Tasmanian Fishing Report June 2026
142kg fish from Jonty, Charles and Stu caught of Tasman
Hi Everyone,
Winter fishing continues to produce some excellent opportunities around Tasmania, with bream and sea-run trout providing plenty of action while offshore anglers continue to hunt tuna, striped trumpeter, and the occasional swordfish.
Bream
Bream remain widespread throughout the Derwent system and have been a fantastic option for trout anglers during the closed freshwater season. Good numbers of fish have moved into Browns River, Lauderdale Canal, and the Jordan River. Soft plastics, hardbody lures, and fly fishing techniques are all producing quality results.
Sea-Run Trout
Reports continue to come in from upstream of Otago Bay right through to the New Norfolk Bridge. Fish have generally been in the 2–3lb range, which is typical for these early first-run sea trout. Anglers targeting river mouths and tidal sections are finding some excellent sport.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Tuna fishing has been challenging at times, with some days producing good action while others have been much slower. Both smaller school fish and large barrel tuna are present, but many fish have been reluctant to take traditional skirts and hardbody lures. Some anglers have switched to casting poppers and stickbaits, with mixed but encouraging results.
Striped Trumpeter
The southern East Coast continues to fish exceptionally well, particularly around Whale Head and Pedra Branca. Anglers are reporting good numbers of fish along with some impressive-sized trumpeter.
Australian Salmon
Salmon are still around, although numbers have started to decline. The Derwent River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel remain the most consistent areas, with smaller salmon often showing up as a welcome by-catch while targeting trout and bream.
Swordfish
Only one swordfish report has come through over the past week, with a fish landed off The Neck. As winter progresses and daylight hours shorten, weather windows become fewer and opportunities to target swordfish become more limited.
King George Whiting
Reports have been scattered, but fish are still being caught along the East Coast. Recent captures have come from Eaglehawk Neck, Blackman Bay, and Tiger Head Bay.
Need Tackle or Advice?
Drop into the store and chat with our team about the latest local reports, proven lures, bait options, and tackle setups for your next trip. Whether you're chasing bream in the estuaries, sea-run trout in the Derwent, or heading offshore for tuna and trumpeter, we've got you covered. With winter here and fishing winding back for most anglers now is the time to get your gear serviced cleaned respooled and ready to go for spring and summer.
Tight lines,
The Fishing Connection Team
Daiwa Cashback
We are participating in the Daiwas cash back on their Exceler LT and Freams LT reels. Pop in store for details.
26 Infeet SK | $399 MSRP
The 26 Infeet SK range receives its first major revamp since its inception in 2022. The range features two key changes with a new Fuji TCH Skeleton reel seat and Fuji Titanium guides headlining the redesign. The combination creates a range that is streamlined and minimalist in look, and light and finesse focused in feel and performance.
Blank technology continues to be performance-focused with HVF Nanoplus graphite combining with X45X Full Shield technology to eliminate blank twist and results in a rod that cast insanely well for its size, and feels crisp and responsive when casting and working lures.
As with all Infeet rods, a distinct red and blue colourway is used to designate the action of the rods, with fast action rods boasting red highlights while moderate or regular action rods are adorned with blue. A new model (762L+XS) has been added to the range which now includes six models in total.
26 Saltist Hyper | from $309 MSRP
Continuing the tradition of delivering anglers the perfect balance between value and performance the 2026 Saltist Hyper series takes a step forward, leveraging many of Daiwa’s advancements in rod technology to elevate the range to a new level of design and performance.
HVF Nanoplus and X45 blank technologies are the foundation of the new range, with the combination resulting in a blank that is light and sensitivity yet able to handle the stresses and loads of saltwater fishing while never compromising performance. Blank performance and strength are further enhanced with the 2-piece models in the range featuring Daiwa’s V-Joint technology.
The new Saltist Hyper range welcomes Complete Control Grips to the line-up, with its unique ‘angler focused’ grip and hold design enhancing the angler’s grip comfort and control. The foregrip features a uniquely shaped trigger that allows the angler’s finger to rest perfectly on the trigger when locked into a fight
With nearly 20 models in the range and a diverse range of tapers designed for a variety of Australian species, techniques, and styles of fishing the 26 Saltist Hyper series is a line-up designed to perform and built to last.
Whether its throwing stickbaits for tuna or reef species over shallow coral flats or throwing a timber hardbody off the break walls of the northern rivers for mulloway, there’s a 26 Saltist Hyper for almost every conceivable mission.
Casting With Stopper
1½ to 2 Hour Sessions (by appointment)
We provide:
Rods, Reels, Lines
Expert tuition
You will need:
Warm, casual clothes, shoes
Hat /Glasses (face protection)
Chris Stopp (“Stopper”)
“Tas High Country Fly Fish Tours”
Mob: 0417 354 520
Email: chris@tasflyfish.com.au
Web: https://tasflyfish.com.au
Beginners Fly Tying Day
Venue: Lenah Valley RSL
188 Lenah Valley Rd, Lenah Valley
Sunday 19th July 2026
From 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
All fly-tying gear and materials will be provided. You don’t have to bring anything! An opportunity to learn basic fly-tying techniques and to create current popular trout catching patterns. Break for Lunch at 12:30pm – Soup and Sandwiches provided.
Cost: $50 per person
BBQ lunch provided
NOTE: STRICTLY LIMITED NUMBERS! ALL AGES WELCOME. To confirm a place or to seek more information, please phone or text: Brian West on 0407 481779 or email: brian.west@westnet.com.au
Fishing Pics
Another snap of the 142kg specimen caught off Tasman.
The fishing has slowed a little at Great Lake with water temps cooling, but there are still fish to be had.
