During the trout off-season I tend to spend a bit of time chasing bream, to continue getting a fishing fix, and spend time tying flies and dreaming about the trout season to come. It’s a time to spend doing tackle maintenance, stocking up on lures and dreaming up new challenges and goals for the trout season ahead. When the new season comes around I usually spend the first few months targeting sea runners. Sea run trout are simply brown trout that spend much of there lives out to sea and come in to the estuaries for spawning and to feed on whitebait and the other small endemic fishes that spawn in late winter through spring. Mixed in with the silvery sea runners you can also expect to catch resident fish that have the typical dark colours of a normal brown trout as well as atlantic salmon in some of our estuaries that are located near salmon farm pens. Living in Hobart it is quick and easy to do a trip on the Huon or Derwent and is a more comfortable proposition compared to a trip up to the highlands with snow and freezing winds to contend with.
Read more ...Please check all relevant authorities before fishing - www.ifs.tas.gov.au and dpipwe.tas.gov.au . Don't forget issuu.com/stevenspublishing for years of back issues !
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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)
Needing only ten more trout to reach my 300th trout for the 2020/21 trout season and with the larger rivers still running high after 47mms of rain three days ago I had no option but to head back to my favourite tannin waters. The weather was fine, no wind to worry about plus I had an earlier start to the day than I normally do, I was in the water by 8:20 am. At this time of the year the sun rises much later than last month and lower in the sky in the morning to what it was last month. Not that it mattered all that much as the area I'm fishing has a lot of dense foliage on both sides of the stream.
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
Please view the atached PDF's for detailed information.
Visit https://www.noturbineactiongroup.org/ for further information.
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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)
Rain,hail and cool conditions were forecast today, after having a 11:15 am doctor's appointment it was a late start to the day for my planned spin session in the upper Mersey River. On the way to the river there was quite a lot of weather moving in, very low dark rain clouds weren't all that far off from where I was heading. When I got to the river there was already someone in it fishing their way upstream so I headed to another stretch of river a couple of kilometres further upstream, a stretch of water I haven't fished for around 5 years. No sooner had I arrived (12:50 pm) I only had time to put on the wading gear when heavy rain & light hail arrived, all I could do was sit in the car and wait for it to pass. After a twenty minute wait it had passed and I was out of the car heading down to the river.
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.
Click above for current issue content. The current issue of TFBN is extensive and topical. In Tackle Stores, Newsagents and by subscription.
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Or phone Mike with your c/c handy on 0418129949
Please ensure your details are correct, for Mike to organise delivery.
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.
Recently Atlantic salmon seems to be a very hot topic amongst local anglers, especially those in the south of the state in the D'Entrecasteaux area. Northern anglers should take a close look at the Tamar as there are opportunities here as well.
The recent "great escape" has provided a perfect opportunity for fresh and saltwater anglers alike to experience some truly memorable sport. Tasmania's pristine, clean and cool waters are the perfect nursery for the Atlantic Salmon and as our local fish farms produce more and more fresh quality seafood it is a fact that there are going to be tangible consequences.