Discover the best fly fishing in Australia, from tropical saltwater flats to alpine trout streams; and why Tasmania is a top destination.
Fly fishing in Australia offers a wealth of options, from tropical flats chasing saltwater species to cool alpine streams full of trout. Across such a large and varied country, anglers can experience an incredible spread of waters, landscapes, and species.
From the thrill of sight casting to giant trevally in the tropics to the quiet focus of drifting a dry fly through a mountain stream, there’s always a new challenge waiting.
That diversity is part of what makes fly fishing here so exciting. Each state has its own character, its own iconic waters, and its own seasons that keep anglers travelling year after year.
Estuaries, rivers, lakes, lagoons, beaches, and flats all offer something different, meaning the sport can be enjoyed year-round if you’re prepared to move with the conditions.
As Matt - local Tasmanian fly fishing guide and owner of Trout Tales - explains, “While Tasmania is our home, we know that fly fishing in Australia as a whole offers an incredible mix. Each region has its own strengths, and it’s that diversity that makes this such a great country for anglers from around the world to explore.”
And while every state brings something unique, it's no surprise that we're bias towards Tasmania, as it consistently stands out as the highlight for freshwater trout fishing; however we wanted to take the chance to feature Australia more widely including other locations
Where to Go For Fly Fishing in Australia
Australia is undoubtedly a vast country and the diversity of fly fishing opportunities reflects that.
Depending on where you travel, you can target barramundi in the north, bream along the coasts, or trout in the cooler southern regions.
Why fly fishing in Australia is so rewarding:
- Diversity of species: Saltwater species like barramundi, trevally, and permit in the north; brown and rainbow trout in southern rivers and lakes.
- Range of waters: Alpine rivers, tidal estuaries, inland lakes, and saltwater flats all demand different approaches.
- Year-round opportunities: The tropics keep fishing alive through winter, while the southern trout season runs late winter to autumn.
- Accessibility: Many of the country’s best waters are within reach of major centres such as Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart.
Matt puts it simply, “One of the best things about fishing in Australia is how many different trips you can plan. You might head north for barramundi one season and then be in the Snowy Mountains or Victoria’s rivers the next. It keeps things fresh and exciting.”
A few standout destinations that deserve a mention include:
Queensland Flats:
Northern Queensland offers incredible saltwater fly fishing. Species like barramundi, permit, and giant trevally are all on the cards, especially around the Cape York region. You can learn more about fishing in Queensland on the Tropical North Queensland website.
Snowy Mountains, NSW:
The alpine streams and lakes of the Snowy Mountains are home to brown and rainbow trout. Rivers such as the Thredbo and Eucumbene are popular, particularly during the warmer months when hatches are consistent.
Victoria’s Streams and Lakes:
The Goulburn River and Lake Eildon are among Victoria’s most well-known trout waters, attracting both local and visiting anglers.
Western Australia:
Saltwater fly fishers will find excitement in Exmouth, where bonefish, trevally, and queenfish are targeted on fly. Check out the video below on beach fishing in WA.
South Australia:
Smaller populations of trout can be found in the Adelaide Hills, with scenic creeks and rivers offering relaxed sessions close to the city.
“Every state has it's standout and over time we're looking forward to exploring other areas and regions for a fish,” says Matt.
“But if you’re looking for consistent, high quality trout fishing in wild and simply stunning landscapes, Tasmania really is in a class of its own.”
Why Tasmania is the Heart of Fly Fishing in Australia
Tasmania offers what many anglers consider some of the best freshwater fly fishing in the Southern Hemisphere.
Its clean rivers, pristine lakes, and diverse fisheries provide endless variety.
Brown trout were first introduced to Tasmania in the 1860s, and since then, the island has developed a rich fly-fishing culture.
Here’s why Tasmania stands out:
- Variety of water: From small streams near Hobart, such as the Tyenna River, to the vast expanses of the Central Highlands, there’s water for every style and every angler.
- Seasonal fishing: Tasmania’s trout fishing season runs from August to April, with early-season streamer fishing, summer mayfly hatches, and late-season polaroiding all offering unique challenges and rewards.
- Unique fisheries: Fly-only waters like Penstock Lagoon, world-famous mayfly hatches on Little Pine Lagoon, and the massive Great Lake / yingina all provide bucket-list experiences.
- Accessibility: With so many fisheries close to Hobart and Launceston, you don’t need to travel far to find excellent water.
- Guided expertise: Tasmania’s weather and conditions can change quickly, and working with a local guide like Trout Tales helps ensure every session counts.
“I speak about this often, but the thing that makes Tasmania so special is just the variety packed into such a small area,” Matt explains.
“You can fish rivers, lakes, and lagoons on the same day, all from the same home base - each with a completely different style of fly fishing.”
The Best Fly Fishing Spots in Tasmania
Tasmania is packed with diverse waters, each offering its own challenges and rewards for anglers. From highland lagoons famous for mayfly hatches to small rivers just outside Hobart, the variety is unmatched anywhere else in Australia.
A few standouts worth mentioning:
A fly-fishing-only water, Penstock is renowned for producing both brown and rainbow trout. It fishes well throughout the season, from wet fly and streamer sessions in the early months to prolific dry fly hatches in summer. Its size and accessibility make it a favourite for wading or drifting.
This vast water body offers a mix of challenges and rewards. It’s home to the unique style of “shark fishing” in wind lanes, where trout cruise just under the surface feeding on midges and other insects. With its scale and variety, Great Lake can provide opportunities in almost any conditions.
Tyenna River:
Located just 45 minutes from Hobart, the Tyenna is a reliable small river fishery with healthy populations of wild browns. It’s particularly productive in late summer and autumn when water levels drop, making it an excellent choice for dry fly enthusiasts.
Hear from a Trout Tales client on their day out fishing the Tyenna River in the player below:
Matt sums it up neatly, “You’ve got iconic waters like Penstock and Little Pine, but what makes Tasmania really special is how easy it is to mix things up. You can drift a lagoon in the morning, then be on a river that same afternoon - it’s hard to beat that variety.”
Looking for a full breakdown on the Tasmanian fly fishing season?
For anglers wanting to explore Tasmania’s full range of waters - lakes, rivers, lagoons, and private fisheries - our detailed Ultimate Guide To Fly Fishing in Tasmania breaks down the season month by month, highlighting tactics, flies, and conditions to expect.
Why You Should Choose Tasmania for Your Next Fly Fishing Trip
While fly fishing in Australia offers incredible variety across states and climates, Tasmania consistently delivers world-class trout fishing in pristine, natural settings.
Its mix of accessibility, diversity, and year-round opportunities make it hard to beat.
Beyond the fishing itself, what makes Tasmania unique is how easy it is to build a complete trip around the experience.
In just a few days, you can fish intimate rivers near Hobart, drift the famous Central Highlands lagoons, and explore vast waters like Great Lake.
The variety means you’ll never fish the same way twice.
Trout Tales takes care of all the details for a guided fly fishing tour in Tasmania: transport, accommodation, meals, licences, and premium fishing gear are all provided.
With access to private waters like 28 Gates, Herne Lagoon and the addition of our new drift boat, we can tailor sessions to match both conditions and your preferences.
“That’s the benefit of going guided,” Matt says. “We handle the logistics, the gear, and the access so you can focus on the fishing.”
If you’re planning your trip, you might also find our Trout Fishing Accommodation Tasmania guide helpful for choosing where to stay before or after your days on the water.
For anyone serious about fly fishing in Australia, Tasmania should be at the very top of your list - explore our fly fishing packages or get in touch today to book your guided adventure.
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.
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