As the capital of Tasmania and one of the main arrival points for travelers, there is some fantastic trout fly fishing near Hobart with a variety of small streams, rivers and lakes near by.
When in Hobart, you may find yourself wondering "where are the best fishing spots near me"?
Tasmania presents a great opportunity for trout fly fishing while being completely immersed in stunning, wild landscapes that are within a short distance of our cities - and this includes Hobart.
Many of these stunning locations are home to world-class fly fishing opportunities - and through our experience of many years trout fishing in Tasmania, we've compiled a list to help narrow down your search of the best locations to fish near Hobart.
Key takeaway - The best trout fly fishing locations near Hobart:
- Tyenna River
- 28 Gates Farm Stay and Private Trout Fishery
- Derwent Valley Region
- Derwent River System
- Craigbourne Dam and Coal River
Read on to learn more or check out our dedicated video on Hobart's best fly fishing spots below:
Our favourite trout fly fishing locations near Hobart:
1. Tyenna River
The Tyenna River is a medium sized fast-water stream that flows through the Derwent Valley, located approximately 45 minutes from Hobart. It is a stunning Valley with vast green farmland and tall forested areas.
The Tyenna offers some of the best river trout fishing in Tasmania throughout the season, particularly during late summer and autumn when water levels are low. Over this period, fish can be found rising willingly to dry flies and wading upstream is a comfortable option.
After heavy rains in the area the river can become high and discoloured, but generally clears quickly. When the river is elevated or discoloured, it is important to add nymphs to your fly fishing rig, in order to reach trout lying deeper or holding under banks and other structure.
2. 28 Gates Farm stay & Private Trout Fishery
Situated in the heart of the Derwent Valley, 28 Gates is a privately owned farm property with multiple lakes holding large brown, rainbow, brook and tiger trout.
28 Gates is often a good option over the ‘closed season’ and early in the trout fishing season given it is fishable year-round and lies at a slightly lower elevation to many of our other regular trout fishing locations, lending itself to milder weather conditions when snow and ice are common in the Highlands areas.
Fly fishing here can produce some very memorable experiences, with many of the resident trout in excess of 10 pounds. The trout will cruise along banks and into shallow bays throughout the day, offering a rare opportunity to sight fish for trophy trout.
Wet fly fishing is often the chosen method, particularly in colder months, whilst warmer weather can see trout willing to rise to dry flies.
28 Gates is a private fishery and can only be accessed with an accredited guide - get in touch with Trout Tales to book your book your Tasmanian trout fly fishing tour today.
3. Derwent Valley Region
The Derwent Valley is located approximately 45 minutes from Hobart. It is a stunning Valley with vast green farmland and tall forested areas. Lying slightly lower in elevation to other trout fishing locations, it is often a good option over the 'closed season' and early in the trout fishing season when snow and ice are common in the Highlands areas.
The Tyenna, Styx and Plenty rivers offer some of the best river trout fishing in throughout the season, particularly during late summer and autumn when water levels are low and fish rise willingly to dry flies.
More information for trout fly fishing around the Derwent Valley Region is available at:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/tyenna-river/
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/styx-river/
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/plenty-river/
https://www.28gatesfarmstay.com.au/see-do
4. Derwent River System
Hobart’s largest estuary system is the Derwent River, which starts its flow at Lake St. Clair and runs through Hobart before reaching the ocean.
The Derwent River is an extremely diverse fishery and offers a wide variety of fishing methods and different species of fish at all times of the year. The two most common fish species targeted are black bream and sea run trout. Both are common in the river sea trout can reach an impressive size after coming into the system.
When targeting sea trout, traditionally August and September are the best months, as this is the time when trout numbers are highest in the estuary areas due to the trouts spawning migration upstream. These fish feed aggressively on small baitfish such as whitebait, so fishing large profile wet flies around areas with good structure and cover can produce some fantastic fish.
Read on: Trout Tales guide to the Tasmanian fly fishing season.
Black bream are present in the Derwent throughout the year and can be caught consistently using any fishing method. Bait and lure fishing is a common choice, however targeting bream on fly provides the best sport given lighter gear set ups. Casting weighted wet flies around snags and steep drop offs will often result in good numbers of bream being caught.
More information for trout fly fishing around the Derwent river system is available at:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/river-derwent/
5. Craigbourne Dam & Coal River
Another great option for trout fishing near Hobart is Craigbourne Dam and Coal River. These two fisheries are joined, as Craigbourne was created by the damning of the Coal River for irrigation purposes.
Craigbourne Dam is open year-round to all angling methods. The dam is stocked regularly by the Inland Fisheries Service with adult brown and rainbow trout as well as trophy sized Atlantic salmon, which commonly exceed 10 pounds.
All fishing methods can be productive; however, the majority of fish are caught using lures either cast and retrieved from the shoreline or trolled throughout the deeper sections of the lake. Fly fishing with wet flies around the shallow bays can be a good option, particularly when lake levels are high enough to spill into the grassy paddocks.
The Coal River flows from Craigbourne dam, through extensive farmland to the town of Richmond where constructed weirs prevent its flow to the estuary.
The river is mostly a series of deep weed lined pools and fly fishing is best when the river flows are low and clear. Trout can be seen cruising along the weed edges and will usually be eager to intercept a large dry fly or nymph.
Casting small soft plastic lures in the deeper pools also produces some great trout, which are residents in the river coming down from the dam.
More information for trout fly fishing around the Coal Valley Region is available at:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/craigbourne-dam/
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/coal-river/
A seasonal guide to trout fishing near Hobart
Trout fishing in Hobart is season-round activity, but the best times to visit depend on what you’re targeting and the type of experience you want:
Spring (September - November): Spring is an excellent time for river fishing near Hobart, as trout become more active after the winter months. The Derwent River and Tyenna River are particularly fruitful during this period.
Summer (December - February): Summer is perfect for fly fishing in Hobart, as rivers are alive with insect activity. This is the best time to practice dry fly techniques.
Autumn (March - May): Autumn provides cooler temperatures and vibrant landscapes, making it a great time for both river fishing and fly fishing near Hobart.
Why Hobart is Ideal for River Fishing Near Me
Hobart, like many places in Tasmania, is a haven for anglers, offering a range of fishing environments - ultimately, it's main benefit is easy access to beautiful rivers and other fishing spots.
Whether you’re searching for a quick “river fishing near me” experience or planning a full day of fly fishing, Hobart has everything you need:
- Proximity to Prime Spots: The rivers around Hobart are within a 30-minute drive, making them convenient for both locals and tourists.
- Diverse Fishing Options: From the fast-moving waters of the Derwent River to the peaceful, remote banks of the Tyenna River, Hobart offers a variety of fishing experiences.
- Local Expertise: Hobart is home to many experienced Tasmanian fly fishing guides and fishing shops, providing local knowledge and equipment for both beginners and experts alike.
Tips and Techniques for fly fishing Hobart
It's no surprise to anglers that fly fishing is an art that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment - with this in mind, here are some tips to make the most of your fly fishing experience in Hobart:
Choose the Right Fly: Insect hatches vary by season, so it’s essential to use flies that mimic local species. Dry flies work well in summer, while nymphs are effective throughout the year.
Casting Technique: Practice your casting technique before heading out. The rivers around Hobart often require precise casting due to narrow banks and tree coverage.
Equipment: Ensure you have the right equipment, including a light rod suitable for trout and a reel with a smooth drag system. Waders are also recommended for accessing prime fishing spots along the rivers.
Helpful video: Check out our dedicated video on casting tips and what to practice before your fishing trip for more information in the player below!
Want to know more about trout fishing near Hobart?
Through his wealth of experience over 15-years, Tasmanian fishing guide Matt Stone has accumulated a deep knowledge of fly fishing across the state, but also a respect for how stunning Tasmania is to experience.
We've recently developed some helpful articles about trout fishing all around Tasmania too - including our handy guides:
- Trout Fishing in Tasmania - Our Ultimate Guide
- Best trout fishing near Launceston
- Best trout fishing near the Central Highlands
If you're after more information on fly fishing locations near Hobart, feel free to get in touch with your trout fishing guide Matt.
Ready to create your own Hobart Trout Tale?
Trout Tales Tasmania - Fly Fishing Tasmania
Trout Tales deliver trout fly fishing in Tasmania to anglers of all experiences - if you're after an all-inclusive, unique and highly personalised guided fly fishing adventure, check out our fishing packages today.
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.
