Fly Fishing In Tasmania: Your Travel Guide
There’s a very good reason that anglers from across Australia and all over the world come to Tasmania: fly fishing. Tasmania is home to some of the very best waters for brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon, and because many of these waters are clear and relatively shallow, there are plenty of great sight-casting locations to choose from in Tasmania.
Fly fishing in Tasmania: everything you need to know
If you would like to discover for yourself exactly what Tasmania has to offer fly fishing enthusiasts, you can start planning your trip right now. Let’s run through everything you need to consider before you book your tickets:
- Timing — The majority of brown trout waters in Tasmania are open for fishing from early August until late April, while rainbow trout waters are generally open from early October until late May. Salmon fishing is available all year round, but January to April is the most popular time for the Australian salmon that are found in Tasmanian waters. Most anglers agree that the best time to fly fish for brown and rainbow trout is normally from mid-October to mid-April.
- Destination — It’s Tasmania, of course, but what part should you head for? The answer depends on what type of fly fishing you prefer. For lake fishing, the central highlands are a great choice; for freestone rivers and a variety of small streams, the island's northeast is well worth checking out; and for meadow rivers, the Midlands is the area you should be heading for. If you like rivers in forested areas, the island's south is your best bet.
- Gear — Every angler has their own preferences as far as rods, lines and reels are concerned. But if you are fly fishing in Tasmania, we recommend choosing flies that local anglers have enjoyed the most success with. Your choice will, of course, depend on the time of year you are travelling and how this relates to the lifecycle of the mayflies and other insects that attract the most fish. In October, for example, the first of the big mayfly hatches start in the local trout waters, with Blue Winged Olives attracting much attention. At TroutFlies, we fish the local waters ourselves and we will be very happy to recommend specific lures that will meet your needs perfectly. Just contact us by phone or email for personal assistance.
- Lessons — If you are an experienced angler, you’ll probably want to head straight for the best locations and start fishing as soon as you arrive. On the other hand, if you’re relatively new to fly fishing or you’d appreciate a primer on the finer points of fly fishing in Tasmania, you could book some lessons with a local expert.
An added bonus when taking lessons with an expert is the fact you also have a guide to show you the very best fly fishing spots on the island. After completing a lesson with a local fly fishing specialist, even a complete novice should be ready to enjoy all the Tasmania fly fishing opportunities on their own. - Accommodation — Tasmania offers many different accommodation options for visiting anglers. Whether you would like to camp or stay in a 5-star hotel, you’ll find something to suit your needs and budget on the island.
You can buy all the fly fishing gear you need right here at TroutFlies. You’ll also find a wide variety of quality clothing designed especially for fly fishing. Just add what you need to your virtual basket, then head to the secure checkout area to complete your purchase.
Share