Temperature rising for Tassie anglers

Picture: The best fish the author caught and released from the Derwent River since the start of the 2024-25 Tasmanian brown trout fishing season.

IT HAS been a mixed bag in regards to trout fishing reports recently but I expect that to improve with an increase in warmer temperatures this week.

Anglers fishing the Derwent and Huon Rivers have found fishing tough going again with trout seemingly only feeding during short windows at specific times of a turning tide.

I fished the Derwent hard during the past fortnight only having two nights off, spending a minimum of five hours each time on the water and let me tell you it's been tough going.

Saying that I've managed to land two good fish in the 60 cm and 2.8-2.9 kg range with the best one pictured that was caught early one morning on a low tide using a new Westin Solvpilen in the colour "Metal Smoked".

Anglers trolling and spinning have reported catching some fish from Bridgewater through to New Norfolk but expect to put in effort.

Reports from the Tyenna River suggest some fish have been landed using hardbodies,soft plastics and bait anglers floating worms but expect to cover ground and water to find fish.

Other waters mentioned to fish ok during the week were Great Lake with some nice fish caught from Cramps Bay, Lake Leake and Toom's Lake with a couple of parties reporting catching brown and rainbow trout on hard bodied lures and soft plastics around the Northern Shores although the water is dirty.

Lake Echo with spinners and trollers catching some brown and rainbow trout from the Northern shores using deep diving hardbodies and cobra style lures.

The Brady's Chain, Craigbourne Dam, Cluny Lagoon,  Lake Meadowbank, Brumby's Creek, Blackmans Lagoon, Talbots Lagoon, South Esk River plus the Mersey and Meander Rivers were also mentioned this week.

Anglers fishing Lake Crescent have found fishing tough going with many walking away without bites and fish but reports suggest water levels are good which should prove rewarding as we push into spring.

Lake Sorell has proved similar although I did see a couple of fish landed in the 1.5 kg range at the weekend.

I'd be keeping Wood's and Arthurs Lake, Lake Pedder, Lake Gordon and Lake St Clair in mind as well.

THE Derwent Valley, Magra CWA and the New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association lost a loved and valued member with the recent passing of Barbara Morley.

Barbara McDiarmid first joined the New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association in 1985 and fished in competitions with her partner Ken Morley and they were married in 1988.

Barbara was elected to the NNLAA committee in 1991 and served for a period of nine years until 2000.

During some of this time she organised some fundraising with bingo tickets and for her allround efforts Barbara was awarded Life Membership of the NNLAA in 1997.

Husband Ken passed away in 2012 and Barbara returned to the committee in 2013 then serving for another 11 years before retiring from this role in 2024.

During Barbara's time on the committee she was always involved in club activities including cooking barbecues and providing supper for the monthly meetings of which she hardly ever missed.

Barbara's loyalty and commitment was an inspiration to all who knew her and as an example the NNLAA held its annual dinner and trophy presentation back in July where Barbara made the effort to come along and present the Ken Morley Memorial Trophy while suffering from an incurable illness that ultimately claimed her life only weeks later.

Barbara's love for the NNLAA and fishing was evident, right up until her passing and she held on for opening morning of the 2024-25 Tasmanian brown trout fishing season.

Barbara was much loved, respected and will be missed by all that knew her and her name will sit proudly on the NNLAA honour board alongside her husband Ken.

THE Welcome Swallow Brewery is the place to be this Thursday August 15 with the team hosting their very first fly tying night starting from 5pm.

Local trout royalty and fishing legend Greg French and the Dynamic Dynamite Dave will be guiding people through a few fly tying patterns specifically focusing on early season wet flies that are perfect to be using in Tasmanian waters right now.

As well as imparting priceless local knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade there will no doubt be a few yarns told as well. Some fly tying gear will be provided on the night but bring your own gear if you have it plus the bar will be open for refreshments.

Tight lines until next week.

Tip of the Week- A reminder for boat anglers - you cannot fish from a boat within 100m of an angler wading or fishing from the shore unless the boat is securely moored.

Send in your fishing reports,pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com and keep track of the Derwent Valley Gazette Fishing page on Facebook.