method with the best waters being the shallow lakes on the Central Plateau, particularly the Western Lakes, however any water with reasonable clarity has potential for polaroiding.

Warnings

The Tasmanian climate, particularly in the highland country, is highly changeable and outdoor recreationalists need to beware and be prepared. Check the weather forecast before you leave on a fishing trip.

For the novice fisher or tourist, some local advice on where to fish and what to use, could make the difference to a successful fishing experience. Tasmania has a healthy network of angling clubs throughout the State and a string of accredited trout guides. Valuable advice is also available through tackle stores, where you can also purchase a fishing licence.