Imagine yourself.... the sun on your back, a high mountain meadow carpeted in wildflowers and a gentle breeze dappled lake... just you and your guide. You spot a good sized trout feeding in the shallows.... and you begin to stalk....
The island state of Tasmania situated in the south of Australia is one of the country's premier fly fishing destinations. Its not a huge island, in fact no matter where you are in "Tassie" you are never more than a couple of hours drive from the coast. The island rises to a height of over 1600mts and the centre of the island is a large highland plateau. This World Heritage Wilderness landscape is dotted by over 3000 lakes, both large and small and pristine rivers surrounded by snow capped mountains. This is Tassie's trout fishing paradise.
Trout were first introduced to Tasmania in 1839 and these wild fish have bred well ever since. Tasmania's isolation and abundance of perfect conditions make fishing here a dream location. Browns and rainbows of 2 to 4 lb pound are here in abundance and larger fish in excess of 6 lb are not uncommon.
The main fly fishing season in Tasmania extends from August through to April although there are a few lakes and waters open for rainbow trout fishing year round.
It can be cool in spring and the weather can be changeable. The fisherman are few but the fishing can be great as the brown trout are hungry after spawning and the rainbows, still in spawning mode will attack anything! Sight fishing for tailing trout around the edges of the highland lakes is popular and productive.
During summer the fish are abundant with dry fly fishing popular between December and February. As the hatches are underway Nymph fishing can be productive during the day and scouting river and lake shallows for tailing fish early in the day is a pleasure. As the sunsets late this far south over summer there is always time for a shot at the evening rise.
Late in the season some hatches are still happening in lower altitude waters providing more opportunity for dry fly and nymph fishing
Accommodation
Situated near the edge of a flat plateau on a high ridge overlooking the Tasmanian highlands, the lodge has stunning views across the lakes, hills and heavily wooded valleys of the Tasmanian wilderness far below. The area is host to an enormous range of Tasmanian flora and fauna and it is quite possible to see wildlife such as platypus, quolls, wallabies, wombats and the ever colourful, Tassie Devil.
The Lodge's original design when it was built in the 1930's was Art Deco. Its style retains the essence of this design whilst encompassing the very best of contemporary Tasmanian wilderness design and service. The building was extensively refurbished in 2005 and the deluxe rooms and suites have been sympathetically built within the outer building shell and incorporate the very finest of small luxury hotel living. Huge spa baths, heated floors, real fires and original Tasmanian art are all features of the Lodge. Soak in the cliff top spa and wander through the parkland around the Lodge. The best feature, however, is the real Tasmanian desire to please. If we can make your stay special we will.
With the freshest of Tasmanian produce, herbs from our organic garden and the culinary expertise of the in-house chef every meal will be an experience. Fresh Tasmanian scallops, Highland loin of lamb, King Island blue crepes and fresh Tasmanian fish are just some of the delights enjoyed by guests with wines from the extensive wine cellar. Healthy and hearty breakfasts will start your day and gourmet picnic lunches are included on your fishing adventures.
Guides
Guided by our in house guides your fishing will be a life time experience.
Our guides have many years experience in these highland areas with most being born and bred on the island. They will vary your fly fishing according to the prevailing seasons and weather conditions and your experience and preferences.
Dry fly, Nymph and tailing fishing they will get you on the fish. And you will be amazed at how they can spot the fish when you see nothing!
We have access to some of the best guides available in Australia and fishing to suit all levels of experience.
Equipment
The lodge has a selection of fly fishing equipment for our guests to use free of charge. Please email us before you depart home, just to make sure we have your requirements available at the lodge.
Feel free to bring along you own equipment. A list of what is recommended in Tasmania can be emailed to you on request.
Other Activities
- Golf
- Wildlife spotting
- Bird watching
- White water rafting
- Boating
- Mountain biking
- Wildflower tours
- Bush walking
- Scenic flights
- Squash
Getting There
We can arrange transfers and self drive hire cars from Launceston or Hobart both of which are domestic airport locations. The lodge is 2.5 hours drive from Launceston and 2 hours from Hobart.
Other Destinations
Many overseas clients choose to visit other destinations as well whilst in the country. Why not visit the low lands of Tassie as well which is a very different fly fishing experience. Please enquire for details.