Regulations
5 fish combined with only 2 over 500mm
Min size: 300/500 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies). From 1 hour before sunrise to 3 hrs after sunset Season: All Year
Craigbourne Lake - dam wall and associated infrastructure
Closed
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/10/2024 | 10 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 8000 | Triploid | Salmon Ponds Fish Farm | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
Owned by Tasmanian Irrigation, Craigbourne Lake lies about 50 minutes drive from Hobart and was created by damming of the Coal River primarily for irrigation storage.
The lake covers an area of approx 200 ha when full. It is an important and popular fishery because of its close proximity to Hobart.
A boat ramp located near the dam is available for those wanting to fish from a boat or to use a boat to access the eastern short.
Getting There
Craigbourne Lake is located in the Coal River Valley off the B31 approximately 46 km north east of Hobart via the historic town of Richmond.
Recreational Fish Management
Craigbourne Lake is open to angling all year round.
The Inland Fisheries Service stocks the dam regularly with rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and adult brown trout to provide great fishing opportunities close to Hobart. Trophy Atlantic salmon are a feature of the fishery with larger specimens available at times.
Angling Notes
Convenient location, good facilities and low elevation combine to make Craigbourne Lake an attractive and comfortable destination for day trips and family outings. All methods of angling can be productive including trolling, fly fishing, spinning and set rod bait fishing. The western shore is accessible for wading and fishing from a boat is popular in open water. The most productive fishing times can be soon after stocking, particularly after releases of Atlantic salmon. Stocking information is available at www.ifs.tas.gov.au.
Atlantic salmon can be caught on largish white, red and pink bibbed minnow lures or slowly retrieved soft plastics. If using a fly, then a white streamer pattern is recommended. Tassie Devil lures are popular when trolling for brown trout and rainbow trout. Power bait, wattle grubs and worms are used when bait fishing along the deeper southern shores and is a good method when fishing with children. Small lures fished deep are often successful. Fishing from the dam wall and associated infrastructure is prohibited.
Protect Waters
Recreational anglers have a responsibility 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
The short-finned eel (Anguilla australis) is present in Craigbourne Lake
Pest Fish Management
The pest fish, redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) are present within the lake. If this species are caught, anglers are asked to humanely kill the captured fish and dispose of appropriately.
Anglers can help reduce the spread of pests in Tasmanian waterways by not transferring fish between waters. Offences may incur significant penalties.
Environ Cultural
Craigbourne Lake is subject to periodic seasonal algal blooms that can result in the closure of the lake for human health reasons. Please observe closure notices and avoid contact with the water during these periods.
Boating
Craigbourne Lake is a sheltered water situated at low elevation and is ideal for small boats. Please use the designated boat ramp. Significant fluctuations in water level can affect access for boats. Practice minimal impact boating by accelerating gently in shallow water to avoid the underwater wash from the propeller jet stirring up silt and mud. This sediment clouds the water, disturbs sensitive weed beds, smothers aquatic plants and degrades fish habitat.
Remember
Check your wash - if it's white it's all right - if it's brown slow down. Fishing from a boat within 100 metres of an angler fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is securely moored. Do not park on or obstruct boat ramps.
