Autumn in Tasmania is one of the most interesting and diverse fly fishing seasons. Here we look at what March has produced, and what we expect to see for the remaining few weeks of the trout fishing season.
Throughout a season of guiding in Tasmania, I spend many hours talking to people from all walks of life. Driving to our chosen fishing destination with the days first coffee and getting to know peoples story is one of my favourite aspects of being a trout fishing guide in Tasmania.
Although conversations are varied day-to-day, fly fishing is always of common interest and there are always a few regular points of discussion, one of which being "what makes Tasmania such a great place to fly fish for trout."
Having been asked this question countless times, my best explanation is "diversity". Fly fishing opportunities in Tasmania are almost endless. From wading small streams and rivers, to drifting across shallow lakes and lagoons, fly fishing opportunities change constantly, with weather, water conditions and seasonality impacting fish behaviour and feeding patterns.
Autumn brings some of the most varied and interesting days of fly fishing, as the season draws to a close.
This year, March has produced mixed results on the for fishing on the Highland lakes of Tasmania, with warm and cloudy days still bringing about good mayfly hatches on the shallow lagoons, and clear and calm mornings still seeing good numbers of fish feeding on the clearwater lakes such as Great Lake.
The absence of the usual beetle hatches at this time of the year has been noticeable, however fish have been willing to rise to general beetle patterns whilst prospecting the lake edges. Cooler temperatures and improved flows have advantaged many of the Northern rivers and fishing near Launceston, with mayfly hatches becoming more consistent.
The remaining few weeks of the season generally see us using a variety of techniques to adapt to each day, as the trout are feeding opportunistically on both surface and sub-surface food sources. As the brown trout prepare for spawning, they can also become quite territorial, so flies can be eaten out of aggression rather than for feeding purposes.
This time of year really highlights what makes Tasmania's fly fishery so special and unique, not always easy, but always different, intriguing and bloody good fun!
Get in touch with us today to book a Tasmanian trout fly fishing trip for the remaining season or check out our fishing charter packages before places fill up for next season.
Hi, I'm Matt Stone - for over fifteen years I’ve developed my passion for fly fishing, wild trout and for the amazing places experienced in Tasmania along the way.
