Ultimate Fly Fishing Tasmania Guide

Is Tasmania Good for Fly Fishing? 

Tasmania has many rivers, lakes, and creeks with wild trout, making it a great place to fly fish—a well-known pond where fish are put in as fry and grow quickly. You can fish with both dry and wet flies there. The Cressy River System is one of a kind and is managed as a wild brown trout fishery. The Tasmanian Trout Expo is held there every year. 

Do You Need A License For Fly Fishing In Tasmania? 

Due to its beautiful, isolated rivers and plentiful trout populations, Tasmania has some of the world's most lonely and unspoilt fishing locations. The island's diverse topography offers many habitats perfect for trout growth.  

Every area offers a different fishing experience surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, from the lakes in the Central Highlands to the meandering rivers and streams in the North and South, most of which are fringed by lush and gorgeous forests.

To fish in any Tasmanian inland water using a rod, reel, or line, an individual must possess a valid fishing licence, which is required for those at least 14 years old. Farm dams on private land fall under this category.

There is an open season on most inland waterways. To fish for whitebait, you need a different licence. You do not require a licence if: 

At a private fishery with registration for native species, such as bream, in certain waterways designated for native fish, as stated in the 2019 Inland Fisheries Regulations

If the person is younger than 14 years old, use a single rod at an open inland body of water.

You can buy a licence for:

Five seasons

One season

28 days

Seven days

48 hours

Adult fishing permits for Services Australia and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA-PCC) are discounted for the entire season. 

Holders of Pensioner Concession Cards (PCCs).

The Seniors Card is given to its holders by the states and territories.

Individuals aged 14 to 17 years old (junior licence holders).

18 to 21-year-olds (young adult licence holders).

When purchasing a licence, you must provide your Seniors Card or Pensioner Concession Card and write down the licence number. Please be aware that a person is not eligible for a pensioner licence if they hold a health care card or a veteran's card, such as the Gold, White, or Orange cards. Every year, the licencing term is from August 1 to July 31.

Fly Fishing Seasons in Tasmania

The trout fishing season in Tasmania commences on the first weekend of August 2024 and concludes on the final weekend of April 2025. Trout fly fishing aficionados much await the season's opening weekend. As a helpful reference, we have divided the year into many segments and detailed what to expect during each period.

Key dates for the fly fishing in Tasmania 2024-25 season:

2025/3/30: Closure of Canal Bay, Great Lake

2025/4/27: Closure of most waters

August to September

Highland environments do not see insect hatches, almost eliminating the possibility of dry fly fishing. Streamer patterns and woolly buggers with sinking lines are excellent for catching a lot of fish, whether thrown from a drifting boat (also known as loch-style fishing) or from the beach, where tiny wet flies are cast along flooded lake margins in pursuit of "tailing" trout that are feeding in the shallows on baitfish.

Weather: On average, days are still warm, but sometimes chilly days appear. During this time of year, weather patterns might change from year to year.

Fish Species: Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Bream, Flathead, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Gummy Shark, Southern Bluefin Tuna

October to November

Usually, the busiest months are for "fish catching" because of the sudden quantity of trout feeding sources. In the highlands, wet, dry, or nymph flies might be used to target fish, depending on the time of day. There are more mayflies, which makes it possible to go dry flies and nymph fishing. Enough food sources are available early in the season, making excellent wet fly fishing.

River fly fishing starts to enhance throughout these months as the lowland small streams and rivers also yield favourable conditions with receding water levels. While most anglers can catch fish during these months, precise casting becomes increasingly crucial in dry fly and nymph fishing, enhancing catch rates on most days.  

Weather: In the highlands, temperatures rise, and precipitation and snowfall become less frequent, providing more opportunities for fly fishing.

Fish Species: Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Bream, Flathead, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Kingfish, Squid

December to February

Most days with warm weather provide sight-fishing possibilities in the highlands; sunny days are perfect for polaroids, and cloudy days result in massive mayfly hatches. Either wading the shallow lake margins or drifting a boat to look for cruising trout, usually throwing to rising trout that eat various hatching insects.

In the highland lakes, mayfly hatches, midges, beetles, and damselflies attract substantial numbers of trout eating at the surface, resulting in exhilarating sight fishing on most days. In the rivers, optimal water flows and the presence of grasshoppers and other sizable terrestrial insects indicate that trout are seeking large dry flies.   

Weather: Conditions are usually sunny and pleasant, with long-term consistent weather patterns.

Fish Species: Flathead, Australian Salmon, SnapperKing George Whiting, Calamari (Squid), Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish

March to April

As temperatures decrease and mayfly hatches on the lakes diminish, polaroid fishing for fish becomes a primary focus, facilitating a more concentrated strategy. On favourable days, exceptional dry fly and sight fishing opportunities remain. This period typically features a blend of dry fly and nymph fishing, with fish exhibiting reduced selectivity in their feeding behaviours, diminishing the significance of fly selection.

If elevated temperatures persist in March, water temperatures may exceed optimal levels for trout in highland lakes, rendering river fishing more attractive on pleasant days in rivers with adequate flow levels. A significant quantity of fish is rising to grasshoppers and smaller mayflies. 

Weather: On average, days are still warm, but sometimes chilly days show up. During this time of year, weather patterns might change from year to year.

Fish Species: Trout (Brown and Rainbow), Atlantic Salmon, Bream, Australian Salmon, Flathead

Garfish, Mackerel, Silver Trevally

Fly Fishing Spots in Tasmania

Fly fishing in Tasmania has access to large estuaries, fast rivers, streams, glistening lakes, and secluded tarns. Aficionados of river fishing will find excellent dry fishing prospects, while euro-nymph fishing fanatics may expect plenty of sport owing to the substantial fish numbers in most streams.

1. Nineteen Lagoons

Location: Shannon TAS 7030 (Open with Google Maps)

Contact: +(61) 0408 838 753

Website: Nineteen Lagoons 

Fish Species: Barramundi, Giant Trevally, Mangrove Jack, Coral Trout

One of the most accessible areas of the western lakes is the Nineteen Lagoons, which are located on the Central Plateau, west of Yingina/Great Lake, amid an untamed and bleak terrain of highland moors. The biggest draw is big, wild trout in clean water.

Brown trout can be seen cruising, tailing, or rising to bug hatches on almost any day at the Nineteen Lagoons, and sight-fishing is regarded by many as the best part of the sport here. It's more hunting-style fishing, so be ready to explore, stroll, and pursue certain species instead of merely fishing the waterways.

2. Little Pine Lagoon

Location: Little Pine Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania, Australia

Contact: (03)6259 8148

Website: Little Pine Lagoon 

Fish Species: Brown Trout

One of the few spots in Tasmania dedicated to fly fishing, Little Pine Lagoon is a glittering jewel located southwest of Yingina/Great Lake. Often referred to as "The Pine," it is weedy, shallow, and has the hue of a peaty Tasmanian single malt. It's difficult to believe that the small dam spanning the river created what many consider the most significant trout stream in the Southern Hemisphere.

3. Meander River

Location: Meander River, Central Highlands, Tasmania, Australia

Contact: 0427 731 934

Website: Meander River 

Fish Species: Brown trout, Rainbow trout, River Blackfish

The Meander River, which meanders across Tasmania's central north, is a well-liked brown and rainbow trout fishing waterway. The river damming at Lake Huntsman results in clean, calm waters with steady, even flows, making for excellent fly fishing throughout the season. 

You could spend a week or more exploring since it offers a lot of variation across a small distance. The river is still wild and untidy below the dam, with most undeveloped banks. It takes work to cross the river, but because the stream is controlled, it offers excellent trout fishing.

4. St Patricks River

Location: St Patricks River, Northern Tasmania, Australia

Contact: +(61) 0408 838 753

Website: St Patricks River 

Fish Species: Brown Trout

"St Pats" is a freestone river with a mixture of agricultural and wooded banks and crystal-clear waters. One of the most respected rivers in the state, it often yields a good number of rainbows and giant wild brown trout.

With its traditional "ripple, pool, run" shape that filters through nutrient-rich woods to create a healthy fishery, many people believe it to be the ideal trout stream. There is something for everyone as the river rushes freely around fallen trees, log jams, and naturally occurring rocky pools.

Saint Pats is a reasonably accessible river that can easily cross from bank to bank. Its peculiarities (as well as sight-fishing chances) are always on exhibit because much of its flow is visible for the shimmering gravel and black stones.

5. Penstock Lagoon

Location: Penstock Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania, Australia

Contact: 0418875001

Website: Penstock Lagoon 

Fish Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

This fly-only lagoon has been a favourite for a long time. Fishing with dry and wet flies is enjoyable here since the fish grow quickly and firmly. The fish are triploid to create quickly developing and healthy individuals and are supplied as fry from wild strain sources.

Fly Fishing Gear

There are so many YouTube videos, books, and blogs with different points of view these days that it's hard to know where to start. You're in the right place, though. Many things, from rod weights to flies and everything in between, can look hard. But fly fishing is easier than you think once you break it down to its most essential parts. The following are the must-have fly fishing gear. 

A. Fly Fishing Rod

The fly fishing rod is fundamental to your fly-fishing apparatus, and comprehending its essentials is imperative. There are different weight levels for fly rods, from 00 to 16. The rod is lighter, and the blank is thinner and more fragile as the number goes down. Choose a rod based on the fly size you usually want to throw. For example, a three-weight is excellent for small mountain streams and tiny flies. It's also great for brook trout.

B. Fly Fishing Reel

The fly line is spun around the spool, and this is called the arbour of the reel. There are a lot of different sizes of arbours, but the two most common are the small arbour and the big arbour. There's a good reason why big arbour reels rule the market these days. The rate of recovery is faster when the arbour is more oversized. It may not seem important, but every reel turn handles matters when fighting a big fish.

When you buy a fly reel, you can choose between disc drag and click and pawl drag. Just like a car's disc brakes, a disc drag device squeezes a washer to make it rub against the spool and pulls on the line. When a fish takes line off of a click and pawl reel, on the other hand, you can tell it's an old-school drag method because it makes a classic clicking sound.

C. Fly Lines

A distinguishing characteristic of fly fishing is the fly line. Fly fisherman do not merely cast their lines repetitively for amusement, although it is very pleasurable. In contrast to the weightless lines employed on bait casters or spinning reels, which depend on weighted lures for propulsion into the water, fly lines are inherently weighted.

D. Portable Power Supply (Optional)

With its immaculate rivers and glistening lakes full of trout, Tasmania is a fly-fishing haven. Maintaining power in isolated areas is crucial, even though the serene surroundings are a big lure. Fly fishing in Tasmania is made more convenient by Jackery Solar Panels and Jackery Portable Power Stations to ensure your equipment, such as lights and fish finders, is always available when the fish bite.  

Jackery makes sure that your time on the water is concentrated on the excitement of the catch rather than the difficulties of logistics, whether you're casting on Penstock Lagoon or wading in the South Esk River.   

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station combines portability, efficiency, and durability, making it ideal for fishing trips. Check out its features to meet your fishing power needs.

 Portable & Compact Powerhouse: Boasting an 800W output and a 632Wh capacity, it accommodates a range of outdoor items, including coolers and camping lights. The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is a lightweight, sturdy, and powerful power station, ideal for charging during fishing activities.

 Meet Your Fishing Power Needs: Fulfil all outdoor entertainment requirements with the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus! Additionally, its twin PD fast charging capability may achieve up to 100W, guaranteeing rapid power for your devices. The 600 Plus provides enduring power, emergency backup, and silent charging without disruption.

Easy to Carry: The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is an exceptional portable power station for outdoor excursions. Weighing only 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs) and possessing a compact form, it is optimised for ease and effortless storage. Equipped with a collapsible handle, it is portable for any location. Power is consistently accessible, guaranteeing your connectivity and energy supply regardless of your pursuits.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Explorer 300 Plus is the best option for supplying electricity for fishing because it is lighter and more compact than the 600 Plus. It is the preferred power source for on-the-go activities because of its lightweight design—it weighs only 3.75 kg—which makes it simple to carry and store. Thanks to its small and stylish design, it delivers dependable energy without adding weight.  

Charge Several Fishing Electronics: Featuring a 288Wh capacity and 300W power output, the Explorer 300 Plus can run essential devices like portable coolers, phones, GPS devices, and more. The dual USB-C ports provide up to 100W of power each, simultaneously enabling quick and efficient charging for multiple devices. Four charging options—solar panels, car adapters, AC wall outlets, and USB-C—ensure you're never out of power, regardless of location.

Higher Resistance to Water: The Explorer 300 Plus is built to last, featuring an LFP battery with an impressive 10-year lifespan and over 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity. Safety is at the core of its design, with advanced ChargeShield Technology offering 52 layers of protection against overvoltage, short circuits, and more. Whether camping, travelling or preparing for emergencies, this portable power station provides reliable and safe energy solutions that adapt to your lifestyle.  

Multiple Recharging Ways: Utilise our cutting-edge technologies for expedited charging durations and prolonged battery longevity. Remain energised and connected, and recharge by solar panels, wall outlets, car ports or other generators, regardless of location. The 300 Plus provides dependable charging alternatives for your outdoor excursions.

Fly Fishing Tips

Emphasising the significance of small, precise casts for success, especially in Tasmanian rivers, rather than long-distance casting. Trout in Tasmania's pristine waters tends to be cautious; hence, delivering your fly with precision and authenticity is more efficacious than casting at a distance.

Wrist Control: Maintain a stable wrist during the casting motion. Relax your wrist at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions after each throw to transmit the rod's momentum into the fly line.

Equipment for Fly Fishing: In a mountain stream, a 3–4 weight setup works well for capturing trout the size of your hand. A 9 is heavier and better suited for larger fish, such as barramundi, or species that need a more extended cast, like bonefish. A typical starting point for beginners is a 5–6 weight configuration, regarded as versatile. As an alternative, purchase used or borrowed equipment from friends.

Top Fly Fishing Reels: The tied flies' sizes, hues, and designs are chosen to mimic nearby insects and baitfish best. That means that the most fantastic trout flies mimic the aquatic and terrestrial insects that the trout in your area prefer to eat. The most excellent flies to fish with are always ones that "match the hatch."

Fly Fishing Tasmania FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about fly fishing in Tasmania.

1. What is the best lure for trout fishing in Tasmania?

Most lures mimic their prey, with little fish-like lures being the most often used type in Tasmania for trout fishing. A fantastic place to start is with 50–75mm length lures in black, brown, and green tones with hints of red. It takes a deliberate approach to reap the most significant benefits.

2. Can you use lures on a fly rod?

Fly fishing with tiny lures required a fly rod until spinning gear gained popularity. Lightweight lures could not be thrown using the baitcasting reels of the past. There were efficient fly rod spoons, spinners, and plugs available.

3. What is the best water for fly fishing?

Fish find swimming safer in stream areas where the bottom and the bank have slower-moving water. Fish looking for a place to rest during a storm would thus find themselves in seams, eddies, and slack water along the banks.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, fly fishing in Tasmania offers an unforgettable experience in some of Earth's pure and scenic locations. Tasmania offers fishermen a memorable experience in the heart of unspoilt nature, thanks to its pure rivers, peaceful lakes, and wild trout. The island's varied fishing locations, such as the Central Highlands and Great Lake, provide countless chances to put your talents to the test and establish a connection with nature, regardless of your experience with fly fishing.