Why Wet Fly Fishing in Tasmania Deserves More Credit

When most people think of fly fishing in Tasmania, the image that often comes to mind is the exciting and highly visual experience of dry fly fishing.

While dry fly fishing indeed holds a special place in every angler's heart, especially for those who love spotting and targeting surface-feeding trout, wet fly fishing often gets overlooked.

However, this lesser-known technique, especially during the early fly fishing season in Tasmania  from August to November, wet fly fishing offers its own unique set of thrills and rewards that should not be underestimated.

Post Summary

• Wet fly fishing in Tasmania is underrated yet thrilling, particularly in the early season.
• Techniques like loch style fishing with streamers can yield impressive catch rates.
• High water levels offer excellent sight fishing opportunities around lake shores.
• The anticipation and challenge of wet fly fishing offers a different kind of satisfaction.
• Whether you're in a boat or on foot, Tasmania's lakes provide fantastic wet fly fishing experiences.

The Appeal of Wet Fly Fishing in Tasmania

Why Wet Fly Fishing is Often Overlooked

Wet fly fishing has often played second fiddle to its more glamorous counterpart, dry fly fishing, which captivates anglers with the thrill of seeing a trout break the surface to take a fly.

However, in Tasmania, wet fly fishing offers its own compelling excitement, especially during the early season from August to November.

The higher water levels and cooler temperatures of this period create ideal conditions for targeting trout with wet flies, making it a prime time for this underrated method.

The misconception that wet fly fishing is less skillful or less exciting is far from the truth. In fact, it requires a different skill set that can be just as challenging and rewarding.

‍“Whether you're in the boat or wandering around the shores of the lakes up around the highlands, there's some fantastic fishing on offer,

Understanding the currents, knowing the right depth, and selecting the appropriate fly pattern are just some of the considerations that make wet fly fishing an art in itself” says Matt Stone from Trout Tales Tasmania.

The Thrill of Early Season Fishing

In the early season, Tasmania’s lakes are a haven for wet fly fishing enthusiasts. With the water levels still high, trout are often found cruising the shallows, making them more accessible to anglers.

This period is particularly known for loch style fishing from a boat, where anglers use flies like woolly buggers and streamers to attract fish.

The action can be fast and furious, with anglers sometimes landing upwards of 20 fish in a single day.

‍“You're often getting, you know, bags of 10, 15, 20 fish a day, which is pretty exciting when you start pulling in those sorts of numbers,” notes Matt Stone.

But it’s not just about the quantity of fish; the quality of the experience is also a highlight.

The opportunity to sight fish for tailing trout in the shallows, especially as they hunt for frogs and other prey, adds an element of visual excitement to wet fly fishing that is often underestimated. 

Why Wet Fly Fishing Deserves More Recognition

The assumption that wet fly fishing is somehow less 'sexy' or less satisfying than dry fly fishing is a disservice to the technique.

Wet fly fishing in Tasmania, especially in the early season, offers a type of angling experience that is rich in both challenge and reward.

The need to read the water, to anticipate where the trout might be, and to choose the right fly all contribute to a deeply engaging form of fishing that deserves more recognition. 

Some of the benefits of wet fly fishing include the opportunity to catch larger numbers of fish, as trout often feed more actively below the surface during the early season.

Additionally, wet fly fishing allows anglers to target trout in various water conditions, from the deeper parts of lakes to the shallows where fish might be tailing.

The technique also encourages a more strategic approach, as it requires anglers to understand the underwater environment and choose flies that mimic the prey trout are actively hunting.

These elements make wet fly fishing a dynamic and rewarding pursuit, especially in the unique Tasmanian landscape. Moreover, wet fly fishing provides a viable and exciting alternative during times

when dry fly fishing is not at its peak. For those planning a trip to Tasmania outside of the prime dry fly season, wet fly fishing offers an equally rewarding way to experience the island’s renowned trout fishing.

‍“If you do find yourself in Tasmania, or you're planning a trip earlier in the season, don't be afraid to get over here early and do some wet fly fishing; there’s still some fantastic fishing on offer.

"You’ll discover a side of fly fishing that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to land quality fish while enjoying the breathtaking Tasmanian landscape,” Matt Stone advises.

Frequent questions about wet fly fishing in Tasmania

What is wet fly fishing, and how does it differ from dry fly fishing?‍

Wet fly fishing involves using flies that are designed to sink below the surface of the water, mimicking the natural movement of insects or small baitfish.

In contrast, dry fly fishing uses flies that float on the surface, imitating adult insects. Wet fly fishing often targets trout feeding below the surface, requiring different techniques and skills compared to dry fly fishing.

When is the best time for wet fly fishing in Tasmania?‍

The early season, from August to November, is an excellent time for wet fly fishing in Tasmania.

During this period, water levels are high, and trout are actively feeding in the shallows, making them more accessible to anglers using wet flies.

What are some effective wet fly patterns for Tasmania’s lakes?‍

Woolly buggers and streamers are particularly effective wet fly patterns in Tasmania’s lakes.

These flies imitate baitfish or other aquatic creatures and can be very successful, especially when fishing in a loch style from a boat.

Why does wet fly fishing get a bad rap compared to dry fly fishing?‍

Wet fly fishing often gets overshadowed by dry fly fishing due to the latter’s visual appeal and the thrill of seeing a trout take a fly on the surface.

However, wet fly fishing requires its own set of skills and offers unique challenges and rewards, particularly in Tasmania’s early season.

Can I still have a great fishing experience in Tasmania if I visit outside the dry fly season?‍

Absolutely! Wet fly fishing in Tasmania during the early season offers fantastic opportunities, with the chance to catch large numbers of fish, including some great sight fishing around the lake shores.

It’s a different but equally exciting way to experience Tasmania’s renowned trout fishing.

Conclusion‍

Wet fly fishing in Tasmania is an often under-appreciated but incredibly rewarding form of angling. Especially during the early season, it offers opportunities that are as thrilling as they are plentiful.

Whether you're targeting tailing trout in the shallows or enjoying the fast-paced action of lock style fishing from a boat, wet fly fishing provides a unique and exciting experience that every angler should try.

Don’t let the allure of dry fly fishing overshadow the many benefits of wet fly fishing. If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, consider the early season and give wet fly fishing the attention it deserves.

All in all, whether it's wet or dry fishing you're after - fly fishing in Tasmania is a great place to experience some of the best in the world; book your trout fishing package with Trout Tales today.