Mike Fry doesn’t only live on the Wild Side of Tasmania, but also goes fishing in probably the wildest boat ever to troll for trout—certainly in Tasmania.
When your mate says ‘What are you doing tomorrow, want to come up the Gordon for the night?’ it would be pretty hard to say anything else except “you bet” and start checking out your tackle box and packing your overnight bag. But if your mate was Troy Grining and he wanted to give his new 52ft, high speed cruiser a run across Macquarie Harbour, test the new onboard dory with a chance of landing a nice Gordon River Brown you would have to feel privileged. I didn’t say anything about getting on my hands and knees and kissing his feet…just having a lend of ya’ but I did feel very appreciative.
Tasmanian Irrigation wishes to advise that Craigbourne Dam in Tasmania’s South East is now open to the public. The dam was closed to fishing and recreational activities as a precaution due to the detection of naturally occurring blue-green algae.
Tasmanian Irrigation thanks the public for its patience during the recent closure.
Source: Craigbourne Dam now open (ifs.tas.gov.au)
We released Atlantic salmon into Brushy Lagoon today, approximately 170 at an average of 1.2kg. These fish were an opportunistic donation by Huon Aquaculture. Happy fishing all!
Source: Brushy Lagoon Stocking (ifs.tas.gov.au)
The IFS released Atlantic Salmon into Brushy Lagoon
Information for suitable applicants who have an interest in the Fisheries Community Engagement area.
Applications close soon!
The Leader Fisheries Engagement is based in Launceston at 0.8 to 1.0 FTE.
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Improved western access to Pet Reservoir |
Pet Reservoir now has improved access for older and mobility impaired anglers.
Works have been completed to improve the parking area close to the existing access on the western side of the dam, the path to the edge of the dam and widen pedestrian access.
The reservoir is home to a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout.
Source: https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/news/2021/apr/01/pet-reservoir-access-improved
Tasmanian Irrigation wishes to advise that Craigbourne Dam in Tasmania’s South East is closed to the public. The dam is closed to fishing and recreational activities as a precaution due to the detection of naturally occurring blue-green algae.
Tasmanian Irrigation is continuing to monitor the dam on a weekly basis and will advise the public when Craigbourne Dam is available for recreational use. There is currently no impact on irrigation as a result of the dam closure.
Tasmanian Irrigation thanks the public for its patience during the closure.
Source: Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Craigbourne Dam (ifs.tas.gov.au)
Due to the constraints of delivering a COVID-Safe event, Trout Weekend 2021 will not go ahead.
The Inland Fisheries Service has reluctantly taken this measure, as this is an important event for the Inland Fisheries Service, anglers and the Central Highlands community.
Trout Weekend is planned to return on the 21 and 22 May in 2022.
For any queries, contact Steve Paterson on 0438 338 530 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Source: Trout Weekend 2021 cancelled
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Women's fishing clinic |
To mark International Women's Day, free fishing clinics for women and girls are being held in Hobart and St Helens.
If you'd like to try fishing, or to brush up your skills, come along to one of the clinics where you'll get tips from experienced volunteers and female mentors. We'll have gear available or bring your own rod. Learn how to rig it, cast your line and handle a fish when you catch one.
There are giveaways at both events including rods and fishing caps. Please pre-register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can register at the event, but numbers may be limited.
Tag your photos and win
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Some of the rubbish collected as part of Clean up Australia Day from Lake Sorell |
The Inland Fisheries Service participated in Business Clean Up Australia Day yesterday. We focussed on Angler Access sites along the River Derwent. The section from the Bridgewater Bridge to Gretna.
We also cleaned up the Dago Point campground and Mountain Creek shore campsites at Lake Sorell.
Anglers appear to be keeping the fishing locations relatively clean. The road side verges, where cars can pull over, provide focal points for people to drop off garbage.
We collected numerous tyres along with household rubbish. Staff enjoyed the pleasant weather and the opportunity to try and make a difference to the litter problem.
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Cramps Bay Pontoon |
Marine And Safety Tasmania (MAST), in conjunction with Hydro Tasmania, have completed installation of a cable pontoon at Cramps Bay, yingina / Great Lake. Located at the north eastern end of the lake the pontoon provides added convenience for day trips from the Launceston area and for local shack owners. The installation was the result of a successful funding application submitted to MAST by Cramps Bay boaters. The pontoon compliments existing facilities at Swan Bay and Brandum Bay. The Inland Fisheries Service congratulates MAST and Hydro Tasmania on completion of another significant project. A great example of your boating registration fees at work.
Source: Pontoon installed at Cramps Bay (ifs.tas.gov.au)
High water levels are expected at Lake Augusta until late March, which may temporarily block access to the Julian and Pillans Lakes area. This change in water level is to allow completion of works at Liawenee Canal. If you are visiting the area, the Pillans Lake Track may be inundated if Lake Augusta's water level is at or higher than 2.62 metres from full.
The Nineteen Lagoons area should still be accessible, unless Lake Augusta spills following high rainfall.
Before setting off, check the Lake Augusta water level, check the weather and stay safe.
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When you have finished for the day, why not have a brag about the ones that didn't get away! Send Mike an article on your fishing (Click here for contact details), and we'll get it published here. Have fun fishing - tasfish.com
Here is a list of all of the Article Categories. The number in Brackets, eg (13) is the number of articles. Click on Derwent River and all articles relating to the Derwent will be displayed in the central area.
Visit https://www.windyty.com/
Hello everyone, I thought it would be a good time to introduce myself.
My name is Stephen Smith and I have been managing the website tasfish.com since May 2009.
It has been an epic journey of learning and discovery and I am indebted to Mike Stevens for his help, support and patience.
I am developing a new venture Rubicon Web and Technology Training ( www.rwtt.com.au ). The focus is two part, to develop websites for individuals and small business and to train people to effectively use technology in their everyday lives.
Please contact me via www.rwtt.com.au/contact-me/ for further information - Stephen Smith.
Christopher Bassano
Fishing guide Christopher Bassano explores his favourite fishing-and shares a few tips that will help you discover the world of trout near the sea.