Fishing
There’s nothing like fishing where the locals do. Tasmania is trout territory, so pack your favourite rod and tackle and, if you’re keen to catch your dinner, drop a line in at some of the state’s most beautiful locations.
DUCK BAY, SMITHTON
Perfect for shore fishing, locals cast in around the oyster racks for deliciously large flathead. The fishing alone makes a drive to award-winning Smithton worthwhile. Snapper and trevally are caught from spots in town, so unless you want to fish the estuary, you don’t need a boat to enjoy a solid day’s fishing.
Duck Bay is 136km west of Devonport. Silver trevally, flathead, Australian salmon.
GEORGE’S BAY, ST. HELENS
Ask around in St. Helens and locals will tell you about the huge, tasty garfish in George’s Bay. When they’re biting you’ll be jostling for position on the jetties that make George’s a great spot for fishing with light gear. For boaters, offshore reef fishing near St. Helens Point provides good quality, quantity, and variety of fish. Want to get serious but don’t have the gear? Get on a charter to the edge of the continental shelf for world-class deep-sea fishing. George’s Bay is 165km east of Launceston. Tuna, flathead, bream, Australian salmon, trevally, and more.
LAKE LEAKE
Early season (August) wet flyfishing and lure casting around the weed beds is a highlight of Lake Leake fishing. Locals launch small boats at Kalangadoo Bay and head to the mouth of the Snowy River, which feeds Lake Leake. Shore fishing is superb – when the rainbow trout are biting – and, if you’re bringing your boat, you’ll find even more amazing spots on the water.
Lake Leake is 100km south-east of Launceston, 166km north of Hobart. Brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout.
MEANDER RIVER
The Meander flows from Tasmania’s Great Western Tiers in the Tasmanian Central Highlands and is characterised by long runs and pools interspersed with pebbly riffles. Locals head to the upper reaches of the river where fly-fishing is the technique of choice. Closer to Launceston, the river is ideal for shore-based angling with bait or lures.
The Meander River is 20km west of Launceston. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and river blackfish.