The start of the brown trout season in Tasmania is usually a very productive time and this year has been no exception. All over Tasmania, snow and wind did not deter anglers and fish were caught through the highlands and lowlands. Low water temperatures meant that fish wanted slowly fished flies, but most of them were hooked deep, which showed they were hungry. Probably the most significant sign the trout were ‘on the chew’ is the fact that they’ve been caught on the drop, the pull and the hang – and all flies along the leader have been eaten.
Early season success at Four Springs.
The condition of the trout has been excellent and they’ve put up a great display, jumping and pulling line. For the first three days of the season, the 54 fish my clients have landed have averaged just over two pounds, with the odd one over three. Of real interest are the trout I’ve seen rising every day. At various stages throughout the day, fish have been active on the surface, though not for very long. I have no idea what they’ve been eating as the weather has been windy and not conducive to the midge hatches that we can get at is time of the year.
The ‘opening’ trout have all been in great condition.
Basically, the fishing is as usual for this time of year with good numbers of lovely trout being caught. I’m yet to fish any rivers as they’ve been very high and dirty, and rain and snow will keep most of them from being fished in coming days. Meanwhile, the highland lake roads are are closed as is the Marlborough Highway. Those stuck in the highlands will be having productive fishing if they can get to the water and it’s not iced over, while the lowlands have fewer but warmer options. I can’t wait to get back onto the water in coming days.
Constant snow has limited access, particularly in the highlands, but it’s doing wonders for lake levels and stream flows for later in the season.
As a side note, it was great to see some of the new Scientific Angler fly lines being put to practical use. Jeff and Andrew from SA have been in Australia promoting their latest floating and sinking lines which will be available soon. Seeing the lines being used in practical situations with flies attached has given me a great appreciation of how they perform. Keep an eye out for these new lines!
www.rainbowlodgetasmania.com.au
A nice fish on one of the new SA lines.
