Get the latest update on river fly fishing in Tasmania, with local guide Matt Stone sharing his insights and tips to maximise your success on the water in 2025.
As late summer transitions into autumn, Tasmania’s rivers are in prime condition for fly fishing.
The cooler mornings and steady river levels have created ideal dry fly fishing opportunities, with plenty of rising trout taking advantage of seasonal hatches.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to river fishing, now is undoubtedly the time to get out on the water and make the most of these conditions.
Late summer and autumn present some of the best times for river fly fishing in Tasmania
As the season progresses, river conditions remain fantastic for dry fly fishing.
Matt shares, "With summer now starting to wind down, it's still a great time to be on the rivers."
"We've been busy fishing recently, particularly around the lowland areas, and there's truly nothing better than actually seeing the rising fish come up and take those dry flies."
With consistent hatches, stable river flows, and trout actively feeding, this is one of the most rewarding times of year to be on the water.
If you’ve been considering a fly fishing tour in Tasmania, now is a great time to explore the rivers and target brown trout with well-placed casts and natural presentations.
When's the best time to fly fish the rivers? Early mornings are what we've noticed...
The early mornings have been particularly productive recently, with trout actively feeding before the warmth of the day sets in.
As Matt explains: "The earlier mornings have been quite good on the rivers to kick off 2025 and as we move through to autumn, where a lot of fish working in that early part of the day particularly before the elements pick up like the bright sun - potentially exposing fish to harsher conditions or overhead predators."
Fly patterns for river fishing
If you're heading out early, these fly patterns have been working particularly well:
- Small Caddis Imitations – Mimicking the natural caddisflies that trout target during morning and evening hatches, these flies sit naturally on the surface, making them a great choice for fooling rising fish.
- Parachute Duns – This versatile dry fly imitates mayfly duns, with a parachute-style hackle for visibility and a natural drift—especially effective in slower-moving water.
- Sedge Hopper – Designed to replicate large terrestrial insects and fluttering caddis, this bushy, lifelike pattern is excellent for enticing aggressive, surface-feeding trout.
Looking for some of the best flies for your Tasmanian fishing trip? Visit the Trout Tales online shop.
Having these flies in your box will greatly increase your chances of successful dry fly fishing in Tasmania.
Handling the heat and adjusting to fussy afternoon fish
If you've missed the morning opportunities, as the day heats up, trout can become more selective, making a more refined approach essential.
Matt shares: "We've had a few really hot days recently, especially in the peak of summer through January and February, which has made the fish a little bit fussier later in the afternoons."
If you find trout reluctant to rise, try these adjustments:
- Wait for fish to rise before casting – Observing their feeding behaviour and letting them establish a rhythm before casting can increase your success.
- Downsize your flies – Smaller, more natural-looking patterns are often more appealing to cautious fish.
- Use a longer, finer leader – A subtle presentation with a longer leader and finer tippet reduces the chance of spooking wary trout.
These small tweaks can make the difference between landing a fish... or watching it repeatedly refuse your fly.
Casting tips for river fly fishing in Tasmania
River fly fishing demands accuracy and precision, especially when targeting fish feeding in small pockets of water.
"Really, the biggest thing to work on is your casting," Matt says. "You really want to be accurate and fast with those casts, which is something we often notice anglers struggle with."
"Being able to land that fly just upstream of the fish is really important when we are dry fly fishing, and also speaks to the benefits of hiring a guide for your Tasmanian fly fishing tour - who can help both pick up and improve some of these aspects."
To improve your river fishing success, here's some tips from Matt:
- Focus on accuracy – Placing your fly just upstream of a feeding fish ensures a natural drift and increases the chances of a take.
- Improve your line control – Managing your drift to minimise drag is crucial for fooling wary trout.
- Work on quick, precise casts – Fast, well-placed presentations are essential, particularly when targeting actively feeding fish in fast-moving water.
If you're planning a fly fishing tour in Tasmania, refining these casting techniques will significantly enhance your overall experience.
Why you should include river fishing in your multi-day guided tour
While Tasmania’s lakes are renowned for fly fishing, exploring the island’s lowland rivers offers a unique and rewarding experience. As Matt explains:
"Wading the rivers is something that we do a lot of on our multi-day fishing tours."
"Getting down to some of these lowland rivers is really a great thing to do—just to mix up the trip, see a few different parts of Tasmania, and do a slightly different style of fishing too."
A multi-day guided trip allows you to combine lake fishing with river fishing, giving you a diverse experience—from stalking trout in clear, shallow streams to casting big dries in fast-moving water.
Adding river fishing to your itinerary not only expands your skill set but also lets you see more of Tasmania’s incredible fishing landscape.
FAQs about river fly fishing in Tasmania
What are the best flies to use in late summer and autumn?
Small caddis imitations, parachute duns, and sedge hoppers have been particularly effective, especially in the mornings.
How should I adjust my approach on hot days?
Be patient, wait for fish to rise before casting, downsize your flies, and use a longer, finer leader for stealthier presentations.
What casting techniques are most important for river fly fishing?
Accuracy and speed are key—place your fly upstream of the fish, keep your drift natural, and practice quick, precise casts for better results.
Why should I include river fishing in a multi-day tour?
Fishing rivers complement lake fishing, allowing you to experience different techniques and scenery while expanding your fly fishing skills.
Where can I learn more about fly fishing in Tasmania?
Check out our fly fishing updates or book a fly fishing tour in Tasmania through Trout Tales.
In conclusion...
With stable river conditions, active trout, and prime dry fly opportunities = late summer and autumn are ideal times to experience river fly fishing in Tasmania.
Whether you prefer early morning sessions, technical dry fly presentations, or multi-day trips, this season offers some of the best fishing Tasmania has to offer.
If you're looking for an unforgettable fly fishing tour in Tasmania, now is the time to book your adventure with Trout Tales.
Experience the thrill of fishing Tasmania’s beautiful rivers and make the most of this incredible time of year - plan your next fly fishing adventure with Trout Tales today!
Tight lines.
Hi, I'm Matt Stone - for over fifteen years I’ve developed my passion for fly fishing, wild trout and for the amazing places experienced in Tasmania along the way.
