Prepare for an exciting Australia Day weekend

Anglers will be thrilled as we head toward the Australia Day long weekend – the perfect time to plan a fishing trip. Opportunities abound for competitive anglers, with several events happening across Tasmania:

• The Lake Pedder Anglers Club is hosting the Back to Pedder trout fishing competition over four days this weekend.
• The Lake Leake Community Social Club is also holding a trout fishing competition at Lake Leake on Saturday.
• The Tuna Club of Tasmania is running the Spot On/Shimano Shark and Gamefish Challenge off Eaglehawk Neck on Saturday. This event, a popular choice among enthusiasts, is sanctioned by the Tasmanian Gamefishing Association.

In recent news, another $5,000 tagged trout was caught, adding to the excitement. Jeff Limbourne, who typically fishes Great Lake, decided to try his luck at Craigbourne Lake with a neighbor and some friends. After fishing from the shore until dusk, Jeff landed a 2.5 kg brown trout with a yellow tag. Upon contacting the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS), he confirmed it was worth $5,000!

There are still 13 tagged trout worth $5,000 each up for grabs in the following locations:

• Arthurs Lake (2)
• Brady's Lake (2)
• Huntsman Lake (1)
• Lake Mackintosh (2)
• Lake Rowallan (2)
• Lake Sorell (2)
• Great Lake (2)
• Joe Hooker with a healthy male brown trout caught on fly at Lake Sorell over the weekend.

Last weekend, a friend and I tried our luck at Lake Sorell, hoping for a tagged fish. Despite tough conditions, we managed to catch a few trout. It was encouraging to see the lake showing signs of recovery, with good schools of galaxia and significant insect hatches. We even spotted a tiger snake attempting to cross the bay but turning back due to the breeze.

Sunday brought us to Lake Crescent, where we caught just one fish weighing about 3.5 lbs on a stationary floating lure. While conditions were challenging, it was great to be out on the water.

Other recommended fishing spots include Lake Echo, Bronte Lagoon, Lake King William, The Dee Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, Lake Burbury, and Lake Gordon.

Better Fishing Grants Available

The Tasmanian Government has announced Round 5 of the Better Fishing Grants, open until March 28. With $3 million dedicated to improving recreational fishing facilities, grants are available for:

• Small projects (up to $30,000) for community groups, fishing clubs, and councils.
• Large projects (up to $300,000) for public land managers and capable organizations.

Eligible initiatives include installing or upgrading pontoons, jetties, fish cleaning stations, shelters, paths, artificial reefs, and stock enhancement projects. For more details, contact:

• Better Fishing Grants, Recreational Fisheries Section
  Level 3, 134 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000
  Phone: 03 6777 2082
  Email: better.fishing@nre.tas.gov.au

Environmental and Maintenance Updates

Reports of an oil spill at Lake Rosebery have resulted in its temporary closure. The EPA is investigating, and unauthorized access is prohibited under Regulation 71 of the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 2017.

Additionally, Hydro Tasmania will be maintaining the Arthurs Lake Flume from January 13 to mid-April. This will involve road closures between Tods Corner and Arthurs Lake, with increased traffic on Highlands Lake and Tods Corner roads. Tight lines until next week.

Tip of the Week

High temperatures reduce oxygen levels in water, making fish sluggish. During hot weather, fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler. Target deeper, shaded areas where fish seek refuge from the heat.

Contributions Welcome

Send in your fishing reports, photos, and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com, and follow the Derwent Valley Gazette Fishing column at derwentvalleygaztte.com