Anglers out in force this week

TROUT SEASON WINDING UP

It's that time again unfortunately with another Tasmanian brown trout season coming to a close this Sunday night at 12 am.

The 2024-25 season has been one of the toughest on record but as anglers we should still be thankful for the opportunity to be able to fish in this great place we call home.

Saying that trout are aggressive at this time of year as they look to fatten up before heading up the streams, creeks and rivers to spawn so after a tough season it's a good opportunity to experience some better fishing.

The Easter long weekend allowed anglers to get out and about and although some rain set in late Saturday, those who made the effort early were somewhat rewarded.

With Anzac day this Friday and another long weekend awaiting, trout anglers will be out in force and keen to catch some trout from their favourite spots one last time before the seasons end.

Remember there are twelve tagged trout out there still yet to be caught worth $5000 each, Arthurs Lake (1), Brady's Lake (2), Huntsman Lake (1),  Lake Mackintosh and Rowallan (2),Lake Sorell (2) and Great Lake (2).

After this weekend anglers will still have the chance to catch one of these tagged trout at open all year fisheries i.e. Great Lake, Huntsman Lake, Brady's Lake and Lake Mackintosh which closes to fishing on the 1st of June.

THE HOT SPOTS

Trout anglers should think about fishing waters which include Lake Sorell which still has two tagged trout and it's been giving up some great conditioned fish to anglers, both spinning and trolling.

On a mission last Saturday morning Tim Lowe and son Liam and Justin Causby landed 6 good-conditioned trout before the weather change and they were all caught drift spinning using black and gold hard-bodied lures around the Island and the Northern and Eastern Shores.

Lake Crescent could be a season topper for a trophy trout and persistence could pay off here and target both the Northern and Southern Shores either spinning lures close to the rocks & tee tree and also troll shallow running lures.

Lake Leake has been fishing well lately with brown trout up to 1.5 kg or more available plus some good conditioned stocked rainbow trout and also Toom's Lake should be considered.

I'd suggest Great Lake which has fished well all season but this water is open all year round so maybe pick an area which is due to close after the weekend.

Lake Echo's water level is lower than normal but good eating trout are there to be caught and try the Northern Shore and spinning around wooden/rocky structured areas.

Bronte Lagoon's water level has stayed stable all season and should still provide good sport on both brown and rainbow trout and Woods Lake would be a place to go to catch the kids some fish either by trolling or spinning.

Anglers thinking about trekking into the wild Western Lakes one last time could be rewarded with good size trout but this will be weather dependent and fly anglers will be also keen to spend some time on Penstock, Little Pine Lagoon and Pine Tier Lagoon.

Talbots Lagoon, Lake Mackintosh, Rosebury and Burbury will be targeted out West and dedicated anglers will also hit Lake Pedder and Gordon in the South.

River anglers will fare better after recent rain with water levels rising and the Tyenna and Styx Rivers could offer better fishing.

The upper reaches of both the Derwent and Huon Rivers will be running fresher and showers this week could see anglers catch more trout especially soaking bait.

Overall anglers fishing with lures will see better results using brighter and flashier colours due to the aggressive nature of trout at this time.

Contrasting colours from black and brown to bright orange, red, silver, green and even chartreuse or fluoro yellow and ultra violet based colours are definitely worth using and whether the reaction is from feeding or territorial the response from trout can be super aggressive leading to good bags.

REDFIN PERCH IN BRONTE

Earlier this year the Inland Fisheries service (IFS) received a report regarding the possibility that redfin perch were in Bronte Lagoon.

Bronte Lagoon is thought to be free of these pests, however they're present in the Bradys chain of waters which are close by.

In January 2025 the IFS conducted an extensive,full day, boat electrofishing survey on Bronte Lagoon and thankfully no redfin perch were found.

Earlier this month the IFS returned to Bronte Lagoon and conducted a net survey in all likely habitats around the Lagoon which involved the overnight setting of 30 box traps and 12 fine mesh fyke nets.

Brown trout, rainbow trout, tench, short finned eels and spotted galaxias were caught however no redfin perch were caught again.

 There have been no other reports of redfin perch in Bronte Lagoon since the initial report was received earlier in the year.

While redfin perch have not been confirmed in Bronte Lagoon,the IFS is urging anglers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings (or captures) from the Lagoon.

If you catch one,take a photo of it if possible, or a carcass if found and take note of the location and date and contact the IFS promptly on 1300 INFISH or infish@ifs.tas.gov.au

Redfin perch are an invasive species that are now established in a lot of waters around the state and due to their aggressive nature and ability to breed fast and overpopulate areas, they pose a huge threat to our native fish and trout.

FISHING COMPETITION IN FAVOURITE SPOTS

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association is holding their 9th and final trout fishing competition of the 2024-25 season this weekend.

The event is another "Open Waters" competition which allows members to get out and fish their favourite spots and with it being closing weekend of the season anglers should be keen to give it one last crack.

Fishing starts at 6 pm this Friday night and finishes with a weigh in at Millbrook Rise boat ramp from 4 pm-5 pm.

With seasonal awards up for grabs it's a good opportunity to make it count and after what's been a successful season the club is hoping all members can participate and see out the season in style.

The NNLAA would again like to thank all sponsors for their valued contributions throughout the season and if it wasn't for them and the hard work of the committee the club wouldn't be able to provide opportunities like it has and will continue to do.

Tip Of The Week- It's common for lots of female trout often jump out of the water at this time of the year and then "belly smack" land which is a tactic used by them to free up their eggs prior to spawning.

Send in your fishing reports,pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com 

Tight Lines until next week.