Drew from NSW has only been fly fishing for a few years and had never experienced a day like it! The area between the bank and the reed beds on his right were dry only 76 hours before.
An easterly low drift over Tasmania with about 100mm of rain falling around these Currawong Lakes. Then mother nature ‘did her thing’. The water levels rose about 300mm over 48 hrs, lovely (only slightly coloured inflows) rising waters covering the shallow edges resulting in what we in Tasmania love in the early season, ‘tailing’ sighted feeding trout.
Using one of our own fly (Fur Fly) patterns, Drew was mesmerised by the activity of the fish. Wild browns up to 4lbs+ chasing frogs and tadpoles, some less than a metre from the edge in 100mm of water just took your breath away.
this one released was just over 2.5lbs, one of a number to the fly. We estimated in less than two hours Drew cast to 20 or so feeding fish, none more than 3m from the edge.
Drew got this very healthy rainbow earlier in the day on a Red Tag tied Woolly Bugger.
It was the best day’s tailing trout fishing I have seen in Tasmania and renewed my spirits for the season ahead.
First up and First away for the new season!
Phil from NSW getting into the swing of casting after his 'on-grass' session at Currawong Lakes.
Starting to get some nice presentations going …
… resulting in a fat young wild rainbow — from previous year’s spawning run.
The good thing about Phil’s job it came through our link with Canoes & Lampshades and Phil’s visit to Tassie to build his own Peter Ingram-Jones boat.
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.
Great Lake Tie-In
Inland Fisheries will be holding their annual “Talk about Trout” Forum at the Great Lake Community Centre, Miena, from 7-9pm on Friday, November 22.
The following day there will be the annual Great Lake Tie-in with Fly Tying demos at the Centre from 10am-4pm with kids welcome.
Tasmania to host 2019 World Fly fishing Championship
The Hon Guy Barnett, Minister responsible for Inland Fisheries, welcomes teams competing in the World Fly Fishing Championship 2019 along with visitors to come and fish for Tasmania’s wild brown trout.
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.