Tasmanian Fishing Report April2026

Store NewsTasmanian Fishing ReportTasmanian Trout Fishing

5 May

Saltwater

April is delivering some of the most consistent and varied fishing of the season across southern Tasmania. As water temperatures begin to cool, many species are entering a period of heavy feeding, creating excellent opportunities for anglers both offshore and inshore, as well as across the state’s freshwater systems.

Offshore, Southern Bluefin Tuna are continuing to impress with their wide distribution and reliable presence. Fish have been reported right throughout the region, from the far south of Tasmania all the way up the east coast to Eaglehawk Neck. Productive grounds such as Storm Bay, Dart Bank, and Cape Queen Elizabeth have all produced fish in recent weeks, showing just how widespread the current bite is. Anglers trolling skirted lures and hardbodies have been seeing the most success, particularly when using natural baitfish colours like blue, silver and pink. Covering ground and staying mobile has been key, as fish are actively feeding but can be spread across large areas.

Yellowfin Tuna reports out of St Helens have slowed compared to earlier in the season, although the occasional fish is still being picked up by persistent crews. While not as consistent as the Bluefin fishery at present, the potential for a quality Yellowfin remains for those willing to put in the time and effort.

Broadbill Swordfish have also made an appearance over recent weeks, although opportunities to target them have been limited by weather and currents. When conditions have aligned, anglers venturing wide have been rewarded, with most fish coming from deep daytime drops in excess of 400 metres. It’s a fishery that requires planning and patience, but the rewards can be significant for those able to access the grounds safely.

Closer to shore, estuary fishing has been a real highlight of the month, particularly for bream. Systems such as the Derwent River, Huon River and St Helens are all fishing exceptionally well, with recent tournament results reinforcing just how healthy these fisheries are. Some anglers on the Derwent have reported catching well over 100 bream in a single session on catch-and-release, which is a strong indicator of both fish numbers and feeding activity. The fish are currently pushing into shallow water and feeding aggressively on schools of frogmouth anchovies, making this one of the best times of year to target them. Light tackle approaches with small baitfish imitations are proving particularly effective.

Australian salmon are also providing plenty of action along the inshore coastline. Solid schools of fish have been encountered around Tranmere, Blackmans Bay and Cremorne, with fish feeding aggressively on the surface. Casting metal slugs into bust-ups has been the standout method, and anglers who keep an eye out for bird activity are being rewarded. The schools are moving quickly, but when located they are highly active and willing to strike.

Squid fishing has been another reliable option, with consistent catches coming from areas such as Adventure Bay, Margate and Opossum Bay. These areas have been producing good numbers of quality squid, making them a great target for both land-based and boat anglers. Standard squid jigs in a range of colours are all accounting for fish, depending on water clarity and light conditions.

Snapper fishing has begun to taper off slightly as water temperatures drop, which is typical for this time of year. That said, smaller fish are still being caught in areas like North West Bay and within the Derwent system. While the numbers may not be as strong as earlier in the season, there are still opportunities for those targeting them specifically.

An interesting bycatch for estuary anglers has been the occasional sea-run trout, particularly in the Derwent. These fish are following the same bait schools as the bream and can provide a welcome surprise on light tackle.

Freshwater

In the freshwater scene, April continues to produce excellent trout fishing across a number of key locations. Great Lake has been a standout, with healthy numbers of both brown and rainbow trout being caught. Early mornings have been especially productive for fly anglers, while lure fishers are finding success throughout the day by covering water and targeting active fish.

The Tyenna River has been slightly more challenging due to lower water levels, but it is still producing quality fish when conditions improve. When flows increase, trout are becoming more active as they begin moving upstream to spawn. There have been some impressive captures reported, including fish exceeding 76 centimetres, along with many more hooked and lost. Techniques such as Czech nymphing have been particularly effective in these conditions.

Meanwhile, Dee Lagoon is fishing very well, with strong reports coming from both fly and lure anglers. Fish are actively feeding on Jassids in the upper sections of the lake, providing excellent dry fly opportunities. Lure anglers are also finding success around areas like Duck Bay and Station Bay, where fish are holding and feeding consistently.

Overall, April is proving to be one of the most productive and versatile months for fishing in southern Tasmania. Whether heading offshore in search of tuna, working the estuaries for bream and salmon, or exploring the inland lakes and rivers for trout, anglers have a wide range of quality options available. With the transition into cooler months underway, now is an excellent time to take advantage of these feeding patterns before winter conditions begin to slow things down.