Fly Fishing Tasmania - ultimate guide 2023

Trout Tales ultimate guide to fly fishing in Tasmania to help you navigate the waters including the best spots to fish, angler tips and more.

With its rugged wilderness and simply breathtaking rivers and lakes - Tasmania is the perfect destination for every fishing adventure...

For those seeking a more remote experience, fly fishing Tasmania caters for anglers and visitors seeking to escape the city; with many of our world class trout fisheries located close to both Hobart and fishing spots near Launceston.

In our ultimate guide, updated for 2023, we cover everything you need to know about trout fly fishing in Tasmania.

What you'll learn in our ultimate guide: 

WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT FISHING IN TASMANIA?

Tasmania presents the perfect opportunity for trout fishing while being completely immersed in stunning, wild landscapes.

Most of the popular fly fishing Tasmania destinations are located within a short distance to our major cities - making for excellent fishing adventures within easy reach.

Targeting a range of fish including brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon - anglers have endless options of fishing when in Tasmania from spacious estuaries, flowing creeks, undisturbed lakes, soothing rivers or remote tarns within stunning landscapes.

Love Tassie Fishing? Check out Trout Tales on Youtube for a wealth of fishing in Tasmania video content.

Where are the best trout fishing spots in Tasmania?

No matter where you're located in Tasmania, there's a trout fly fishing location near you. Each location offers a unique array of fishing opportunities and areas to suit anglers of all experience levels and ambitions.

the best trout fishing locations near Hobart

As the capital of Tasmania, there are some fantastic trout fishing areas near Hobart with a variety of small streams, rivers and lakes near by. Our favourite locations include:

man in sunglasses holding up large trout
There are many fantastic trout fishing locations near Hobart.
Read more: Check out our dedicated blog post on the best fishing spots near Hobart.

the best trout fishing locations near Launceston

Northern Tasmania provides some major river systems which are perfect for trout fly fishing opportunities located within close reach. Popular locations near Launceston include:

  • Mersey River
  • Meander River
  • South Esk River
man in fishing gear standing in tasmanian lake
Launceston and Northern Tasmania provide a wealth of fishing opportunities.
Read more: Check out our dedicated blog post on the best fishing spots near Launceston.

the best trout fishing locations near the central highlands of tasmania

The Central Highlands are home to some of Tasmania's famous trout fishing lakes and locations. Some of the best trout fishing locations include: 

  • Great Lake
  • Little Pine Lagoon
  • Arthurs Lake
  • Nineteen Lagoons
man standing on boat in red jacket fishing for trout at great lake tasmania
Great Lake is always a popular trout fishing destination in Tasmania.


Read more: Check out our dedicated blog post on the best fishing spots near the Central Highlands.

trout fishing season in Tasmania

The trout fishing season in Tasmania runs from the first weekend in August until the last weekend in April.

With snow and ice still common around the Highlands area, trips to lowland lakes are more common during the opening of the season yet still produce some great fishing opportunities despite the lower temperatures.

The mid-season of trout fishing in Tasmania, from October through to November, opens up a larger range of fishing opportunities with the peak of the dry fly and sight fishing season presenting itself around December to February.

Anglers should note however that Trout can become difficult to catch during this time as bright weather prevails, making accurate and subtle casting a must.

March to April in Tasmania brings a cooling of temperatures, allowing for a more targeted approach to fly fishing across the state – before the off-season of trout fishing in Tasmania ranges from May through to July; coinciding with the trout spawning period.


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"Through trout tales - matt provides a wonderfully enjoyable trout fly fishing experience that extends beyond the fishing to a unique experience of what tasmania has to offer."

common questions about trout fishing in tasmania

Do you offer a discount on fishing gear?

We do! Clients and friends of Trout Tales can use the code "TT10" at Hurleys Fly Fishing Australia and to receive a further 10% discount on your order. You can learn more on our dedicated blog post on our Hurley's fishing gear special code.

What season is best for trout fishing in Tasmania?

Tasmania’s main trout fishing season runs from the first weekend in August to the last weekend in April. During this time, most trout fishing waters are open and good numbers of trout can be caught using a variety of techniques to suit the time of the year and conditions on the day.

Learn more at our dedicated blog post to Tasmania's trout fly fishing season.

I’m a beginner to trout fly fishing – what do I need to know?

Fly fishing can be a daunting prospect for those starting out with so many different elements to consider.

Investing in a guide or spending time with an experienced fly fisher can be the highly valuable to establishing a fly fishing career. Get in touch with Matt and Trout Tales - we're always happy to help new anglers in their journey!

Do I need a license to fly fish in Tasmania?

A fly fishing license is required.

The Inland Fisheries Service requires all anglers wanting to fish any public trout waters to hold a current angling license. Licenses can be purchased online through the IFS website, over the phone and in some fishing shops throughout Tasmania.

What are the top flies to use in Tasmania?

For dry flies a selection of mayfly imitations such as Possum Emergers as well as other general flies such as Red Tags and Royal Wolfs is a good start. Whilst wet flies such as Woolly Buggers and Streamers are consistently productive.

What fly fishing gear do I need to trout fish in Tasmania?

With the diversity of Tasmania’s trout fishery, there are a few essential pieces of equipment needed to maximise your chances of success when fly fishing in Tasmania.

Generally 5-6wt rods are suitable, along with floating and sinking fly lines, a range of dry and wet flies and other equipment such as a good pair of waders and polarized sunglasses for spotting trout.

If you're interested in learning more about some of the ins and outs of trout fly fishing across Tasmania, check out the Trout Tales blog.

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What trout Tales Tasmania has to offer

Trout Tales Tasmania is run by Matt Stone – who has over 15 years experience fly fishing for trout in Tasmania.
“After many years of early morning starts, long days on the water and endless lessons learned from unforgiving trout -I have accumulated a deep knowledge of fly fishing and respect for how Tasmania is truly a special place to experience."

Beyond the in-depth fishing experience that Trout Tales Tasmania brings to every trip, unique features of our packages include:

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Personalised trout fly fishing options to suit anglers of all abilities.

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Local knowledge and guidance of Tasmania’s best fly fishing locations.

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Access to accommodation within an hour of trout fishing spots.

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Transport, equipment and cuisine can all be organised.

About Trout Tales Tasmaniabook a trip today

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If you're ready to begin your Tasmanian trout fishing adventure, get in touch to organise your all-inclusive, personalised trout fly fishing tour packages.
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