Continuing our lead in to the 2026-27 brown trout season starting on 1 August 2026, here’s a look at some of the best options in the South.

Southern Tasmania offers some outstanding early-season trout fishing opportunities, and the good news is that many of the state's best fisheries are within easy reach of Hobart.

The Derwent River is one of Tasmania’s premier early-season fisheries, with reports of quality sea-run brown trout already coming from the lower reaches. Over the coming months, annual whitebait runs will attract trout into the river, creating some of the best fishing of the season. Numerous shore-based access points are available through the Anglers Access Program, while boat ramps at Bridgewater and New Norfolk provide excellent launching opportunities. In the lower river, lure fishing by casting or trolling is generally the most productive approach. Further upstream, particularly above New Norfolk, traditional bait fishing with worms or grubs can be highly effective, especially following rainfall when river levels are elevated. Anglers should focus on slower-water holding areas adjacent to stronger currents for the best results. The Derwent also features $5,000 tagged trout as part of the Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion.

Further south, the Huon River will again attract strong early-season interest. Sea-run trout are regularly caught in the lower reaches from opening weekend through to Christmas. The river offers excellent access through the Anglers Access Program, along with good boat launching facilities at Huonville and downstream locations. As with the Derwent, lure fishing is generally most effective in the lower reaches, while worm and grub fishing with set rods can produce excellent results further upstream.

The Tyenna River is widely regarded as one of Tasmania’s best river trout fisheries and should fish well provided flows remain moderate. Small lures are often highly effective for spin anglers, while fly and bait fishers also enjoy excellent success throughout the season. Extensive angler access is available, with some of the most productive reaches located around Westerway and Maydena.

Often overlooked, the Lower Derwent lakes provide excellent opportunities for anglers seeking quality fishing away from the crowds. Meadowbank Lake, Cluny Lagoon, Lake Repulse, Lake Catagunya and Wayatinah Lagoon can all be reached within a little over an hour’s drive of Hobart and offer excellent camping and boating facilities. These waters are generally under-fished and can provide exceptional sport during the opening months of the season. Traditional bait fishing with worms and grubs remains a reliable option, while lure anglers can find success using cobras, hard-body lures and soft plastics. Although a boat can be advantageous, productive fishing is still available from the shore. Each year, larger trout are regularly encountered around Hydro tailrace inflows, where food and oxygen-rich water attract fish. Fly anglers should concentrate on the shallow weedy margins, with wet flies generally proving the most effective choice. Wayatinah Lagoon and Meadowbank Lake are particularly well suited to this style of fishing.

Get Ready—Act Now!

Don’t miss opening day. Purchase or renew your licence today:

Visit Service Tasmania, your local tackle store, or go to the IFS website. 

Gear up, get licensed, and get fishing—we’ll see you on the water this season!