Fly Fishing In Tasmania
Article by: Phil Foo | Photographs by: Samuel Shelley, Adam Gibson, Tourism Tasmania, and Inland Fisheries Services, Tasmania.
Fancy some wild trout fishing? Well, pack your fishing gear and head to Tasmania, the home of the famous Tasmanian devil. Tasmania, Australia is one place to visit should one be interested in catching wild trout on fly in expansive estuaries, sweeping rivers, small creeks, crystal-clear lakes and remote tarns set in World Heritage landscapes.
[ Introduced here some 150 years ago by homesick Englishmen, Tasmania is home to one of the purest strains of brown trout in the world… ]
Tasmania’s self-sustaining wild trout stocks in the wild are delivering the thrill of the hunt that fly anglers the world over want. Tasmania is well known for its excellent sight-casting opportunities attracting many fly anglers from all over to go do battle with big fully-finned trout. There are four species of salmonids in Tasmania. They are brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon.
The lovely trouts of Tasmania, Australia.
Photo Credit: Samuel Shelley
Introduced here some 150 years ago by homesick Englishmen, Tasmania is home to one of the purest strains of brown trout in the world. The roe of brown trout was transported over in ice moss back then. These fishes are wild and cunning requiring the angler to apply all sorts of fishing tricks and techniques, as well as experiences gained over the years of fishing.
Local knowledge is definitely very important. For those who are unfamiliar with trout fishing, especially trout fishing in Tasmania; local anglers are more than happy to share fishing tips, information, and part valuable fly fishing knowledge. If knowledge and tips do not give you enough confidence to start fishing; local fishing guides are available for hire.
It is a good idea to hire a fishing guide as a knowledgeable guide will help you catch more fish.
Photo Credit: Adam Gibson
Getting to fishable waters is relatively easy as one does not have to travel far and trek into deep jungles to enjoy some fly fishing. Fishing can be done near major population centres of Hobart and Launceston. To fish in Tasmania, one needs a license. Junior anglers have an advantage as far as fishing license is concerned. Anglers age 14 to 17 can get their fishing license for free.
For more information on fishing and license, visit https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/anglers/manage
A beautiful trout will make any angler’s day. Tasmania certainly is an angler’s playground.
Photo Credit: Adam Gibson
Where To Stay?
Should you be wondering where to stay, here is one recommendation recommended by Tourism Tasmania. Tucked away in four hectares of bushland, Seaforth Shack is a classic wooden fishing shack on the west coast. Take in extensive mountain views from the large deck or wander down to the water.
One can rent a rustic wooden shack or house to stay at, when fishing in Tasmania.
The shack has been renovated with a mix of recycled, new and natural materials and features an outdoor shower, toasty wood heater, and an outdoor firepit. The shack sleeps four guests in one king bedroom and one queen bedroom.
