Mega Recap: Reflecting on the 2024/25 Tasmania Trout Fishing Season

The 2024/25 trout fishing season in Tasmania concluded in late April, marking another remarkable period across the island’s diverse waterways. 

Anglers experienced a season filled with both rewarding catches and challenges posed by dynamic weather conditions. 

From crisp mornings in the Central Highlands to sunlit days casting to active trout, the season offered a rich tapestry of experiences.

Matt Stone, lead fly fishing guide at Trout Tales Tasmania, reflected on the season gone:

“While every season presents its own set of challenges and rewards, this year it was the diversity that stood out. The need to adapt quickly to environmental changes was much more prominent this season"

"We encountered trout busily feeding in lake margins during August, enjoyed remarkable mayfly hatches over summer, and made the most of calm, crisp mornings and evenings right through until early March that setup some stunning fishing action."

"Sitting down to recap it all, this season was a real mixed bag of challenges and opportunities - and that's what fly fishing in Tasmania is all about.”

Full Season Recap: From Opening to April

Early Season (August–September):‍

The season opened with typical late-winter chill, bringing snow to the Highlands and brisk conditions on the lakes. Despite the cooler weather, anglers willing to venture out found success. 

Trout were often holding along newly flooded margins, feeding aggressively on baitfish and aquatic insects stirred up by rising levels.

“Those first few weeks are for the dedicated anglers,” Matt explained. “But those willing to endure the cold mornings were rewarded with aggressive trout feeding hard. You just had to be strategic and trust your approach — patience paid off.”

Mid-Season (October–November):‍

With the arrival of spring, rising water temperatures and increased daylight triggered hatches of mayflies and other aquatic insects. 

Rivers like the Meander and Tyenna came into their own, offering consistent sight fishing in clear flows. Penstock Lagoon also began to fire as trout moved higher in the water column.

“This was the part of the season where things really opened up — more stable conditions and hatches starting to show more regularly,” said Matt.

Peak Dry Fly Season (December–February):‍

Long, calm weather windows across summer allowed anglers to enjoy what many regard as the pinnacle of Tasmanian fly fishing. Trout were rising freely on Penstock Lagoon and Bronte Lagoon, with steady hatches of beetles, damselflies, and mayflies.

“This is what many clients envision when they think of fly fishing in Tasmania,” Matt noted. “Those serene, glassy mornings where you’re casting to visible trout. It’s the epitome of what we try to share through our experiences.”

Late Season (March–April):‍

As the season matured into autumn, trout activity remained strong, especially in rivers during early mornings. Lower light, cooler water, and calmer conditions meant fish stayed active, though their selectivity increased.

“April can provide some of the best dry fly fishing of the season in the right conditions,” said Matt. “They’re not easy — the trout are much warier at this stage of the season and starting to think about spawning — but it is a magic time to experience the last of the seasons fishing action.”

Where Fished Well in 2024/25

• Penstock Lagoon: Was by far the standout of the fly fishing season in 2024/25, offering productive fishing throughout. Early-season streamer work transitioned smoothly into some of the most reliable dry fly fishing conditions of the summer. The consistent hatches and excellent visibility made this a highlight for many.
  

• Great Lake: Delivered solid early morning midge fishing during the warmer months with consistent sight fishing available. Fish also responded well to larger streamers mimicking baitfish fished near rocky shores on windy days.
  
  
• Meander River: Stood out as a consistent performer, particularly in the second half of the season. Healthy flows and prolific mayfly hatches meant dry fly fishing opportunities were common and reliable, drawing in both locals and visitors.
  
  
• Tyenna River: Provided excellent nymph fishing early in the season and challenging but rewarding late season dry fly fishing to trout feeding on tiny aphids throughout the hot and dry summer and autumn.

Lessons Learnt: Patience and Adapting to Yearly Conditions

This season emphasised the importance of adapting — not just to the fish, but to Tasmania’s often unpredictable conditions.

Weather shifts, river flows, insect timing — every day asked anglers to think, adjust, and persist. This also highlighted for many visitors the key reason to consider hiring a guide when embarking on your Tassie fly fishing adventure.

“There were days where you had to make the most of limited opportunities, subtle and accurate presentations often meant the difference between a good day and a great day” Matt shared. “This season really rewarded careful observation and understanding your environment.”

Matching fly choice to hatch, slowing down presentations, and being ready for changes were all crucial. As Matt noted, “Tasmania can challenge you, but it always teaches you something. And that's half the reward.”

For preparation tips, explore the Tasmanian fly fishing guide.

Surprise Standout: The Fly Fishing Shirt

A surprise standout this season was the Trout Tales fly fishing shirt. Originally designed for guide comfort and practical sun protection, it quickly became a hit with clients too. 

Its breathable fabric, clean design, and functionality suited everything from long hikes to all-day drift sessions.

“We didn’t expect it to be such a talking point,” Matt laughed. “But guests loved the look and feel — and the photos speak for themselves.”

Read more about the shirt’s features.

Trout Tales Specific Takeaways

2024/25 was a big season for the Trout Tales team. A noticeable highlight was the return of international visitors, as well as increased interest from local Tasmanian anglers. 

It was also great to see familiar faces coming back again.

“It’s rewarding seeing someone return for another trip,” Matt said. “It tells us we’re doing something right.”

The team continued to focus on education during guided tours — everything from fly selection to handling fish carefully and leaving minimal impact. These sessions went beyond catching trout; they helped anglers better understand Tasmania’s ecosystems.

What’s Ahead for Next Season

With the 2024/25 trout fishing season wrapped up, there’s plenty to reflect on — from standout hatches to subtle lessons in patience.

Each trip added to the story of the season, shaped by the water, the fish, and those who came to chase them.

Looking ahead, the 2025/26 season brings fresh anticipation.

The team at Trout Tales will be reviewing our package options, continuing to develop our social media and Youtube presence as well as continuing to welcome both newcomers and returning anglers to the state.

As always, the goal is to deliver a deeper, more connected fly fishing experience.

“The planning for next season’s already begun,” Matt said. “We’re excited to see what new stories unfold on the water.”

Before your next trip, check the Tasmanian trout season dates and keep an eye out for further updates.