Trout Fishery

	Tasmania, Australia's Fly Fishing Capital
Watercolour image original by Trevor Hawkins Web Design by abacuswebworks

TASMANIAN TROUT

Tasmania's abundant Trout stocks are principally 'wild' fish - an ever-increasing rarity in the world today. The Tasmanian environment remains essentially unspoilt, the air is clean, the water is pure and the fishery, compared to elsewhere in the world has little angling pressure.

The historic Salmon Ponds hatchery in the Derwent Valley was the site of the first successful introduction of trout to the Southern Hemisphere. After several failed attempts, live Salmon and Trout ova were successfully carried from England to Tasmania aboard the clipper "Norfolk" in 1864. The ova were carefully laid in moss and packed in ice to delay hatching during the three-month voyage. Although the Salmon failed to acclimatise, the handful of Brown Trout that were reared and released thrived in the Tasmanian environment and their protege were later used to stock other waters in Australia and in New Zealand.

Today, wild trout continue to flourish in Tasmania with clear mountain streams and gravelly runs providing ideal spawning and nursery conditions. Brown trout remain pure and free of significant disease and with few natural predators or competing species.

Edgar, intent in his work.

TROUT FISHERY

The Tasmanian trout fishery presents a unique challenge for anglers because it is not artificial or contrived and it is this challenge, which captivates the true trout fishing devotee.

Tasmania's Stillwater Fishery

Despite the wealth of river fishing available, Tasmania is recognised first and foremost as a stillwater fishery. Extensive hydro-electric schemes have transformed the Central Tasmanian landscape, creating many new lakes, all stocked with Trout, for the angler to explore on foot or by boat.

The Central Highland Lakes

The majority of Tasmanian Trout Anglers visit the lakes of the Central Highland to fish during the season and with few exceptions visiting Trout fishers to Tasmania head for this area during their stay. Arthur's Lake and Great Lake are by far the most popular and productive fisheries, enjoying well-deserved reputations. The Bronte system of lakes between Bronte Park and Tarraleah are very productive fisheries, as are the many small, natural lakes in the Nineteen Lagoons region centres around Lake Ada and Lake Augusta. Other highland waters such as Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, Dee Lagoon and Lake St Clair Lagoon also provides excellent fly fishing.

Central Highland Wilderness Lakes

For those keen to venture further afield, the vast Western Lakes region which stretches across the elevated plateau to the west of Great Lake (consisting in excess of 3000 lakes and tarns), offers a unique wilderness Trout fishing experience. The only means of access to this area is by foot and, needless to say, visiting or inexperienced anglers should seek the help of an experienced guide or have a high level of bush-walking experience.

Tasmanian Northern Rivers

Tasmania is blessed with a diversity of running waters and virtually with out exception they all support wild trout. Northern Tasmania's classic Trout streams include the North and South Esk Rivers, the St Paul's and St Patrick's rivers, the Break of Day and the Macquarie River.
Brumby's Creek (which flows into the Macquarie river) is a tail -water fishery associated with the Poatina power scheme and provides a blend of riverine and still water conditions.
Other notable rivers situated on the North West Coast of Tasmania include the Mersey River, the Leven River the Forth River and the Duck River.

TASMANIAN TROUT FISHING CALENDAR

August
Cold and wet weather can be expected in the highlands, but persistent anglers may take good bags on lures and wet flies. Lowland storages offer more reliable fishing with trout in better condition.

September
Spring floods produce good backwater fishing on lowland rivers, with trout feeding on worms and grubs. Flooded margins of highland lakes begin to fish well with the wet fly.

Day's end and a beautiful Rainbow. October
A very reliable time for marsh and backwater fishing in the Central Highlands-tailing fish can be expected with rising water levels. Warm settled days produce mayfly hatches on lowland streams.

November
An ideal time for wet fly fishing in the highlands, and for dry fly fishing on the lowland streams. Tailing trout can be expected, even on the most elevated waters. Warmer days produce the first significant mayfly and caddis hatches in the highlands.

December
Fishing is particularly weather dependent and variable, being transitional between spring and summer conditions. Wet, overcast days will favour wet fly fishing and loch style fishing whereas warm days will produce fly hatches on most lakes and rivers. Mayfly hatches get under way on the high-altitude lakes and sunny days are suitable for polaroiding.

January
The warmest month of the season. The remote high-altitude lakes come into their own with prolific mayfly and beetle hatches. This is the ideal time to go backpacking into the remote Western Lakes region. Sunny days are ideal for polaroiding.

February
Warm summer weather prevails. Mayfly hatches and beetle falls maintain consistent dry fly fishing in the highlands. Trout seek out 'mudeyes' in the early evenings on many waters. Grasshopper fishing intensifies on lowland streams.

March
Usually a settled month, with dwindling mayfly hatches but good beetle falls. Evening mudeye hatches are noteworthy early in the month. Sunny days are still suitable for polaroiding. At late -season resurgence of mayflies may occur on the rivers and grasshoppers and beetles continue to interest trout on most streams.

April
April see the onset of cooler weather. Brown trout begin to gather around in-flowing spawning streams later in the month. Jassid leafhoppers may extend dry fly fishing in the highlands. Autumn rains can rejuvenate wet fly and lure fishing on the rivers.

May
Most inland waters are closed with the exception of waters such as the Great Lake. Some excellent Rainbows are taken on wet flies, lures and baits but the weather can be unreliable.

June / July
Most water closed apart from Craigbourne Dam, Great Lake (except Canal Bay) Lake Barrington, Lake Burbury, Lake Gordon, Lake King William and Lake Pedder. The weather is cold and unreliable and fishing is only for the very keen!

CLOTHING AND CLIMATE

Weather can change very rapidly in the Central Highlands and it is not unusual to experience all four seasons in a single day. Cold, wind, sleet and even snow can occur in any month of the year, so warm thermal clothing and underclothing, and rainproof and windproof garments should always be close at hand. During summer months extra care should be taken to protect the skin and eyes against the sun's damaging ultra-violet rays. Always wear a wide brimmed hat, make sure your polaroid sunglasses are UV protection standard approved and cover exposed skin, particularly the face and backs of hands with sunscreen. Take these precautions even when there is a light cloud cover.

FISHING METHODS

Fly Fishing

There is no doubt that Tasmanian trout waters, with few exceptions, are tailor made for fly fishing - streams tend to be relatively small, slow flowing and manageable, whilst lakes are generally shallow and productive. This means that trout frequent areas that can be easily covered by wading, or by fly-casting from the shore. More importantly, the trout often show themselves as they feed on the surface or in the shallows. Fly fishing from a boat can also be very productive when fishing wind lanes and using English loch style techniques on windy days.

Sight Fishing

Nothing can rival the thrill of actually seeing the trout first, presenting a fly with delicate precision, and watching intently, breath held, as the fish swims over to examine your offering before snatching it with bold confidence. For the dedicated fly fisher, it is undoubtedly the challenge of 'sight fishing' for trout that Tasmania holds dear. Tasmania is famous for its 'tailing' trout- fish that feed in the extreme shallows, their progress flagged by bulging backs, dorsal fins and tails. Free rising trout are another drawcard, as in summer 'polaroiding' - spotting cruising fish in clear water shallows on sunny days with the aid of polaroid sun glasses.

Wet Fly Fishing

The best wet fly fishing is associated with the early months of the season, when spring rains flood the river banks and lake margins, and the trout move in close to grub around in the shallows after worms, caterpillars and the like. Tailing trout are a feature of early morning fishing along grassy banks on most highland lakes. The most spectacular activity occurs at Little Pine Lagoon and similar waters in October and November.

Dry Fly Fishing

Dry fly enthusiasts should take special note of the red spinner mayfly hatch, which peaks, on rivers such as the Macquarie in late October and early November. Mayfly hatches are also a feature of most highland lakes during summer - Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, Lake Kay and Arthur's Lake boast the most consistent and spectacular dun hatches. This is also a good time to take advantage of gum beetle and leaf-hopper falls on lakes with forested shores.

Loch Style Fishing

Boat based fly fishers can take advantage of the wind by adopting English loch-style techniques which use a chain of three flies.

Lure and Bait Fishing

Although fly fishing captures much attention, many trout are caught each year on lure and bait in Tasmania. Casting a lure from the bank or drift spinning from a boat are undoubtedly some of the most effective methods of catching Trout. All the deeper lake shores and open stretches of river are suitable, though the best catches are made in rough, overcast conditions rather than on the most pleasant days. In the lake country, spinning from the deeper shores, particularly along rocky banks and in among the trees is very popular. Locally made "Cobra' wobblers and "Devon' -type spinners are by far the most popular lures. Trolling is popular on waters that are deep and where access around the shore is difficult. Bait fishing using earthworms, wood grubs, grasshoppers and mudeyes all effective in small streams and the lake country.

Fly Fishing Outfits

For fly fishing a No 6 or No 7 9' rod and equivalent floating line is ideal for most purposes in the Central Highlands. An intermediate or slow-sinking line is handy for wet fly fishing from a boat. Leader tippets of 2 kg are recommended for clear water dry fly fishing and nymphing, whereas 2.5 -3 kg monofilament is acceptable among snags. Chest waders are really essential for fly fishing highland lakes unless using a boat. Good quality polaroid sunglasses are essential.

Fishing the wilderness lakes

Best Tasmanian Trout Flies

Trying to pick the best flies for Tasmanian conditions is a difficult task. Presentation is usually more important than the need for imitation and the following selection will bring a large proportion of trout undone if presented effectively.

Dry Flies	Wet Flies
Size 10,11,12 Red Tag Black Spinner Highland Dun Black Beetle Gum Beetle Royal Wulff Zulu Parachute Dun Greenwell's Glory	Size 10,12,14 Brown/Green Nymphs Bead head nymph Black and Grey Fur Flies Woolly Worm / Woolly Buggers Stick Caddis Mrs Simpson Fiery Brown Beetle Red and Black Matuka Muddlers

FISHING REGULATIONS

These listed regulations are only an abbreviated guide and you should always check you are abiding by up to date regulations by contacting the Tasmanian Inland Fisheries Service. Regulations are detailed in the Angling Code for Inland Fisheries Tasmania, which is available from the IFS. P.O. Box 288 Moonah, Tasmania, 7009. Phone (03) 62334140 Fax (03) 62334141 email infish@ifs.tas.gov.au. Web site URL http://www.ifs.tas.gov.au

Anyone wanting to fish Tasmania's inland waters must hold a current Inland Fisheries Service angling licence. Children under 14 years do not require a licence. A licensee may only fish Tasmania's approved inland waters with a rod, reel and line during the open season. A licence is not valid unless signed in ink by the holder before use.

Most Tasmanian inland waters open on the Saturday nearest the start of August and close on the Sunday closest to the end of April. Be warned! This does not cover all waters. There are different dates for rainbow classified waters and some bays and areas are different. As from 2000, the following waters remain open all year round: Craigbourne Dam, Great Lake (except Canal Bay), Lake Barrington, Lake Burbury, Lake Gordon, Lake King William and Lake Pedder.

Water reserved for fly-fishing include Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, Carter Lakes, Howes Bay Lagoon and Bruisers Lagoon.

Waters reserved for artificial lures include Lake Leake, Lake Sorell, the parts of Great lake known as Tods Corner, Bronte Lagoon, Lake Kay, Lake Fergus, Lake Ada, Ada Lagoon, Dee Lagoon, Lake Botsford, and any waters in the world heritage area except Lake Augusta and Lake Mackenzie.

Bag limits apply to all inland waters but these vary from 12 in most waters to 3 and 5 in some specialist areas and 20 in some other waters.

Minimum size for all trout and salmon is 220mm.

No live bait may be brought into Tasmania from the mainland or overseas. It is illegal to use fish, alive or dead, in water that is not tidal. Berley or ground bait is illegal in inland waters. The use of frogs as bait is prohibited.

Visiting anglers are requested to clean equipment and waders before bringing them into Tasmania as there are some serious fish diseases present on mainland Australia and in other parts of the world that are not present in Tasmania. Enjoy your stay and inform others of our unique fishing opportunities.

2001 -2002 Licence Costs. Refer to the IFS web site at www.ifs.tas.gov.au for details

Licence	Cost
Full season - Adult Full Season - Eligible Pensioners Full Season - Juveniles (14-17) 14 - day licence 3 - day licence 1 day licence	$49.98 $27.54 $10.20 $39.78 $25.50 $15.30

Ausprey Tours is an approved IFS Licence selling agent.

Bibliography

IFS Angling Code for Inland Fisheries Tasmania 2001-2002
Mike Stevens: Guide to Fresh and Salt Water Fishing Around Tasmania
A Guide to Tasmanian Fishing Fresh and Saltwater Tasmania. Tourism Tasmania
A Guide to Trout Fishing Tasmania's Central Highlands: Rob Sloane / Greg French