December Fishing Report 2025

December Fishing Report 2025 © Spot On Fishing Hobart

It's been a wild spring but finally the fishing and conditions have picked up.

Saltwater

Tuna

The November run of big bluefin tuna has been nothing short of spectacular, with large, healthy fish being landed most days. One of the largest bluefin ever caught in Tasmania was recorded just last week, tipping the scales at 160 kg. Another angler reported a chaotic five-way strike on barrel tuna, resulting in one outfit being dragged overboard. Tide changes continue to be the most productive bite window, and the fish have been widespread from Hippolyte Rocks through to Tasman Island.

Striped Trumpeter

Good numbers of trumpeter are being pulled from most of the usual reef systems, with anglers finding fish holding tight to structure in 80-120 m. Fresh baits and well-presented jigs are both producing consistent results.

Kingfish

There have been some encouraging reports of solid kingfish caught over the past week off the northeast coast of Tasmania. If the East Australian Current continues to push warm water south, this could shape up to be one of the best kingfish seasons on record. Water temperatures remain cool at 14-15 degreesC, so numbers should only improve from here.

Squid

Squid catches have been widespread along the east coast and around Bruny Island, with most specimens averaging a decent size. Fishing further south has been a little quieter, but clean water and calmer days have helped improve results.

Flathead

Flathead fishing has been reliable, with good pan-sized fish caught in the shallower sand patches and drop-offs. As the water warms, expect numbers to increase across the Channel, Frederick Henry Bay, and the lower Derwent.

Bream

Bream have been reported along most shorelines of the Derwent, including some solid fish around snags and rocky points. Anglers are also picking up the occasional small sea-run trout while targeting bream with soft plastics and hardbody lures.

Australian Salmon

Schools of Australian salmon have been turning up throughout Storm Bay, Frederick Henry Bay, and along the southeast coastline. While sizes have varied, the fish are actively feeding on small bait schools, making metal slices and soft plastics effective options.

Snapper

Reports of snapper showing up around inner reefs with some good sized specimens getting caught.

Freshwater

Penstock Lagoon

Fish have started to look up towards the dry fly with some good hatches of mayflies happening.

Little Pine Lagoon

Fish numbers remain relatively low but some nice fish have been seen cruising the edges looking for scud and stick caddis. These fish have been very hard to fool and anyone who likes a bit of a challenge will enjoy this challenging site fishing.

Bronte Lagoon

Has been a bit hit and miss there has been some exceptional site fishing around the edges for fly fisherman and large numbers of fish for lure fisherman out deep one day and seemingly nothing the next day. Fish have been in way better than average quality.

Lake St Clair

Often overlooked a few anglers have been going back to St Clair when the weather allows and they have been pleasantly surprised by some lovely conditioned Browns and Rainbows. Both Lure anglers and Fly anglers have had great success both from trolling and site fishing the crystal clear waters.

Great Lake

Has been fishing well with some lovely conditioned fish coming to hand. Reports have been predominantly from lure anglers drift spinning the shores and trolling but with some warmer weather on the way Midge and gum beetles can't be far away to fire up the fly anglers.

Tyenna

Anglers continue to do well here with all methods working well and all sections fishing fairly well. Some larger than average fish have been caught this year.

Nineteen Lagoons

Has a lot of water with most lagoons very high. Fishing has been a bit patchy but there has been some exceptional sight fishing on warmer clear sky days. Terrestrials are a favorite choice at this time of year with some good-sized hoppers getting around.

Lake Echo

Fishing has been very good hear with large numbers of fish getting caught but the average size remains relatively small

Tooms Lake

Has started to pick up recently with some reasonable fish getting caught. Trolling has been the preferred method.