Best Seasons for Fly Fishing in Australia: A Complete Guide

Fly fishing in Australia is a year-round adventure, but each season offers unique conditions and target species. Knowing the best times to fish can greatly improve your success. This guide will help you plan your fly fishing trips based on seasonal trends, fish activity, and optimal locations.

## **Spring (September – November): Prime Time for Active Fish**
Spring is one of the best times for fly fishing in Australia as rising water temperatures make fish more active.
- **Trout Fishing:** The start of the trout season in many states, with rivers and lakes offering excellent dry fly action due to increased insect hatches.
- **Bass Fishing:** Australian bass begin their post-spawn feeding, becoming highly aggressive.
- **Saltwater Fly Fishing:** Warmer waters trigger increased activity in estuaries and flats, making barramundi, trevally, and queenfish prime targets.

### **Best Locations for Spring:**
✅ **Snowy Mountains, NSW & VIC** – Early season trout action in cold waters.  
✅ **Tropical North QLD** – Barramundi and trevally become more active.  
✅ **Murray River, SA/VIC/NSW** – Ideal for bass fishing.  

## **Summer (December – February): Peak Action for Saltwater & Bass**
Summer is an exciting season, especially for saltwater fly fishing and bass surface action.
- **Trout Fishing:** Lowland rivers may be too warm, but high-country streams and alpine lakes remain productive.
- **Bass Fishing:** Peak season for surface poppers and dry flies at dawn and dusk.
- **Saltwater Fly Fishing:** The best time to target species like barramundi, permit, giant trevally, and bonefish in the tropical north.

### **Best Locations for Summer:**
✅ **Exmouth, WA** – Premier flats fishing for queenfish and bonefish.  
✅ **Lake Jindabyne, NSW** – High-altitude trout fishing stays strong.  
✅ **Weipa, QLD** – Peak barramundi and saltwater action.  

## **Autumn (March – May): Perfect Conditions for Trout & Estuary Fishing**
As temperatures cool, fishing conditions become ideal for both freshwater and saltwater anglers.
- **Trout Fishing:** One of the best seasons for trout, as they feed aggressively before winter. Brown trout spawning runs begin, offering fantastic river fishing.
- **Bass Fishing:** Still active, but slowing down as water temperatures drop.
- **Saltwater Fly Fishing:** Prime time for sight fishing in estuaries, with species like flathead, trevally, and bream providing great sport.

### **Best Locations for Autumn:**
✅ **Great Lake, TAS** – Legendary trout fishing in crisp autumn weather.  
✅ **Sydney Harbour, NSW** – Active kingfish and trevally populations.  
✅ **Goulburn River, VIC** – Autumn trout feeding frenzy.  

## **Winter (June – August): Cold Water Tactics for Dedicated Anglers**
Winter fly fishing can be challenging, but some locations still produce excellent results.
- **Trout Fishing:** Many rivers close to protect spawning fish, but lakes such as Lake Eucumbene and Great Lake in Tasmania offer fantastic winter action.
- **Bass Fishing:** Largely inactive, as bass move to deeper waters.
- **Saltwater Fly Fishing:** Cooler waters can slow some species, but options like salmon, tailor, and kingfish remain strong in southern regions.

### **Best Locations for Winter:**
✅ **Lake Eucumbene, NSW** – Trophy trout fishing in cold conditions.  
✅ **Port Phillip Bay, VIC** – Winter kingfish and salmon on the fly.  
✅ **Derwent River, TAS** – Consistent trout fishing in winter months.  

## **Final Thoughts: Plan Your Fly Fishing Trips by Season**
Each season in Australia presents different fly fishing opportunities. Whether you're chasing trout in alpine streams, bass in coastal rivers, or tropical saltwater species, timing your trips with the right season will boost your success rate. Always check **local fishing regulations** before heading out to ensure you’re fishing legally and responsibly.

### **Ready to Gear Up?**
Make sure you have the right flies for each season! Explore our premium fly selection at  TroutFlies.com.au](https://www.troutflies.com.au  and get ready for your next adventure. 🎣

About the Author

Mike Tenner is a passionate fly fisher with over 60 years of experience exploring Australia's diverse waterways and Fly Fishing guide now based in Tasmania As the owner of TroutFlies.com.au, Mike provides expert advice and top-quality flies to help anglers make the most of their fishing trips. When not on the water, Mike  enjoys sharing insights and tips to help fellow fly fishers improve their skills.