Trout live in cool, clean water in Australia’s high country and southern states. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the two you are most likely to catch. This guide covers where to look, simple ways to catch them, and the rules and seasons by state.
Emergency: 000. Cold water and slippery rocks are the big risks. Wear a life jacket in a boat or kayak and tell someone where you are going.
Where to find trout
- Streams and rivers. Look for runs, riffles and the deeper water below them. Trout sit where food drifts past.
- Lakes and dams. Fish the edges early and late, and near creek mouths that bring in food.
- Cool weather. Overcast days, dawn and dusk are often best. In summer, trout move to cooler, deeper water.
- Seasons. Many streams close for part of the year while trout spawn. Lakes and dams often stay open. See the rules below.
Gear and methods
- Spinning. A light rod and reel with small spinners, small minnow lures or soft plastics. Cast across or up the stream and wind back with the current.
- Fly fishing. Dry flies on the surface and nymphs under it. A great way to fish streams.
- Bait. Worms or mudeyes, where bait is allowed. Some waters are artificial fly and lure only, so check first.
- Use light line and move quietly. Trout spook easily in clear water.
Catch and release
Wet your hands before you touch a trout. Keep it in the water as much as you can, take the hook out quickly and let it swim away on its own.
Trout rules by state
Rules change and some waters have their own rules. These are copied from each state’s fisheries page on the date shown. Always check the official page before you go.
| State | Size and bag limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | General trout streams, general trout dams and all other waters: 25 cm, 5 a day (one or more species), 10 in possession. Artificial fly and lure streams and dams: 25 cm, 2 a day. Trout spawning streams: 50 cm, 1 a day. | General trout streams: open from the start of the October long weekend to the end of the June long weekend. General trout dams and all other waters: open all year. Source: NSW DPIRD, freshwater bag and size limits (checked 30 Oct 2026). These limits cover brown, rainbow and brook trout and Atlantic salmon together. |
| Victoria | Rivers and streams (general): no minimum size, 5 salmonids a day, no more than 2 over 35 cm. Lakes and impoundments: no minimum size, 5 salmonids a day. Some waters have their own limits. | Rivers and streams: closed season in 2026 was Tuesday 9 June to Friday 4 September. Lakes and impoundments: no closed season. Source: Victorian Fisheries Authority, trout and salmon regulations (page last updated 20 May 2026, checked 30 Oct 2026). |
| Tasmania | Check the Inland Fisheries Service rules. | Most waters open Saturday 1 August 2026 and close Sunday 2 May 2027. Some lakes are open all year. Source: Inland Fisheries Service, season dates and times (checked 20 Oct 2026). |
| South Australia | Check PIRSA recreational fishing limits. | |
| Western Australia | Check DPIRD WA recreational fishing rules. | |
You may need a fishing licence or fee to fish for trout. Check your state’s page before you go.
More from Fishing Australia
Species guide A to Z · Strike Club weekly report
Emergency: 000.
