Tasmania is a world-class fly fishing destination, with thousands of highland lakes and clear rivers set amongst pristine wilderness. This year, Tasmania’s premium offering is being recognised with the honour of hosting the 39^th FIPS–Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships.

The scenic lakes and rivers of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands are just a 1–2 hour drive from Hobart. Make a trip of it and book yourself into one of the comfortable lodges, hone your skills with the help of an expert guide, and explore the surrounding wilderness.

Fly fishing in Tasmania: The low down

A thriving wild trout population—both rainbows and browns—dominate Tasmania’s freshwater fishing scene. The state’s first trout hatchery was established in 1864, and isolation in Tasmania’s pristine wilderness has ensured a pure strain of high quality wild brown trout today.

Do I need a licence?

Yes. Any person over the age of 14 must have a current angling licence to fish with a rod, reel or line at any inland water in Tasmania. Before you go, it’s a good idea to read the Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code to brush up on the recreational fishery regulations in Tasmania.

When and where can I fish?

Different open seasons and fishing times apply to different waters around Tasmania. Brown trout waters are open from the first Saturday of August to the Sunday nearest 30 April. Rainbow trout waters are open from the Saturday nearest to 1 October to the Sunday nearest to 31 May.

There is no need to worry about missing the season—year round fishing is available at the following locations:

• In the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, waters open all year include: yingina/Great Lake (other than Canal Bay), Lake King William, Meadowbank Lake, Lake Pedder, and the River Derwent downstream from the New Norfolk Bridge.
• In Tasmania’s Midlands, Craigbourne Dam at Colebrook is always open.
• In the Southern Trove, the Huon River downstream from the Huonville Bridge is open year-round.

Accessible Angling

Everyone should be able to enjoy casting a line out! Designated spots for accessible angling in Southern Tasmania include:

• The Risdon Brook Reservoir (Transport Access Scheme permit required).
• Plenty River, adjacent to the Salmon Ponds (Transport Access Scheme permit required).
• Various locations along the New Norfolk Esplanade.
• Windsor Corner (4.5 km upstream of New Norfolk).

Plan your fly fishing trip

Make a trip of it and experience the best of Tasmania! Other activities to add to the itinerary include hiking, golfing, mountain biking, and indulging in the fine local food and wine.

World Fly Fishing Championships 2019

This year, Tasmania has the honour of hosting the 39^th FIPS–Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships. The event will run from 30 November to 8 December 2019. The competition will be held over five days with one session per day, and competitors are guaranteed total private angling access to the competition waters. With the pristine surrounds of the Tasmanian wilderness, we reckon everyone is a winner on this trip (best of luck with the fishing, though).

Guided Tours

Let the locals show you the best spots, pass on their tried-and-true tips and tricks, and spin you a few yarns. Tour operators who work in southern Tasmania and the Central Highlands include:

• Red Tag Trout Tours: All-inclusive guided wild brown trout, sea-run and rainbow trout fly fishing tours, plus introductory fly fishing workshops and corporate fly fishing programmes.
• Camden Fishing: Premium guided fly fishing packages to suit all skill levels (Hobart pick up/drop off).
• Fish Wild Tasmania: Complete guide service, with day tours from Hobart and the Central Highlands.
• Trout Territory: Guided trout fishing tours for all levels, for one angler or groups, as well as fly fishing workshops.
• Rod and Fly: Fly fishing lessons and group workshops in the Central Highlands (the introductory classes are great for novices).
• Trout Flat Out: Guided trout fishing at the Highland lakes, Tyeena and Coal Rivers.
• The Highland Fly: Personalised fly fishing tours for one or two people, can include transportation from Hobart to and from the Central Highlands lakes.
• Trout Tales Tasmania: All inclusive, one, two and three day guided fly-fishing adventures, staying at Highland Lodge on the shore of the Great Lake.
• Ken Orr’s Tasmanian Trout Expeditions: Experienced guides, dedicated teaching facility, and lodge accommodation at Bradys Lake.
• Tas High Country Fly Fishing Tours: Fly fishing in pristine environments for people with different levels of experience as well as people who have disabilities.
• Riverfly 1864: A brilliant team of skilled and enthusiastic fly fishing guides, with fly fishing experience from across the globe.

Where to Stay

There are some beautiful places to stay on your fly fishing adventure in Tasmania. Some accommodation includes private fly fishing onsite, and guided tours can be arranged by request.

• 28 Gates Luxury Farmstay and Fishery is surrounded by 5000 acres, including four lakes stocked with Wild Brown, Rainbow, Tiger and Brook Trout.
• Curringa Farm offers fully self-contained farmstay cottages set in natural bushland near Hamilton, including private trout fishing areas.
• Ratho Farm at Bothwell offers luxury accommodation in renovated convict-built cottages, and is known for fly fishing, golf, and whisky.
• Escape to ruggedly beautiful Strathgordon with a stay at Pedder Wilderness Lodge (check out their useful guide to fishing Lake Pedder).
• Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge at Liawenee offers a luxurious base for a fishing trip in Tasmania’s Central Highlands (guided fishing packages are available).
• Try luxury camping at Truffle Lodge, close to the fly fishing spots in the Derwent Valley.
• Highland Cabins & Cottages at Bronte Park is close to the lakes of the Central Highlands.

More info:

• The Inland Fishery Service offers loads of information on going fishing, including accessible angling, safety advice, bag and size limits, regulations and licence requirements.
• Anglers Alliance Tasmania (AAT) represents the interests of all Tasmanian fresh water anglers. Check out their handy live webcam of many of Tasmania’s lakes and rivers.
• Download the Infish Mobile App for information on more than 150 inland waters, including directions, fishing regulations, current warnings, news, advice and methods.

Check out our guide to what’s on this spring or browse our list of upcoming events.

We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.

Related posts:
50 Ideas for Adventures in Southern Tasmania
Go into the Wild at Strathgordon
Things to Do in Southern Tasmania this Spring
The Ultimate Road Trip: Tasmania’s Western Wilds
Craft a Tasman Peninusla Getaway Around the Three Capes Track
50 Things to Do with Kids in Hobart & Surrounds