Troutflies Australia

MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK

Your weekly guide to where to fish, current conditions, access and closures
29–30 August 2026

Verified conditions

Sunday currently looks the better day. Huonville is forecast to reach 16°C Saturday with a possible shower, then 17°C Sunday with no measurable rain expected. Westerly winds of 20–30 km/h are forecast on both days, so sheltered water will be important. BOM Huonville forecast⁠

Recent rainfall has varied across the south. BOM recorded 8.8 mm at Grove, but only 1.8 mm at Scotts Peak, by Thursday morning. This does not confirm individual river levels, so inspect flow and clarity before wading. BOM observations⁠

Fishing shortlist

1. Lower Huon River — best local option

Where: Recognised public access between Huonville and Port Huon.

Fishing judgment: Try the sheltered banks, current edges, drowned timber and quieter water behind points. A small Woolly Bu**er, Mrs Simpson or whitebait-style streamer fished deeply is a practical early-season approach.

The lower Huon holds resident and sea-run brown trout and is open all year below Huonville Bridge. Minimum size is 220 mm with a five-fish bag limit. IFS Huon River information⁠

2. Lower Derwent — best sea-run trout option

Where: New Norfolk towards Bridgewater.

Fishing judgment: IFS identifies August to November as the productive early-season period. Focus on sheltered current seams, flooded margins, w**d beds and gutter mouths using a white streamer, Woolly Bu**er or small baitfish pattern.

Sunday is preferable: New Norfolk is forecast to reach 17°C, with only a 10% chance of rain and winds easing later. BOM New Norfolk forecast⁠ · IFS River Derwent information⁠

3. Meadowbank Lake — best full-day option

Where: Dunrobin Bridge, between Hamilton and Ouse.

Verified: Meadowbank is currently listed 0.59 metres below full and remains open all year.

Fishing judgment: Work wet flies and small streamers slowly along the shallow w**d margins north of Dunrobin Bridge. Use the western wind to find a sheltered shore rather than fishing an exposed bank. IFS Meadowbank Lake information⁠

Mike’s pick

Saturday: Lower Huon—choose a sheltered bank and check water colour first.
Sunday: Lower Derwent for sea-run trout, or Meadowbank for a full-day trip.

Most Tasmanian trout waters are now open for the 2026–27 season. No current IFS closure notice was found for these three shortlisted waters, but conditions and access can change quickly. Check the latest official information before leaving.

Tight Lines,
Mike Tenner
TroutFlies Australia
www.troutflies.com.au⁠l

MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK
Your weekly guide to where to fish, current conditions, access and closures
29–30 August 2026
Verified conditions
Sunday currently looks the better day. Huonville is forecast to reach 16°C Saturday with a possible shower, then 17°C Sunday with no measurable rain expected. Westerly winds of 20–30 km/h are forecast on both days, so sheltered water will be important. BOM Huonville forecast
Recent rainfall has varied across the south. BOM recorded 8.8 mm at Grove, but only 1.8 mm at Scotts Peak, by Thursday morning. This does not confirm individual river levels, so inspect flow and clarity before wading. BOM observations
Fishing shortlist
1. Lower Huon River — best local option
Where: Recognised public access between Huonville and Port Huon.
Fishing judgment: Try the sheltered banks, current edges, drowned timber and quieter water behind points. A small Woolly Bu**er, Mrs Simpson or whitebait-style streamer fished deeply is a practical early-season approach.
The lower Huon holds resident and sea-run brown trout and is open all year below Huonville Bridge. Minimum size is 220 mm with a five-fish bag limit. IFS Huon River information
2. Lower Derwent — best sea-run trout option
Where: New Norfolk towards Bridgewater.
Fishing judgment: IFS identifies August to November as the productive early-season period. Focus on sheltered current seams, flooded margins, w**d beds and gutter mouths using a white streamer, Woolly Bu**er or small baitfish pattern.
Sunday is preferable: New Norfolk is forecast to reach 17°C, with only a 10% chance of rain and winds easing later. BOM New Norfolk forecast · IFS River Derwent information
3. Meadowbank Lake — best full-day option
Where: Dunrobin Bridge, between Hamilton and Ouse.
Verified: Meadowbank is currently listed 0.59 metres below full and remains open all year.
Fishing judgment: Work wet flies and small streamers slowly along the shallow w**d margins north of Dunrobin Bridge. Use the western wind to find a sheltered shore rather than fishing an exposed bank. IFS Meadowbank Lake information
Mike’s pick
Saturday: Lower Huon—choose a sheltered bank and check water colour first.
Sunday: Lower Derwent for sea-run trout, or Meadowbank for a full-day trip.
Most Tasmanian trout waters are now open for the 2026–27 season. No current IFS closure notice was found for these three shortlisted waters, but conditions and access can change quickly. Check the latest official information before leaving.
Tight Lines,
Mike Tenner
TroutFlies Australia

Trusted by Australian anglers for over 20 years, TroutFlies Australia provides expert-selected fly patterns for real fishing conditions — not guesswork. - Fly Fishing Gear & Fly Fishing Australia | Trout Flies We pride ourselves on offering you the best service & Australia's best fly fishing gear. Shop online today for the best prices and quality gear!

MEET TANGLES & FINN 🎣

Two new characters have joined TroutFlies Australia!

Tangles is a keen fly fisher who carries far too many flies, never knows when to stop casting and is always certain the next cast will catch a fish.

Finn is a cheeky rainbow trout who has seen every fly, heard every excuse and always manages to have the last word.

Each week, Tangles and Finn will share their fly-fishing adventures, mistakes, laughs and occasional words of wisdom.

Here’s Episode 1: “Nearly Doesn’t Catch Fish.”

Do you know someone like Tangles—or are you Tangles?

Every fly fisher has done it—the pattern you need is always the one you nearly ordered! 🎣

What’s the one fly pattern you always wish you had in your box?

Make sure it’s there next time. Explore the complete range at TroutFlies Australia:

https://www.troutflies.com.au

May your leaders have no knots.

Guides fly fishing vest
DISCOVERY PRO GUIDE FLY FISHING VEST – MULTI-POCKET FISHING VEST GUIDE-STYLE STORAGE WITHOUT THE PREMIUM-BRAND PRICE
Keep your essential fly-fishing gear organised, protected and within easy reach.
The Discovery Pro Guide Vest provides the practical multi-pocket layout experienced anglers appreciate, without the expensive premium-brand price. It has plenty of room for fly boxes, leaders, tippet, floatant, indicators, tools and other streamside essentials—all while keeping your hands free to fish.
The mixture of zippered compartments, flap-covered pockets and chest fly patches makes it easy to organise your gear instead of searching through one large bag. Breathable mesh panels help improve airflow, while the padded collar and generous arm openings provide a comfortable fit when casting.
Whether you are fishing a Tasmanian river, walking the edge of a lake or exploring an estuary, the Discovery Pro Guide Vest keeps everything you need close at hand.
FEATURES
• Extensive multi-pocket storage
• Multiple zippered compartments
• Flap-covered front pockets for quick access
• Two chest fly patches
• Large rear storage compartment
• Breathable mesh back and side panels
• Comfortable padded collar
• Full-length front zipper
• Generous arm openings for unrestricted casting
• Smart grey and charcoal finish with orange detailing
• Suitable for river, lake and estuary fishing

PRACTICAL STORAGE FOR SERIOUS FLY ANGLERS
This vest gives you the space to carry a full selection of flies and accessories while keeping the items you use most frequently immediately accessible. It is an excellent choice for beginners, travelling anglers and experienced fly fishers looking for a practical guide-style vest at a sensible price.
Colour: Grey and charcoal with orange detailing
Construction: Lightweight synthetic fabric with breathable mesh panels
Vest supplied without fishing accessories.
https://www.troutflies.com.au/discovery-pro-guide-fly-fishing-vest-multi-pocket-fishing-vest.html

DISCOVERY PRO GUIDE FLY FISHING VEST – MULTI-POCKET FISHING VEST GUIDE-STYLE STORAGE WITHOUT THE PREMIUM-BRAND PRICE
Keep your essential fly-fishing gear organised, protected and within easy reach.
The Discovery Pro Guide Vest provides the practical multi-pocket layout experienced anglers appreciate, without the expensive premium-brand price. It has plenty of room for fly boxes, leaders, tippet, floatant, indicators, tools and other streamside essentials—all while keeping your hands free to fish.
The mixture of zippered compartments, flap-covered pockets and chest fly patches makes it easy to organise your gear instead of searching through one large bag. Breathable mesh panels help improve airflow, while the padded collar and generous arm openings provide a comfortable fit when casting.
Whether you are fishing a Tasmanian river, walking the edge of a lake or exploring an estuary, the Discovery Pro Guide Vest keeps everything you need close at hand.
FEATURES
• Extensive multi-pocket storage
• Multiple zippered compartments
• Flap-covered front pockets for quick access
• Two chest fly patches
• Large rear storage compartment
• Breathable mesh back and side panels
• Comfortable padded collar
• Full-length front zipper
• Generous arm openings for unrestricted casting
• Smart grey and charcoal finish with orange detailing
• Suitable for river, lake and estuary fishing

PRACTICAL STORAGE FOR SERIOUS FLY ANGLERS
This vest gives you the space to carry a full selection of flies and accessories while keeping the items you use most frequently immediately accessible. It is an excellent choice for beginners, travelling anglers and experienced fly fishers looking for a practical guide-style vest at a sensible price.
Colour: Grey and charcoal with orange detailing
Construction: Lightweight synthetic fabric with breathable mesh panels
Vest supplied without fishing accessories.
https://www.troutflies.com.au/discovery-pro-guide-fly-fishing-vest-multi-pocket-fishing-vest.html

MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK

15–16 August 2026
Where to fish, current conditions, access and closures

Important update: Craigbourne Lake has reopened

The current IFS listing now confirms that Craigbourne Lake is open for fishing again. My earlier report said it remained closed because of blue-green algae, but that closure has now been removed from the official listing.

Weekend conditions

After showers and strong winds on Thursday and Friday, conditions should improve markedly:

* Huonville: partly cloudy, 2–16°C Saturday and 3–16°C Sunday; only a 20% chance of rain.
* New Norfolk: partly cloudy, around 16°C both days; light winds.
* Maydena: possible shower Saturday, then partly cloudy and calmer Sunday.
* Central Plateau: cold and frosty in the morning, with mostly dry conditions.

BOM Huonville forecast⁠

1. Craigbourne Lake — newly reopened option

Where: Coal River Valley, approximately 46 kilometres northeast of Hobart via Richmond.

Why this weekend: Craigbourne is a low-elevation, relatively sheltered lake and has reopened just as weekend conditions improve. IFS recorded two 800-gram adult rainbow trout stocked on 29 July, adding to its existing trout and Atlantic salmon population.

Try Woolly Bu**ers, Mrs Simpsons or white streamers, fished slowly and deep. The western shore provides the best recognised shore access.

Rules: Five fish combined, with only two over 500 mm. Fishing is permitted from one hour before sunrise until three hours after sunset. Fishing from the dam wall and associated infrastructure is prohibited.

Craigbourne Lake information⁠

2. Lower Huon River — best close-to-home option

Where: Downstream from Huonville Bridge towards Franklin and Port Huon.

Why this weekend: Sunday’s light winds and mild afternoon should make this the easiest local choice. Recent rain may add some colour, which can suit dark streamers with a little flash.

Fish current edges, backwaters, drowned timber and deeper banks. The lower Huon holds resident and sea-run brown trout, with occasional rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.

Rules: Open all year below Huonville Bridge. Minimum size 220 mm and bag limit five. Use recognised public access and don’t cross private land without permission.

Huon River information⁠

3. Meadowbank Lake — best full-day trip

Where: Dunrobin Bridge, between Hamilton and Ouse.

Why this weekend: Meadowbank’s low elevation and sheltered banks make it a more reliable choice than the exposed highland lakes. Wait until the morning frost lifts, then work streamers along w**d edges and deeper drop-offs.

Rules: Open all year. Five fish combined, with only two over 500 mm. There is shore access, a boat ramp, picnic facilities and toilets around Dunrobin Bridge. A five-knot limit applies north of the bridge.

Meadowbank Lake information⁠

4. Mount Field nature option

Sunday should be the better day for a lower-level Mount Field walk. Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Tall Trees are suitable choices.

The scheduled Three Falls Circuit work was due to finish on 8 August, but confirm the entire circuit is open before relying on it. Parks still warns that Lake Dobson Road can be affected by snow and ice, so check conditions before entering the alpine area. A Parks Pass is required.

Mount Field information and alerts⁠

Mike’s Pick

Saturday: Craigbourne Lake—an interesting choice now that it has reopened.
Sunday: Lower Huon River for an easy local session, or Meadowbank for a full-day trip.

Closures and access alerts

* Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs remain closed this weekend, with reopening scheduled for Monday 17 August. The reserve’s walking tracks also remain closed because of treefall hazards. Hastings Caves alert⁠
* Pinnacle Road above The Springs is currently closed because of forecast ice. Check again before travelling to kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Tasmania Police road alerts⁠

Anyone aged 14 or older needs a current Tasmanian inland angling licence. Check the regulations for each water before fishing.

Conditions can change quickly following Friday’s rain. Check the latest weather, water clarity and official access notices before leaving.

Tight Lines,
Mike Tenner
TroutFlies Australia
www.troutflies.com.au⁠

🎣 MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK

15–16 AUGUST 2026
Where to fish, current conditions, access and closures

Welcome to my weekly Southern Tasmania fishing outlook. Every week I’ll look at the coming weekend’s weather, likely fishing conditions, access and any important closures.

THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK

After a wet and windy Thursday and Friday, the weekend is looking considerably better.

Huonville and New Norfolk are forecast to reach around 16°C on both days, with only a 20% chance of rain. Sunday currently looks the calmest day.

Because of Friday’s rain, smaller rivers could still be carrying extra water or colour on Saturday morning. Check the water before committing to a long session.

1. MEADOWBANK LAKE — BEST SATURDAY DAY TRIP

Where: Dunrobin Bridge, between Hamilton and Ouse.

Why this weekend: Saturday is forecast to be dry around the Central Plateau, with light winds after a cold and possibly frosty start. Meadowbank’s low elevation and sheltered position make it a better choice than the exposed highland lakes.

Try Woolly Bu**ers, Mrs Simpsons or other streamers around the w**d edges and deeper water. Start later in the morning after the frost lifts.

Important: Meadowbank is open all year. The bag limit is five fish combined, with only two over 500 mm. Good shore access, toilets, picnic facilities and a boat ramp are available around Dunrobin Bridge.

https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/meadowbank-lake/

2. LOWER HUON RIVER — BEST EASY LOCAL OPTION

Where: Downstream from Huonville Bridge towards Franklin and Port Huon.

Why this weekend: A close-to-home option with mild, mostly dry weather forecast. The lower river holds resident and sea-run brown trout, along with occasional rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.

Fish the edges of currents, backwaters and submerged timber with a dark streamer or Woolly Bu**er. The water may carry some colour after Friday’s rain, so a fly with a little flash could help.

Important: The Huon downstream from Huonville Bridge is open all year. Minimum trout size is 220 mm, with a five-fish bag limit. Shore access is available at several recognised public locations—don’t cross private land without permission.

https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/huon-river/

3. PLENTY RIVER WITH A DERWENT BACKUP

Where: The Plenty River around Plenty, with the River Derwent below New Norfolk Bridge as the backup.

Why this weekend: New Norfolk is forecast to be around 16°C with light winds and little chance of rain. Check the Plenty first on Sunday, when it has had more time to settle after Friday’s showers.

Try weighted nymphs through the deeper runs. If the Plenty is too high or coloured, move to the broader Derwent below New Norfolk and fish the quieter edges and current seams with streamers.

Important: The Plenty River minimum size is 220 mm, with a five-fish bag limit. The disabled fishing platforms beside the Salmon Ponds were removed after flood damage, so disabled river access is no longer available there.

The Salmon Ponds are open from 10 am to 3 pm and make a good nature and historical stop after fishing—but fishing inside the Salmon Ponds is not permitted.

Plenty River:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/plenty-river/

River Derwent:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/river-derwent/

Salmon Ponds:
https://salmonponds.com.au/opening-times/

4. MOUNT FIELD NATURE OPTION

Sunday currently looks the better day for Mount Field, with Maydena forecast to reach around 15°C and only a slight chance of a shower.

Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees Walk are good lower-level choices. The previous Three Falls Circuit closure was scheduled to finish on 8 August, but check that the entire circuit has reopened before setting out.

Lake Dobson Road can still be affected by snow and ice at short notice, so check road conditions before driving into the alpine area. A valid Parks Pass is required.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park

MIKE’S PICK

Saturday: Meadowbank Lake—start later after the frost lifts.

Sunday: Lower Huon River for an easy local session, or Plenty River with the Derwent as your backup.

IMPORTANT CLOSURES

Craigbourne Lake remains closed to fishing and all recreational use because of blue-green algae.

https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/news/2026/jun/04/craigbourne-lake-temporarily-closed

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are closed through this weekend for annual maintenance and are scheduled to reopen on Monday 17 August.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/hastings-caves-state-reserve/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs

Pinnacle Road above The Springs is currently closed because of forecast ice. Check for an update before considering kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

LICENCE REMINDER

Anyone aged 14 or older needs a current Tasmanian inland angling licence. Regulations and seasons vary between individual waters, so check the IFS information before fishing.

Weekend forecast:
https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/huonville/forecast/

Conditions can change quickly. Check the latest weather, river conditions, road alerts and access notices before leaving home.

Tight Lines,

Mike Tenner
TroutFlies Australia
www.troutflies.com.au

Trusted by Australian anglers for over 20 years, TroutFlies Australia provides expert-selected fly patterns for real fishing conditions — not guesswork. - Fly Fishing Gear & Fly Fishing Australia | Trout Flies We pride ourselves on offering you the best service & Australia's best fly fishing gear. Shop online today for the best prices and quality gear!

🎣 NEW WEEKLY FEATURE FROM TROUTFLIES AUSTRALIA
Every Wednesday or Thursday, I’ll publish Mike’s Southern Tasmania Weekend Fishing Outlook, covering where to fish, expected conditions, local access, permits and important news for the coming weekend.
Follow TroutFlies Australia so you don’t miss next week’s report.

MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK

Where to fish, current conditions, access and closures
8–9 August 2026

The new trout season is open!

Southern Tasmania is looking cool and mostly cloudy this weekend, with temperatures around 13–14°C. Saturday currently appears to offer the better conditions overall, although local weather will vary between catchments.

1. TYENNA RIVER — A STRONG SATURDAY OPTION

Where: Access points between Westerway, Tyenna and Maydena.

Why this weekend: Cloudy, mild winter conditions should suit nymph and streamer fishing. Try weighted nymphs, Woolly Bu**ers or a small Magoo through the deeper runs.

The Tyenna can rise and discolour quickly following heavy rain in its southwest catchment, so inspect the river before fishing or wading.

Important: The boulder-strewn riverbed can be extremely slippery. Within Mount Field National Park, only flies and artificial lures are permitted. A Parks Pass is also required for vehicles entering the national park.

Tyenna River information:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/tyenna-river/

2. MOUNTAIN RIVER OR UPPER HUON — AN EASY LOCAL OPTION

Where: Mountain River road-bridge access around Crabtree, Grove and Ranelagh, or the Huon River upstream of Huonville Bridge.

Why this weekend: A practical close-to-home choice if the weather becomes unsettled. Mountain River holds resident brown trout and occasionally sea-run trout.

Concentrate on deeper pools using a pair of weighted nymphs or a small dark streamer.

Important: Use public road access points and don’t cross private land without permission. The listed minimum trout size is 220 mm, with a five-fish bag limit.

The Huon River has the same listed minimum size and bag limit. Within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, only flies and artificial lures are permitted.

Southern waters and regulations:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/

3. RIVER DERWENT — BUSHY PARK TO NEW NORFOLK

Where: Recognised public access points along the Derwent, with the lower Styx River another possibility.

Why this weekend: The wider river provides more options if smaller streams are running high or coloured. Work streamers slowly around sheltered edges, backwaters and current seams.

Important: Use recognised public access points, observe landowner signage and avoid crossing private property without permission.

River Derwent information:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/river-derwent/

4. MOUNT FIELD NATURE AFTERNOON

A short Tyenna fishing session could be combined with a confirmed-open lower-level walk at Mount Field.

Closure warning: The Three Falls Circuit is closed through Saturday 8 August for bridge work. Check that it has reopened before attempting it on Sunday.

Lake Dobson Road is currently listed for extreme caution because of snow. I would avoid the alpine area unless conditions and road access improve.

Mount Field alerts:
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park

Tasmania Police road alerts:
https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

MIKE’S PICK

Saturday: Tyenna River, followed by a confirmed-open lower Mount Field walk.

Sunday: Mountain River or the upper Huon, allowing an easy retreat if showers arrive.

LICENCE REMINDER

Anyone aged 14 or older needs a current angling licence to fish Tasmania’s inland waters. The 2026–27 trout season opened on 1 August 2026.

Season dates:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/the-rules/season-dates-and-times

Licence information:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/the-rules/angling-licence

Conditions and closures can change quickly. Check the latest forecast, river level, road conditions and official alerts before leaving home.

Tight Lines,
Mike Tenner
www.troutflies.com.au