Australia (Tasmania in particular) is reputed to hold the best
stocks of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in the world. The trout fishing
standard is simply second to none. Trout fishing is a favourite
pass-time for many Australians and most local fishing experts will be
happy to offer you sound advice. Professional Trout fishing guides can
introduce you to the hundreds of lakes and rivers that offer the fly
angler, bait angler or spinner fisherman amazing opportunities to fish
the best waters in the world at some of the cheapest rates available.
An island with thousands of lakes, many
rivers, great beauty, pure water, clean air, unique animals, a disease
free environment and vast numbers of truly wild trout make it an
attractive and exciting destination catering for a wide range of trout
fishing experiences. The trout fishing experiences vary
considerably and anglers have the choice of fishing one of the many
small streams that hold large numbers of small brown trout to stalking
large trout in the shallow margins of one of the many hundreds of
lakes. For the active angler, vast areas of National Park and World
Heritage Areas contain excellent and challenging trout fishing
waters.
It's scenes like this that await you in
Tasmania's Highland Lakes. Only around 2 hours drive from Tasmania's
capital Hobart, a Highland Lakes day's fishing is easily achieved and
the trout that await you in these world-famous fisheries will not
disappoint! This is because large trout abound (Brown Trout,
Rainbow Trout, & Brook Trout) but you have to be patient and skilful if
you want to land one of the prizes that lurk beneath the surface. Early
morning starts are preferable and choice of fly or lure will assist the
capture of these magnificent creatures.
Photos by Paul Evans
River fishing for trout can be exciting throughout the season in small mountain streams
and lowland meadow rivers, however it is lake fishing that is most interesting
and productive with average sizes of around 2lbs or 1kg and specimens of 4 to
6lbs often taken. Tasmania's still & pristine waters also offer the best
opportunities for the novice and a chance to try the many techniques unique to
the Tasmanian fishery.
Wild
Brown Trout: The Australian Trout Angler's delight!
Expert trout
fisherman Joe
Brogan in action at Craigbourne Dam, Southern Tasmania.
Joe's captured with fly rod in hand, stalking & casting
to rainbows on a hot summer's day. Warm
temperatures bring out the insect life and trout come to
the surface to hunt. Joe picked up a monster 12 pound (6
kg) monster here just a few weeks later.
Australian Trout
fishing can produce spectacular results.This brown trout
was truly a wonderful catch. Delicious
eating and a fantastic fighter when hooked, fish like
this are abundant and provide excellent & exhilarating
fishing.
Trout fishing destinations include: Arthur's Lake with its thousands of hard
fighting fish and Little Pine for dry fly fishing. Others include Bronte, Echo
and Dee Lagoon, on the western side of the Highlands; Great Lake, Penstock,
Lagoon of Islands and the Western lakes in the central Highlands.
Sea-runner trout abound in the River Derwent (in Hobart - Tasmanian's capital
city) and also Atlantic Salmon can be caught in the southern reaches of the
Derwent particularly south from Bruny Island. License restrictions do apply on
the Derwent River and you must check with local authorities before "wetting"
your fishing tackle. The sea-runners offer fabulous fishing experience and they
are delicious table fish. Likewise, for those who like to target larger fish,
Atlantic Salmon (usually "escapees" from local fish farms) can abound in their
thousands and provide amazing fighting qualities as well as being a much
sought-after table fish. Even if your fishing "luck" is out, fresh fish can be
purchased from many local fishmonger stores in Hobart, so you never have to go
hungry!
The main angling season extends from August to May. In Tasmania, up to
seven major waters are open for angling all year round. During the
trout fishing season, different types and styles of fishing can be
utilised which reflect changing weather, food sources, river and
lake water levels, availability of natural food and the feeding
behaviour of the various trout and salmon species.
A licence is required to fish all inland waters in Tasmania.
Angling licences vary from around $16.00 for one day to $52.00 for a full
season.
