It’s time for the new trout season

The 2019-2020 Tassie trout season is open.


October nymph action at Currawong Lakes

While we are still in winter for August, its time to start planning your next Tassie fly fishing trip!

Check-out the fly lines – replace those old tippets & leaders; clean the reels and ensure no leaks in the waders!

Spring starts the mayfly activity, nymphs moving, emerging mayfly, and by mid-October good rises and hatches are under way.

This action is from October last year;


October early emerging mayfly success on the Macquarie


More spring action in the shallows – note the second fish moving at the edge past the stumps!

Check out the Bookings Calendar, a number of good dates are available through to Christmas.

Last trip and the weather finally breaks … for the worst!


The group, from left, BT, Trev, Darce, Paddy-O & Phil. Early morning before the sun went, wind came in ‘gale force’ and temperatures dropped through the floor. Phil’s association with Red Tag is one of continuous development and appreciation of the art of fly fishing. Having first met Phil over 10 years ago at the inaugural Hurley’s FFW/Red Tag Trout Tours Tasmania presentation night at Gavin’s Bentleigh fly shop, where he won the first prize in our major competition, he has progressed from an absolute beginner to a regular ‘Tagger.

Phil, seen here with the only hook-up of the day, was part of a ‘boys weekend’ that included Hawthorn Football match, Barnbougle Dunes golf and while there why not have a go at fly fishing at Currawong Lakes.

A nice rainbow for evening entree — went down very well on the BBQ.

Workshop surprise


Sean’s partner surprised him with a two day/overnight workshop and he didn’t miss the chance.

With day 1 at Currawong Lakes a perfect autumn day, Sean made the most of it.

Some great action on unweighted damsel nymph.

… and excellent wild browns to hand.

With bright skies and clear water the 2nd day on the river was tougher, but a late afternoon Macquarie ‘Red Spinner’ hatch brought on the action.
Over the two days we were able to cover dry, nymph and wet fly action along with the participating trout. Tight lines from here on, Sean.

Returning Tagger has best river day


Anthony, from Western Australia, on first pool and first hook-up with #14 black emerger. Almost season end and this was the start of the best river day of the season!

Plump fit fish all day — no monsters to hand, but one big fish break-off and another of those heart-stopping ‘just missed’ it moments when you take eye off the fly to sight next rise and casting spot, to look down at lifted fly only to see largest mouth of day was about to take the fly.

Great fun on the #3wt, early it was emerging mayfly, then on to ‘hopper patterns, then afternoon late spinner hatch — 20+ fish to the fly and all but two on the dry!

Magic corners …

… and delightful runs, all produced results.

Media mate back again!

Shane, editor of the South Australian Angler loves Tasmania and its trout fishing, Recently toured the state with a number of TGALT Inc guides and spent two days with Red Tag again. This was him on one of our lowland rivers enjoying the setting.

Day 2 at Currawong Lakes – again one of his favourite waters.

It was quite windy with very little fish activity ‘on top’. So on with one of Red Tag’s woolly bugger patterns and this one turned out to be a 4lb beautiful brown on Lake Macquarie.

Next day, exploring the lakes on his own, he had an even bigger grin getting eight on the wets and top fish nudging 5lb.

Late afternoon ‘Red Spinner’ hatch saves day!

Eric (from Victoria) finally onto a wild river brown on the #4wt. It was one of those days when the hatch doth maketh the day!

Another one to hand … at 4.30pm the hatch started, the fish came up and Eric got four in six casts.

Yes! number four … sighted rising, adult red spinner presented and on again!