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Fly Fishing Tasmania
Tasmania as a fishery
Discover the rich history of fly fishing in Tasmania, home to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most renowned trout fisheries. Known for its pristine rivers, crystal-clear streams, and tranquil lakes, Tasmania offers exceptional opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts to catch wild brown and rainbow trout.
Whether you’re wading along a serene riverbank or casting from a remote lakeshore, Tasmania’s freshwater fishery provides an unforgettable experience for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, you’ll have the chance to refine your skills and immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
Plan your fly fishing adventure today and explore the legendary trout waters of Tasmania!
Tasmania Fly Fishing
At Tasmania Fly Fishing, we’re passionate about the rich history of fly fishing in Tasmania, particularly our renowned brown trout fishery. Our rivers, lakes, lagoons, and tarns offer a variety of exciting and rewarding fishing experiences—sometimes challenging, but that’s part of the thrill!
Join us for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure through Tasmania’s stunning inland waters. Whether you’re casting from a remote lakeshore or wading along serene riverbanks, we’ll help you reel in some amazing catches while immersing you in the beauty and tranquility of our natural surroundings. Let’s create lasting memories and share in the excitement of fly fishing in Tasmania!
Fly Fishing Tasmania
Tasmania is a true paradise for dry fly trout fishing enthusiasts, offering some of the best opportunities for fly fishing in the Southern Hemisphere. Our streams, creeks, and river systems feature pristine, crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning native landscapes, teeming with wild brown and rainbow trout.
Get your gear ready and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Tasmania’s unique trout fishery. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to dry fly fishing, this is your chance to create unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most breathtaking fishing destinations.
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Fly fishing tours in Tasmania
Tasmania is renowned for its exceptional trout fishery, where the resilient Brown Trout is the predominant species, thriving in our pristine waters. While Brown Trout take center stage, some of our waters also hold Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and the occasional Atlantic Salmon released here and there.
Our island’s ideal conditions have allowed these species to flourish, making Tasmania a haven for anglers seeking a world-class trout fishing experience.
For those interested in saltwater fly fishing, Tasmania offers exciting opportunities to target species like Bream and Cocky (Blackback) Salmon. While less common than freshwater fishing, these saltwater adventures provide a unique challenge for anglers eager to explore both inland and coastal waters.
Prepare to discover the hidden gems of Tasmania’s incredible trout fishery and experience fishing like never before!
Our Favorite Locations
High on our list of favorite rivers are the: St Patrick River, South Esk River, North Esk River, and the Meander River, including many of their feeder streams and creeks. These waters can provide amazing twig water fishing, especially at hopper time.
Fly fishing tours in Tasmania
Our favorite lakes and lagoons include the: Nineteen Lagoons, Penstock Lagoon, Little Pine Lagoon, Four Springs Lagoon, Arthurs Lake, Augusta Lake, and Lake Leake. There are so many options, it’s impossible to name them all. The above-listed waters allow for excellent sight fishing, dry fly fishing, tailing fish stalking, and wet fly searching opportunities.
Get ready for an incredible fishing experience in Tasmania’s beautiful locations! Our waters offer exciting moments as fish rise to a variety of flies, including red and black spinners, highland duns, caddis flies, damsel flies, gum beetles, and dragonflies.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Tasmania also boasts unique natural events like the fascinating mudeye (dragonfly larvae) migrations, jasid falls, and hopper seasons—experiences you won’t soon forget.
Embark on a journey through Tasmania’s scenic fishing spots, where each cast offers the chance for an unforgettable catch and lasting memories.
History of Trout in Tasmania
In April 1864, a groundbreaking moment in Australia’s fishing history occurred when the Norfolk ship arrived in Melbourne, carrying a remarkable cargo: 2,700 live brown trout eggs packed in 30 tonnes of ice. This was a major breakthrough, as previous attempts to transport live fish eggs had failed. On May 4th, the first brown trout eggs hatched in Tasmania’s Plenty River, marking a pivotal moment for the Australian fishing industry.
These early brown trout became the foundation of freshwater fisheries in both Australia and New Zealand. Revered by anglers worldwide, the brown trout is often regarded as the aristocrat of freshwater fishing. Terry George, President of the Australian Trout Foundation, highlights the species’ iconic status among fishing enthusiasts.
Following the brown trout’s successful introduction, rainbow trout were brought to Australia from North America’s rivers and lakes. In 1894, rainbow trout were introduced to New South Wales from New Zealand, further shaping the fishing landscape of both countries.
These trout introductions have had a lasting impact, making Australia and New Zealand renowned for their rich and diverse freshwater fishing opportunities.
Outside the (tackle) box
At Tasmania Fly Fishing, we’re passionate about exploring new horizons and offering you more than just the usual fishing spots. While we have a collection of beloved rivers and lakes, we’re always excited to discover fresh fishing grounds that provide unique experiences.
Our focus is on delivering fun, enjoyable, and unforgettable fishing adventures for you, our valued clients. We invest time in researching and scouting every location to ensure each tour exceeds expectations. This dedication not only inspires repeat visits but also earns glowing recommendations from our happy anglers.
Join us for an exciting fishing adventure that goes beyond the ordinary and creates lasting memories!
Contact us now to customise a fishing tour especially for you!
DISCOVER TASMANIA
Tasmania is a fascinating location and well worth exploring, Below is a variety of information to help you gain understanding about out beautiful home, Tasmania
David Attenborough – Tasmania Documentary
National Geographic – Tasmania Documentary
Discover Tasmania – Tasmanian Tourism Department Arm
Tourism Tasmania – Tasmanian Tourism Department Arm
Tasmania, affectionately known as “Tassie,” is a must-visit destination for fly fishing enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Located just 240 km (150 miles) south of the Australian mainland, separated by Bass Strait, Tasmania comprises the main island—ranked as the 26th-largest in the world—along with 334 smaller surrounding islands. With a population of around 526,700 as of March 2018, more than 40% of residents live in the Greater Hobart area, which includes Tasmania’s vibrant capital city, Hobart.
Spanning 68,401 km² (26,410 sq mi), Tasmania is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and rich history, making it the perfect destination for fly fishing in Tasmania. The island’s rivers, lakes, and streams offer exceptional fly fishing opportunities, especially for those seeking to catch wild trout. Approximately 42% of Tasmania’s land area is dedicated to protected regions, including national parks and World Heritage Sites, preserving the island’s unparalleled landscapes. Tasmania’s commitment to conservation has earned it a reputation for sustainable fishing practices, further enhancing the fly fishing experience.
Tasmania’s history is as fascinating as its landscapes. Before British colonization, the island was home to the Aboriginal Tasmanians for about 30,000 years. Separated from mainland Aboriginal groups by rising sea levels, the indigenous people of Tasmania developed a unique culture. At the time of European settlement, approximately 3,000 to 7,000 Aboriginal Tasmanians lived on the island. However, within 30 years, their population was decimated due to violence during the “Black War,” introduced diseases, and internal conflicts. The conflict reached its peak from 1825 to 1831, causing significant loss of life among both Aboriginal people and settlers.
European settlement of Tasmania began in 1803 when the British Empire established the island as a penal colony. Initially part of New South Wales, Tasmania became a self-governing colony in 1825, known as Van Diemen’s Land. Over 75,000 convicts were transported to the island until transportation ended in 1853. In 1855, the island officially adopted the name Tasmania, and in 1901, it became a state in the Federation of Australia.
Today, fly fishing in Tasmania offers anglers a chance to experience the island’s pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty, while also connecting with the rich cultural and historical tapestry of this remarkable destination.
Whether you’re casting your line in one of Tasmania’s crystal-clear rivers or learning about the island’s fascinating history, Tasmania offers an unforgettable experience for every adventurer.
General Fishing History
Fishing is one of humanity’s oldest practices, with roots dating back over 40,000 years. This age-old activity involves catching fish for food, recreation, and other purposes. Over time, advancements in fishing technology have revolutionized the way we fish. From early hand gathering to the development of large fishing vessels that could venture across oceans, fishing has evolved into a global industry. In the 19th century, the invention of larger vessels even allowed for on-board fish processing, further shaping the industry.
Fish are typically caught in their natural habitats, and a variety of techniques are used for fishing, including hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling, trapping, and the specialized art of fly fishing. Each method requires unique skills and offers different experiences, with fly fishing standing out for its precision and connection to nature.
Fishing isn’t limited to just catching fish. It also includes the capture of other aquatic creatures, such as shellfish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. However, it doesn’t encompass the hunting of aquatic mammals like whales, a practice known as whaling, nor does it include farmed fish, which fall under the category of aquaculture.
While fishing began as a means of obtaining food, it has also grown into a widely enjoyed recreational sport. Whether for relaxation, challenge, or the joy of the catch, fishing continues to attract millions of enthusiasts worldwide.
According to FAO statistics, approximately 38 million people are engaged in fishing and fish farming. The global fishing industry, which includes both wild fisheries and aquaculture, supports over 500 million jobs, either directly or indirectly. In 2005, the average person worldwide consumed about 14.4 kilograms of fish from wild fisheries and an additional 7.4 kilograms from fish farms.
From a vital food source to a beloved pastime, fishing remains an enduring tradition that connects people to nature and provides a sustainable livelihood for millions around the globe.
History of Fly Fishing
In his book Fishing from the Earliest Times, however, William Radcliff (1921) gave the credit to Martial (Marcus Valerius Martialis), born some two hundred years before Aelianus, who wrote:
…Who has not seen the scarus rise, decoyed and killed by fraudful flies…
Click for further information on Fly Fishing origins.
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