Spring - October and November:
The early months of the Tasmanian fishing season (August and September) are more reminiscent of winter than spring. While there is some reasonable surface activity on warm days and some good wet fly fishing, the fishing really starts to warm up in October which features consistent hatches of both midges (chironomids) and stoneflies. The stonefly hatch can be the first real dry fly action of the season and a good precursor for the mayfly hatch. Midges are a little less predictable, relying upon steady breezes and windlanes to collect them all up for both trout and angler.

October also sees some terrestrial beetle action if we get the required warm weather in order to stimulate them into flying out over the lake. October is a prime month for tailing trout. Tailers, as they are better known, feed in very shallow water primarily at dawn and dusk, but can also be found on untrodden shores right throughout the day. Tailers are generally hard to catch, but also immensely satisfying when you do finally land one.

November is essentially the same as October for the first two weeks, with increasingly warmer days and longer hours of daylight. As the days lengthen out so does the fishing activity increase, with many fish seeking out the shallow margins for their feeding activity.
As November progresses the mayflies begin to hatch. The mayflies can be difficult to find early on in the piece without local knowledge, but usually result in good fishing when they are found. Beetle falls become increasingly regular as the average daily temperature increases, widening the angling options available to fly fishers.

Windlane options also increase during November, when many trout seek out these ribbons of gold for a feed. Many pleasant afternoons are spent hunting along slicks and windlanes looking for consistently feeding trout.

Summer - December, January and February:
Summer is a much anticipated time for all Tasmanian fly fishing addicts. By the first week in December the mayfly hatch has usually started, the beetles are common enough on the water for variety in the trout's diet and the fish are really looking for an easy feed. On sunny days polaroiding can be awesome, especially for blue sky day mayfly hatches.
As December moves towards Christmas the fishing action really hots up, with the prime time being around the third week in December. The dun (mayfly) hatches are in full swing, with predictable hatches just about every day irrespective of the weather. Sunny northerly days with plenty of warmth and beetle activity can deliver some great deep water polaroiding action on both Great Lake and Arthurs Lake.

January is one of the most consistent months in the fishing season calendar, with all the insects of summer very active, along with warm settled weather. The dun hatches continue to be very consistent, as well as spinner falls and afternoon windlane fishing that is simply world class. Stalking the Western Lakes is fantastic at this time of year as well. The lowland rivers are also exceptionally good, with some excellent stream fishing to be had on the St Patrick's River, North Esk River and South Esk River.

February is the prime month for settled weather and blue sky days. February is traditionally the best month for the polaroiding and Western Lakes enthusiast, while Arthurs Lake and Great Lake are still at their peak. The rivers on the lowlands are very good indeed with grasshoppers and caddis keeping their noses looking up.
The mayfly hatches are still very consistent on Arthurs Lake, Little Pine Lagoon and Penstock Lagoon, with excellent windlane and shore based fishing as well. As February progresses the beetles usually make a resurgence, with the added bonus of jassids and ants. These terrestrial insects can deliver some awesome sight fishing in afternoon windlanes and slicks and the trout head to the surface for the feast.

Autumn - March and April:
March can be a sublime time to fish in Tasmania. The lowland streams are still at their peak and continue to fish very well right up to the end of the season in April - major floods permitting. In the highlands the mayflies start to wane on Arthurs Lake and Little Pine Lagoon, although the hatches at Penstock will continue till the first week in April. The terrestrial action normally continues while the warmer weather stays, with the ant activity on overcast and muggy days delivering prime surface feeding action.

As the season moves into April the brown trout begin to colour up in preparation for their annual spawning run. These fish are often quite aggressive, hitting both wet flies and active dry flies with gusto. As autumn rains make the river and creeks flow again the brown trout congregate at the mouths in readiness for spawning, making for some excellent wet fly fishing amongst the structure. As the brown trout season ends on the last Saturday in April most fishing activity ceases, although Great Lake can deliver some good fishing during May if the weather holds. For most the fishing ends at this time and the new season is eagerly anticipated once again.

Please call Neil and Nicole to discuss the best time of year for your next fly fishing adventure.