🎣 Key Highlights from the Riverfront Estate Fishing Guide
🗺️ River Overview
- The Huon River is Tasmania’s fifth-longest river (174 km), flowing through the Huon Valley into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
- Known for its tea-coloured, fast-flowing water and dense forest surrounds.
- Home to the largest trout ever caught in Australia—13 kg in 1887.
📍 Best Fishing Zones & Seasons
Lower Tidal Reaches (Port Huon to Glen Huon)
- Best in spring (Sept–Nov) during the whitebait run.
- Target sea-run brown trout, resident browns, Atlantic salmon, and rainbow trout escapees.
- Boat access recommended, though shore fishing is possible.
Mid-Reaches (Huonville to Judbury)
- Steep banks and deep drop-offs.
- Best in summer when river levels drop.
- Good for lure casting and fly fishing.
Upper Reaches (Judbury to Tahune)
- Dense forest and fast water.
- Limited access—best via major river crossings or the Huon walking track.
- Summer months offer easier access and lower flows.
🐟 Fish Species in the Huon River
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Brown Trout | Trophy-sized in snaggy areas; chase whitebait in spring |
| Rainbow Trout | Found in upper reaches and brackish zones |
| Atlantic Salmon | Occasional escapees from fish farms |
| River Blackfish | Active at night; soft plastics or live bait recommended |
| Short-Finned Eel | Common year-round; best caught early morning or evening |
| Bream | Elusive but present near Riverfront Estate banks |
| Whitebait | Seasonal run (Oct–Nov); requires a license to catch |
| Pike (Pseudaphritis urvilli) | Small native species; also called freshwater flathead |
🎯 Fishing Techniques & Gear
- Lure casting is most effective—especially from boats.
- Use bright hard-body lures in darker water (e.g., Tassie Devil #46 Brown Trout, #97 Corroboree Frog).
- Target current lines, rocky points, and submerged logs for trophy fish.
- Soft plastics on jig heads work well for deep structure fishing.
- Fly patterns like white surf candies, grizzly Matukas, and Fuzzle nymphs mimic whitebait effectively.
🛠️ Local Support & Guides
- Franklin Marine (15 min south of Huonville) offers gear, lures, and local advice: franklinmarine.com.au
- Rodney Turton, a member of Trout Guide Tasmania, offers guided trips: troutflatout.com.au
