Fishing the Huon River, Tasmania

The Huon River in Tasmania is a perennial river located in the south-west and south-east regions of Tasmania, Australia. At 174 kilometres in length, the Huon River is the fifth-longest in the state, with its course flowing east through the fertile Huon Valley and emptying into the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Its also the location of the largest trout ever caught in Australia in 1887 at 13kg or 29lbs 

The water is tea-coloured, and fast-flowing river surrounded by dense forests for the majority of its 174km length. By far the best fishing can be found in spring in the lower tidal sections between Port Huon and Glen Huon. The annual whitebait run sees large resident and sea run brown trout accompanied by Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout escapees from the local fish farms feeding on the migrating baitfish. Each year anglers catch surprising numbers of resident and sea run brown trout from 4-7kg. Reasonable bank access can be found along both sides of the estuary through to Huonville but a boat is an advantage. The middle and upper reaches can be difficult to access due to the overgrown banks. These areas are best fished in summer and early autumn when the river flows reduce allowing access along the shingle river bed.

Juvenile galaxia are the best option for bait fishers wishing to target the fish feeding on the spring whitebait run in the tidal zone. The bait fish migration is most reliable between the start of September until the end of November during times that the river is not in flood. They can be fished on the bottom or cast and retrieved in the calm pockets of water that form either side of rocky points or logs that protrude into the current. Bait fish congregate in these locations as they migrate upstream and are ambushed by the trout. Keep an eye out for bait fish jumping in a spray pattern on the surface of the water as they are ambushed and immediately cast to these locations. Trout should become most active in the estuary above Egg Islands on the last few hours of the incoming tide especially when this coincides with low light conditions around sunrise or sunset. Lure casting is the most effective fishing method used in the Huon, with a boat being a big advantage when used to either drift spin or troll. In late winter and early spring the best action can be found between Port Huon and Franklin as the whitebait gather in readiness to migrate. The sea run brown trout and Atlantic salmon follow the schools as they move upriver to spawn in the Huonville area or in the case of the galaxia continue on to take up residence in the fresh water streams and feeder creaks. Hard body lures in brighter colours are best in the darker waters of the Huon.  We have found the Tassie Devil lures , with dark brown colours to be most successful like 46 brown trout or 97 corroboree frog, Concentrate on the edges of current lines or rips where fish will lay up close to the fast moving water or in the case of the larger brown trout large snaggy trees truck have resulted in the largest brown trout. Rocky points or any prominent structure that protrudes into the stronger current will hold fish of different types. Trophy fish generally stay deep during the day and can be targeted with brightly coloured soft plastics on heavier jig heads. Work these lures along the bottom through any structure such as logjams for your best chance at a trophy fish. Lost lures and lost fish are par for the course when fishing deep. Any good whitebait imitation that incorporates eyes in the design such as small, lightly-dressed white surf candies, grizzly Matukas and Fuzzle whitebait all work. Incorporating a small amount of lead wire in some patterns may help when fishing deep water around drop offs and under cut banks. Casting to these locations from a drifting boat gives you your best chance of a fish, concentrate on casting to back eddies, current lines and bank side structure. In late spring the galaxia continue to migrate upstream and become bottle necked at the first few shingle rock bars in the Ranelagh area as they wait for the high tide to push over. These areas give good access for land-based fishing and see prolific action at times when the river is not in flood.

Angling Notes for he Huon River is best described in three general sections:

• The tidal reaches of the Huon River below the Huonville Bridge are wide, deep and slow moving and harbour plenty of resident and sea-run brown trout, some of which grow to trophy size, escapee Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. There is good shore access at many locations between Huonville and Port Huon on both sides of the river although a boat is useful in this section. Trophy fish tend to lurk deep during the day and for best results you need to get your lure right down amongst the drowned roots and logs - snags and break-offs have to be accepted as a part of the challenge. The edges of rips and currents are also good holding places for trout. Fishing is at its best in spring when sea-run trout and resident brown trout are chasing whitebait that tend to swim up along the edge of the main current. These whitebait ‘runs’ comprise of juvenile galaxia species, Tasmanian smelt (Retropinna tasmanica) and the Tasmanian whitebait (Lovettia sealii).  Trout also like to ambush whitebait from cavities in the bank or from the calm water down current of small points and bars. The Tasmanian whitebait often spawns on shallow reefs, while other species (galaxias and smelt) frequent the same places. Consequently you will find that some rapids and riffles are renowned springtime hot spots, just below the Huonville bridge being a classic example.
  Best time of year: September to December 
  
• The mid-reaches between Huonville and Judbury are characterised by steep, forest lined banks with deep drop-offs and the occasional rapid. We have identified the best spots to access the river which can be productive for whitebait feeders early in the season and also for lure casting and fly fishing.
  Best time of year: Summer months when the river is low.

• The upper reaches of the Huon between Judbury and the Picton River at Tahune are surrounded by dense forest. The bank side vegetation is almost impenetrable and most of the water is too fast to wade therefore the access points at the major river crossings provide the best opportunities for angling. The summer months are recommended when the flows are lower and access along the river banks easier. Above the Picton River confluence the Huon River cascades through steep rainforest. The only convenient access is via the Huon walking track which extends into the Southwest National Park above Manuka Creek. Please note Park Pass and Bait fishing is not permitted in National Parks

Fish species in the Huon River

Rainbow Trout

These can be caught in the upper reaches of the river, sometimes venturing the lower reaches of the brackish water.

Brown Trout

These are the prize fish in the Huon River, good trophy fish can be found in the dark snaggy areas of the huon above the bridge with spinning  lures, soft plastic or live baits. Look for the schools of white bait being chased by these large trout.  They like the dark snaggy areas of the river, so expect to retrieve lures or fly's from snags or overhaling trees. 

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Atlantic Salmon 

While not as frequent as previous years when the seals broke through the nets, the occasional Atlantic salmon can be caught in the huon river, they cane be quite a good fighting fish, or just plain fun because of the size.

River BlackFish

These guys just stay around all the time, likely times are to catch are at night on live or soft plastic baits.

Short Finned Eel 

You either love or hate the river eel, these can be caught pretty much at any time, but more frequently in the evenings or early mornings.  Nice as a fry up on the barbeque.

Bream

These were always the more elusive fish of the upper reaches of the huon river, but can be often caught anywhere on the banks of River Front Estate, normally on dusk or early norming.  Below the bridge to 

White Bait

A frequent visitor to the huon river, an in the 70/80 it had its own in business catching and selling the white bait, you can go past a huon river white bait patty. The season runs for six weeks from 1 October to 11 November in selected rivers around the State. Whitebait can only be taken between the hours from sunrise to sunset and can be taken from the Huon River if the season is open. The maximum daily catch is 1 kg, the maximum catch per season is 10 kg and the maximum quantity that can be held by a license holder at any time is 10 kg.  You will require a Whitebait licence

Pike

A local name for a small fish species that larger than the white bait, but smaller than brook trout.  Its also known as freshwater flathead or actual name Pseudaphritis Urvilli.  Approx size is 15cm  

Other Species 

The following species may also be caught in the brackish water of the huon river 

Australian Salmon 
Taylor  

Gear and Bait

Now that you have all the details, where can you get lures, local knowledge and general fishing gear. The closest place is Franklin Marine, 3349 Huon Highway Franklin, 15min South of Huonville.  PH , W: www.franklinmarine.com.au

https://franklinmarine.com.au/

Need a Trout Fishing Guide?

Not sure where to start with your trout fishing holiday in Tasmania.  Let us introduce you to an experienced guide.  Rodney Turton a member of Trout Guide Tasmania is available to show you the ropes ?  Rodney can show you around the valley or other areas in Tasmania so you can experience both fresh and salt water fishing in Tasmania.  Either give us a call to arrange a time or check out Rodney's availability on www.troutflatout.com.au

Fishing just below the Huon Bridge in Huonville

Mike sitting on the Veranda of River Front Estate, discussing fishing the Weld and Huon River.