Camping Fishing Tasmania
Click on each campsite below for detailed information on each campground:
Today we’re featuring five of our favourite types of fishing experiences in Tasmania, along with campground links that make it easy to combine a camping trip with time on the water.
Tasmania is a world-renowned fishing destination, offering an impressive variety of freshwater and saltwater opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. From the lakes of the Central Highlands, where wild trout are plentiful, to offshore waters visited by tuna and other game fish, there is something for almost every angler.
See also our guide to Camping and Trout Fishing Tasmania
1. Freshwater Fishing
Tasmania is home to some of the finest wild brown trout fishing in the world. The Central Highlands contain thousands of lakes, lagoons and tarns, many of which support healthy populations of wild trout known for their size, strength and fighting ability.
Popular camping and fishing destinations include:
The main trout season generally runs from August until May, although selected waters remain open throughout the year. A current inland angling licence is normally required for anyone aged 14 years or older who is fishing for trout.
2. Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon can also be encountered in some Tasmanian waterways, particularly where fish have escaped from aquaculture operations. They can provide an exciting challenge for anglers using lures, bait or fly-fishing equipment.
The Derwent River near Hobart is one of the better-known locations where Atlantic salmon may occasionally be caught, alongside trout, bream and other estuary species.
3. Game Fishing
Tasmania’s proximity to deep ocean water and the continental shelf creates excellent opportunities for offshore game fishing. Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter yellowfin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, albacore, striped tuna, striped marlin and mako shark.
St Helens is widely regarded as Tasmania’s game-fishing capital. Travellers staying near the Bay of Fires can enquire locally about guided fishing charters departing from the St Helens area.
4. Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is popular around much of Tasmania’s coastline and can be enjoyed from boats, jetties, piers and sheltered coastal areas.
Commonly targeted species include:
- Flathead
- Gurnard
- Kingfish
- Snapper
- Bream
Flathead are particularly popular because they are widely distributed, relatively easy to target and excellent on the table.
5. Beach Fishing
Tasmania’s long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for surf and beach fishing. Depending on the location and time of year, anglers may catch Australian salmon, whiting, trevally, flathead and other coastal species.
Beach fishing is a simple option for campers because it requires relatively little equipment. A rod, basic tackle, suitable bait and a safe stretch of shoreline may be all that is needed for an enjoyable afternoon beside the water.
Before You Go
Fishing seasons, size limits, bag limits and licence requirements can vary between inland and marine waters. Always check the latest Tasmanian fishing regulations before setting out, and observe any local restrictions, seasonal closures or biosecurity requirements.
Camping and Fishing in Tasmania
Combining camping with fishing is one of the best ways to experience Tasmania’s lakes, rivers and coastline. Whether you prefer casting for trout in the Central Highlands, fishing from a quiet beach or heading offshore from St Helens, there are many campgrounds that place you within easy reach of the water.
