What Tassie Anglers Can Expect Ahead of Summer in 2026

Summer is now here, and it’s shaping up to be a cracking season for trout fishing across Tasmania.

As the days get longer and the weather settles, the first proper signs of warmer-season fishing are taking hold: mayfly hatches waking up, rivers clearing, and trout feeding higher in the water. 

“After a couple of drier years, we’re finally seeing a return to more typical rainfall patterns - in fact, many areas have had above-average rain heading into spring and early summer, which is a huge boost for both rivers and lakes.” explains Matt of Trout Tales Tasmania

For visiting anglers planning a Tassie trip or locals dusting off the gear, now’s the perfect time to start getting ready.

Ultimate Guide: If you’re new to fishing Tassie or want a quick refresher, our Fly Fishing Tasmania Guide is a great starting point.

Below is a look at what’s happening on the water right now and what you can expect as we move closer to peak summer conditions.

Early Signs for the Season

Warmer weather, steady flows, and plenty of insect life are setting the tone for a strong early-summer period. 

With healthier rainfall totals than the past couple of seasons, river flows are sitting in a really nice place, and many of the lakes are higher than usual heading into December.

Recent rainfall has been a real boost heading into summer, with October coming in 38% above the long-term average, making it Tasmania’s wettest October since 2022. 

This spring pulse has helped freshen up many rivers and lift lake levels across the Central Highlands, even after a couple of drier seasons in parts of the state. 

While rainfall hasn’t been consistent everywhere, the well-timed spikes through late winter and spring have given key fisheries a healthy lift - creating the kind of stable flows and early insect activity that set up a strong start to the dry-fly season.

This combination has already brought noticeable shifts across both rivers and lakes.

• More insect life active around lake margins: Warmer afternoons and rising water temperatures have stirred up activity along the edges, with midge, damsels, and early-season terrestrials all making more frequent appearances. Trout have been cruising tight to the bank, picking off anything that drifts into the shallows.
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• Rivers holding good clarity with trout sitting higher in the column: Stable flows and reduced sediment have created ideal sight-fishing conditions. Fish are feeding mid-water or just under the surface, making them far easier to spot and far more responsive to well-presented dries and emergers.
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• Mayfly numbers lifting across the Central Highlands: On the right calm, mild days, the first proper dun hatches have begun to show. These aren’t the big peak-summer events yet, but they’re a clear sign that the season is shaping up well - the kind of early activity that sets the stage for those classic Highlands dry-fly days ahead.

As Matt puts it: “We’re starting to see some really decent mayfly and other insect hatches around the lake edges - that usually marks the start of proper dry-fly action.”

“River levels are also looking really good at the moment. We’ve had rainfall at the right times - enough to keep things healthy without blowing anything out. Perfect for sight-fishing and hopper days ahead.”

These conditions are ideal for early-summer dry fly fishing, they’re also reopening opportunities that were limited last season. 

Matt shares, “Waters that struggled during drier months - like Little Pine Lagoon - have bounced back strongly. Last season we were a bit restricted to a smaller number of spots. This year, all the usual players are back in action. It’s great to see places like Little Pine improving again.” 

What Waters Are Fishing Well?

Rivers:
‍The Tyenna River and Meander River have kicked off early summer in great shape.

Clear water, steady flow, and plenty of insect life have made both systems reliable options for anglers looking for consistent sight-fishing and surface takes.

If you haven’t fished them yet, you can explore them more here: Tyenna River Guide, Meander River Guide. ‍

The Tyenna has been producing great morning sessions with fish sitting up in riffles, while the Meander has offered classic clear-water dry fly opportunities when the breeze drops out.

Or check out our feature masterclass video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuF8Fcx-unI

‍Lakes:
‍Up in the Central Highlands, the lakes are beginning their early-season transformation. Penstock Lagoon, Little Pine,

Meanwhile, the Western Lakes region is already showing promising early-season activity - with more mayfly, damsels, and general insect movement on warm still days.

Matt’s been keeping a close eye on conditions: “There’s already been some really nice dun hatches on the right days. With the lake levels up and temps rising, we’re expecting things to really get going.”

And a quick story from Matt this week: “We had a day on Penstock with a group of beginners, and they absolutely loved it. Fish feeding everywhere, very forgiving conditions - a perfect intro to Highland lake fishing.”

If lake fishing is on your radar, our Penstock Lagoon Guide is a great place to start planning.

What Flies Are Working Right Now? 

Early summer usually means a mix of dries, emergers, and small nymphs, depending on the day and water clarity. But there are a few staples Matt always keeps within reach:

• Possum Emerger - one of the most consistent mayfly emergers in Tasmania
• Guide’s Tag - great for early mornings or when trout are a little picky
• Sedge / Caddis patterns - especially on warm evenings around lake edges
• Emergers & small dries - for calm mornings on rivers and lakes
• Early-season mayfly patterns - for stable weather windows
• Lake dun patterns -  for the first proper hatch days

And as hatches continue to build, small CDC emergers, parachute-style dries, and dun imitations will become even more reliable.

For now, here are a few curated options that always help round out a summer fly box: Dry Flies Combo Box and Nymph Flies Combo.

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Tips for Making the Most of Early Summer

Early summer brings some of the most enjoyable fishing of the year - but it also comes with a few quirks that can make or break a session.

A little planning and the right approach can help you take full advantage of the conditions and find consistent success on both rivers and lakes.

• Fish early and late: These windows calm down the water and bring more surface activity. Midday heat can push trout deeper.
• Stay mobile and keep covering water: Especially on the lakes. Shore cruisers often move unpredictably, so walking the edges really pays.
• Focus on the edges: Warmer lake margins draw both insect life and trout. Keep an eye out for subtle rises or shadows moving just under the surface.
• Prepare for terrestrials: As the grass dries out and the breeze picks up, beetles and hoppers become a major food source for river trout.
• Lengthen your leader: Clear summer water can make fish extra cautious. Leaders of 12–14 ft help you get better drifts and fewer refusals.

 If you need to top up the fly box or grab a few essentials before summer hits full swing, you can browse our curated gear and fly packs in the Trout Tales shop - everything we use ourselves on the water.

Thinking of Booking a Trip?

Summer is our peak season - the river levels stabilise, hatches increase, and the weather lines up beautifully for long, comfortable days outside.

 Whether you want to improve your dry fly technique or explore some of Tasmania’s top waters with a guide who knows them intimately, you can lock in a day or multi-day trip here:

• Guided River Trips
• Highland Lake Trips
• Learn to Fly Fish Workshops

 Matt says: “Summer in Tassie is all about good weather, long days, and trout feeding hard on top - it’s honestly the best time to be out there.” 

Final Word

With stable flows, rising insect activity, and warm weather settling in, this summer is shaping up beautifully for trout fishing across Tasmania.

 Whether you’re planning a big trip, sneaking in after-work sessions, or visiting for the first time, the next few months offer some of the most rewarding dry fly fishing of the year.

 If you're keen to make the most of the season, view our tour packages, book your trip, or contact us and we’ll help you plan a session or set you up with a guided day on the water.

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