Atlantic Salmon illustration
Species

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar
Tier 4Eating8/10light tackleVICTAS
4 waypoints40–70 cm (max 100 cm) typical

Overview: about atlantic salmon

Introduced salmonid stocked into select TAS impoundments and a few mainland waters — escapees from aquaculture also turn up around Tassie sea cages. Targeted with trolled lures, flies and soft plastics in cooler waters. Not the same fish as Australian salmon (Arripis trutta).

Biology: Atlantic Salmon size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Freshwater, Impoundment, Lake
Typical size
40–70 cm (max 100 cm)
Weight
1–4 kg (max 15 kg)
Depth range
0–30 m
Diet
small fish, insects, crustaceans
Most active
crepuscular
Global range
Native to North Atlantic; in AU only as farm escapees and stocked impoundments

How to target: Atlantic Salmon angling strategies

Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • trolling tassie devils and small bibbed minnows behind a downrigger in Tas impoundments
  • fly-fishing wet flies on sinking lines around inlets and weed edges
  • soft plastics around farm-pen escape zones in the Tamar

Best season: when to catch atlantic salmon in Australia

TAS
Aug-May (inland fishery season)

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Conservation

IUCN: Least Concern

Introduced/farmed in Australia. Inland fishery licence required in TAS.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught atlantic salmon

No atlantic salmon catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: atlantic salmon fishing spots in Australia

Tasmania3
New South Wales1

More information: atlantic salmon references & sources

Log catch