Family and Beginners Guide To Fly Fishing in Tasmania

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A simple, practical guide for anyone looking to get started fishing Tasmania’s incredible trout waters with friends, family or as a first-time angler.

Tasmania is world-renowned for its wild trout fishery - clear rivers, peaceful lakes, and easily accessible waters surrounded by incredible scenery.

For those new to the activity, there's probably perfect place to start.

Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure with the family, introducing a friend to the water, or simply learning by yourself, we wanted to write this guide to help you plan a relaxed, enjoyable, and successful first fly fishing trip.

With a guided trip in particular, beginners can experience the very best of the island’s trout fishing under expert guidance - learning essential techniques while exploring some of the most picturesque fishing spots in the world.

Matt adds: “I think it's a bit of misconception that you don’t need to catch a dozen fish to have a good day - one cast, one rise, and landing a trout or two can make it a day you’ll never forget.”

With this in mind, let's explore some of the elements that can help enhance your time on the water if you're new, which includes:

choosing the right water and location
bringing the right gear
learning the basics
practicing safe and sustainable fishing
making a day of it

Let's dive in...

Choosing the Right Water

The first step in planning your trip is selecting the right location.

For new anglers, it’s best to start with waters that are safe, accessible, and home to plenty of fish.

Tasmania has no shortage of beginner-friendly rivers and lakes, and Trout Tales Tasmania can help you find the best spot for your skill level and the season.

Our guided fly fishing Tasmania packages focus on waters that offer consistent action and easy wading - perfect for learning and building confidence.

Whether you’re after calm still waters or gentle river runs, there’s always a place in Tasmania where new anglers can experience success from the very first cast.

Some of our top beginner or family friendly places to fish in Tasmania include:

Tyenna River: A short drive from Hobart, the Tyenna offers reliable wild brown trout fishing with easy wading and excellent access. Ideal for learning casting and reading current seams.
Meander River: Known for its crystal-clear runs and riffles, the Meander is a favourite teaching river for Trout Tales Tasmania guides. It’s perfect for sight fishing and practicing delicate dry-fly presentations.‍
Four Springs Lake: A calm, open water with both browns and rainbows - great for those learning to cast from the bank or fish from a boat.

From Matt’s experience: “The key is to start somewhere you can relax - where you can focus on learning, not fighting the water.”

Learn more about each location in our Tyenna River Guide and Meander River Guide.

Watch The Video

Check out our dedicated video below on some other tips for beginners (plus an unexpected fish catch!)

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What to Bring (Keep It Simple)

One of the great things about fly fishing in Tasmania is that you don’t need a huge amount of gear to get started.

The key is simplicity - quality, reliable equipment suited to the waters you’ll be fishing.

For most beginners, a modest setup is all that’s required to cover a wide range of conditions. Focus on gear that’s comfortable, easy to use, and built to last.

A few carefully chosen flies, a good leader and tippet, and a rod you can cast confidently are worth far more than a box full of complex setups.

If you decide to invest in your own gear later, start small and build gradually.

Choose versatile equipment that can handle both rivers and lakes, or contact a local fishing guide for advice on what performs best in Tasmanian conditions.

Essential beginner gear:

Rod & Line: A 4-5wt fly rod around 9ft paired with a floating line will handle almost every situation on Tasmania’s rivers and lakes (check out the Emerger Combo)
Flies: Keep it classic. Flies like the Red Tag, Royal Wulff, and Elk Hair Caddis are great for visibility and proven to catch fish across Tasmania.‍
Waders: Not essential, but very handy for comfort and mobility in cooler conditions. Breathable waders allow easy movement along rivers like the Tyenna or Meander.‍
Polarised Sunglasses: A must for spotting trout and protecting your eyes while casting.

Browse the Trout Tales Online Fly Shop for fly packs, leaders, tippet selections as well as rod and reel combos.

Check out the video below for some more fly suggestions for beginners...

Learning the Basics (and Keeping It Fun)

Fly fishing is as much about the experience as it is about catching fish.

The beauty of a beginner trip is that you can take your time, enjoy the setting, and focus on the fundamentals.

Start by practicing short, gentle casts - accuracy matters more than distance.

Pay attention to where trout hold in the current, and use observation as a key learning tool.

Kids and first-timers often enjoy spotting fish and watching insects on the surface - it builds patience and understanding of the environment.

Our video below also provides some more information on casting tips to practice ahead of a guided trip.

Safe & Sustainable Fishing

Part of what makes Tasmania so special is the health and beauty of its fisheries.

To keep it that way, it’s important for all anglers - especially beginners - to fish thoughtfully.

Tasmania’s rivers, lakes, and lagoons are delicate ecosystems that rely on balance - clear water, healthy weed beds, and abundant insect life.

Every wade, cast, and catch can have an impact, so taking a mindful approach helps preserve these waters for years to come.

Always move carefully when wading to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging aquatic vegetation, and use barbless hooks to make releasing fish easier and safer.

Trout Tales Tasmania encourages all guests to adopt a “leave no trace” mindset. That means packing out rubbish, keeping noise to a minimum, and treating every fish with respect.

A quick photo over the net and a gentle release back into the current are all it takes to protect both the trout and the experience for the next angler.

By following local regulations and practising low-impact fishing, you’ll be doing your part to maintain Tasmania’s reputation as one of the world’s most pristine wild trout destinations.

Here are a few easy ways to protect both fish and habitat:

Wade lightly: Avoid trampling weed beds or spawning areas. Stick to gravel runs and firm banks.
‍Go barbless: Barbless hooks make releases faster and less stressful for the fish.‍
Handle with care: Keep trout in the water when possible and support them gently when photographing or releasing.‍
Respect others: Give space to fellow anglers and always check access rules before entering private land.

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Handling your catches with care, like this stunning brown trout, is an important part of sustainable fishing in Tasmania.

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Make a Day of It

The best fishing trips are about more than just catching trout, instead more so about sharing time outdoors, exploring new places, and creating memories.

Pack a picnic, bring the camera, and remember slow down between casts.

Tasmania’s trout country is full of opportunities for families - from walking trails and wildlife spotting to local cafés and farm-gate produce nearby.

For many of Trout Tales Tasmania’s guests, the highlight isn’t the fish they catch, but the moments between - teaching a child to cast, sharing a laugh on the riverbank, or watching a rise at dusk.

Ready to Start Your Own Story?

Every angler begins somewhere - and Tasmania’s rivers are the perfect classroom.

Whether you’re learning to cast, exploring a new river, or spending the day with family, Trout Tales Tasmania makes it easy to turn your first trip into an unforgettable experience.

Explore more guides, stories, and tips on the Trout Tales Tasmania Blog, or get in touch with us, to start planning your next family or beginners fishing adventure.

Written by Matt Stone

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.