Regulations
Min size: 300 mm Bag limit: 2 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/05/2022 | 20 | Brook Trout | Yearling | 180 | Diploid | Langdon River | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Getting There
The Clarence Lagoon track is 3.1 km West of the Clarence River Bridge or 7.2 km East of Derwent Bridge off the A10 Lyell Highway. The 4 km high clearance 4WD track will take you to a parking area. From there it is a 450 m walk to the lagoon.
Recreational Fish Management
Clarence Lagoon is within the Central Plateau Conservation Area, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. the Inland Fisheries Service periodically stocks the lagoon with low number of brook trout to maintain a recreational fishery.
Angling Notes
At times difficult to catch, brook trout represent a challenge for lure and fly anglers. The fish can 'turn on' at any time. Wet flies and hard body lures used during rough and cold weather are most likely to catch fish. The rocky eastern and southern shores are suitable for lure and fly casting. The marshy northern end is good habitat for trout but care is needed when wading due to soft sediments. Much of the lagoon is less than 1.5m deep.
Protect Waters
Recreational anglers have a resonsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations.
Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania.
Do not bring any used fishing gear or any other freshwater recreational equipment that may be damp, wet or contain water into Tasmania. Check, Clean and Dry your fishing equipment before entering Tasmania.
Do not transfer any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, invertebrates or plants between inland waters.
Check your boat, trailer, waders and fishing gear for weed and other pests that should not be transferred before moving between waters.
Do not use willow (which is a plant pest) as a rod support as it has the ability to propagate from a strike.
Native Fish Management
Clarence Lagoon is one of only a few known populations of the State and Commonwealth listed threatened fish, the Clarence galaxias (Galaxias johnstoni). It occurs only in Tasmania with Clarence Lagoon being the only place where it co-exists with another species. It is therefore essential that no other fish species are introduced into Clarence Lagoon. Clarence galaxias is a small dark coloured fish with dark bars and patches extending down its side to its yellowish belly. It grows to about 120mm in length and spawns in spring. The IFS monitors this species on an annual basis looking for changes in population structure and any potential new threats.
Recreational Use
When visting these sensitive regions, please play your part in ensuring their future by following leave no trace guidelines. These are largely common sense, such as carrying out what you carry in, walking on formed tracks wherever possible, and pitching tents on established sites rather than creating a new one. The WhA is a fuel stove only area - open fires are not permitted, and in many areas, including all national parks and reserves, live bait cannot be collected.
To minimise the spread of root rot fungus start your walk with clean gear, including boots, tent pegs, gaiters and tent floor; use washdown stations where provided and wash your gear at the end of a trip.
If fishing in an area where a toilet exists please use it! If there is no toilet, walk 100m away from any water, dig a 15cm hole and bury your waster and the toilet paper as well.
By following these simple giudelines you will assist in ensuring the long-term viability of Tasmania's freshwater fisheries, and our unique natural heritage. Remember, when fishing in Tasmania, fish for the future. Future anglers will thank you.
Boating
Motorised boating is prohibited on Clarence Lagoon.
Non - motorised craft such as canoes, kayaks and float tubes are permitted.
