Fly Fishing at Little Pine Lagoon

Little Pine Lagoon is a fly-fishing destination nestled in the scenic Central Highlands of Tasmania, approximately two hours from both Hobart and Launceston.

This tranquil lagoon offers anglers a perfect blend of natural beauty and fishing opportunities in a serene highland setting.

Surrounded by rugged Tasmanian bushland, Little Pine Lagoon is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the quality of its trout fishing.

The lagoon's remote location and pristine environment make it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, where they can enjoy fly fishing away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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WATER TYPE‍

Lake (Lagoon)

KEY ATTRACTIONS FOR FLY FISHERS

At Little Pine Lagoon, anglers can engage in diverse fishing methods, whether from the shore or by boat. The elongated north-to-south lake is perfect for effective drifting strategies, where starting at the windward end and letting the boat drift downwind covers extensive areas of the lagoon.

As a local fly fishing guide in Tasmania, Trout Tales owner Matt suggests, "A good way to start is just to head up to the end of the lake where the wind's blowing from and then just drift your way back down."

As the seasons change, so do the fishing techniques; from wet fly fishing early in the season to dry fly fishing during the summer, as the weather warms up and mayfly and other insect hatches become prevalent.

Other qualities of Little Pine Lagoon include:

Pristine Highland Environment: Little Pine Lagoon offers a remote and tranquil setting surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of the Tasmanian highlands. The pristine waters and untouched landscapes provide a peaceful escape, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while pursuing their passion for fly fishing.


Diverse Fly Fishing Opportunities: Anglers at Little Pine Lagoon can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences. The lagoon supports both wet and dry fly fishing techniques, adapting to the changing seasons. From drifting in boats to wading along the shores, the lagoon accommodates all styles of fly fishing, enhanced by the clear waters that allow for excellent sight fishing during insect hatches.


Rich Trout Population: The lagoon is renowned for its healthy population of wild brown trout. These fish are known for their size and spirited fight, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for anglers. The diverse insect life of the lagoon ensures active hatches, keeping the trout population well-fed and vibrant.


Accessible Yet Secluded: Despite its remote location in the Central Highlands, Little Pine Lagoon is easily accessible by road from major Tasmanian cities like Hobart and Launceston. This makes it a convenient day trip or a weekend getaway spot, offering a balance of accessibility and seclusion that is rare in such a natural setting.


SPECIES TO CATCH

Wild brown trout supporting a sustainable population by spawning up the Little Pine River.‍

PRIME SEASONS FOR TARGET SPECIES

The early season, from August to November, is characterised by cooler temperatures ideal for wet fly fishing, targeting larger, more aggressive trout.

As the summer progresses, dry fly fishing takes precedence, especially during insect hatches, offering exciting surface feeding interactions.

Looking for more information on the Tasmanian trout fishing season? Check out Trout Tales ultimate guide to the fly fishing season in Tasmania.

Best Flies to Use

The Straggle Bugger is a versatile fly, effective throughout the season for mimicking small fish and nymphs. During summer, mayfly imitations become crucial, particularly during hatches.

As Matt points out, “Mayfly hatches, as well as other insects hatching, offer some great sight fishing. You can drift along like we are here now, actually spotting fish as you drift. So, it's really just about getting out here, being prepared for anything that might happen on the day.

Being prepared for a Mayfly hatch if it's the right time of the year, but also to revert back to wet flies as well if that's going to be the best option for the day. It's a fish! Additionally, nymphs and streamers are useful for subsurface fishing across various conditions, while dry flies are essential for surface feeding during warm months”.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LITTLE PINE LAGOON’S WATERS

Little Pine Lagoon in Tasmania is characterised by its clear, shallow waters and abundant aquatic vegetation, creating ideal conditions for fly fishing and supporting a diverse ecosystem of trout.

Means of Access

Anglers have the flexibility to fish from comfortable boat settings or from various accessible points along the shore, catering to those preferring to wade. "We're up out of the water," explains Matt, highlighting the comfort of boat fishing even in colder conditions.

Accessible by well-maintained roads with clear signage, Little Pine Lagoon also features boat ramps that facilitate easy access to water for those preferring to fish from boats.

Matt also adds, "You've got the ability to cover quite a lot of water, which emphasises the advantage of boat use in what is a pretty extensive lake."

By Road: Little Pine Lagoon is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from both Hobart and Launceston, making it an easily accessible destination for a day trip or longer fishing excursions in the Central Highlands of Tasmania.

The roads leading to the lagoon are well-maintained, with clear signage to guide visitors directly to the fishing spots. This accessibility ensures that anglers can reach the lagoon with minimal hassle, allowing more time to be spent enjoying the tranquil surroundings and less time navigating the journey.

Shore Access: The shores of Little Pine Lagoon offer numerous accessible points for anglers
who prefer to fish from the land.

These points are strategically located around the lagoon to provide the best opportunities for catching fish, including areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and natural structures that attract fish.

The shorelines are also ideal for fly fishers who enjoy wading, offering a variety of environments from sandy banks to rocky outcrops, which cater to different fishing styles and preferences.

Boat Fishing: For those who prefer to explore the lagoon from the water, Little Pine provides excellent facilities for boat fishing. The lagoon features several boat ramps that allow for easy launching and retrieval of small to medium-sized fishing boats.

Boating on the lagoon offers the unique advantage of covering larger areas and accessing deeper waters that are not reachable from the shore. This not only enhances the fishing experience but also increases the chances of a successful catch, as it allows anglers to explore diverse habitats and adjust their techniques based on the conditions of the day.

These varied access options at Little Pine Lagoon ensure that every angler, whether they prefer the stability of the shore or the mobility of a boat, can have a rewarding and enjoyable fishing experience in one of Tasmania’s most scenic fly fishing locales.

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Why Choose Little Pine Lagoon

In conclusion, Little Pine Lagoon stands out as a fly fishing destination in Tasmania's Central Highlands, celebrated for its flexibility and the rich fishing experiences it offers.

With the ability to use various flies, explore different water depths, and experiment with diverse retrieves, anglers at Little Pine Lagoon can adapt their techniques throughout the day for increased success and enjoyment.

As noted from a successful day on the water, Matt says "Little Pine represents a great opportunity to fish different flies, different depths of water, different retrieves. You've got quite a good flexibility throughout the day to mix up your techniques and hopefully give you a bit more success and a nice comfortable day out on the water."

This diverse combination, with the serene beauty and accessible yet secluded nature of the lagoon, makes it a favoured spot for both seasoned anglers and newcomers.

If you're eager to experience the allure of fly fishing in Tasmania, Little Pine Lagoon is a destination regularly featured on our fly fishing tours at Trout Tales, promising memorable adventures and picturesque settings.

Tight lines!