Regulations
Catch & Release only
Min size: C & R mm Bag limit: 0 Method: Fly fishing only Season: 3/8/2024 - 27/4/2025
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26/05/2010 | 100 | Brown Trout | Fingerling | 50 | Diploid | Inland Fisheries - New Norfolk Hatchery |
Background
Known by some as "Shark Lagoon" due to the big fish that reside there, this is Tasmania's only catch and release trout fishery. There is very little or nil natural recruitment and very infrequent stocking by the IFS. The lagoon is located one kilometre north of Lake Kay and an unmarked track starts from near the Lake Kay car park. Polaroiding this small lagoon is the best way to locate the fish. Only fly fishing is permitted and fish caught must be released and not killed.
Getting There
Liawenee lies on the western shore of Great Lake approximately 92km north west of Melton Mowbray and 59km south of Deloraine via the A5 Highland Lakes Road. Other popular access points to the Western Lakes include Lake Mackenzie, Walls of Jerusalem National Park and Clarence Lagoon.
For current vehicle track information contact Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, Great Western Tiers Field Centre,
Ph. 03 6701 2104
Recreational Fish Management
The Western Lakes Fishery Management Plan is designed to maintain sustainable catch rates, fish quality and the overall angling experience. Natural recruitment of wild fish stocks is the mainstay of the fishery supplemented with stocking of primarily wild brown trout. Appropriate size and bag limits have been applied to protect the angling values of specific waters.
Angling Notes
The Western Lakes Wilderness Fishery is dominated by wild brown trout with rainbow trout present in some waters. Clarence Lagoon is the only water in the Western Lakes that holds brook trout. Individual waters are small and sensitive suited to small angling groups or individuals. Angler dispersal is encouraged to maintain the angling experience and wilderness values. Early season fishing for 'tailing' trout is best in waters with shallow, weedy margins that fill with winter rain and snow melt such as Lake Kay, Double Lagoon, Howes Lagoon Bay and Talinah Lagoon. If trout are not visible then careful searching of the undercut banks of most waters with a wet fly or nymph can produce fish. Given favourable conditions, polaroiding can be rewarding throughout the season although December to February is the optimal period. Shallow sand/silt bottom waters are best such as lakes Ada, Augusta and Chipman and Double, Third and Second lagoons. Good dry fly fishing to mayfly feeders during late December to February occurs at Lake Kay, Howes Lagoon Bay and Carter Lakes. Spin fishing, trolling and loch style fly fishing are popular on Lakes Augusta and Ada.
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 Western Lakes area is home to four species of native fish; the Climbing galaxias, Spotted galaxias, Clarence galaxias and The Western paragalaxias. The Western paragalaxias (Paragalaxias julianus) is a State and Commonwealth listed threatened fish found only within the Western Lakes area in the Ouse, James and Little Pine river systems. While the Western paragalaxias co-exists with trout, they are far more abundant in waters that are trout free. There are also a number of invertebrate species that are unique to the region. To assist in the protection of these species it is an offence to use fish or fish products as bait or to transfer any fish species or other organisms between waters.
Recreational Use
When visiting these sensitive regions, please play your part in ensuring their future by following leave no trace guidelines. These are largely common sense, such as carry 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 the 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.
By following these simple guidelines 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
Only Lake Ada, Ada Lagoon, Double Lagoon, Lake Augusta, Augusta Dam and the lakes accessed from the Pillans Lake - Julian Lakes track are suitable for boat use. As these waters are relatively shallow small boats are recommended. The Inland Fisheries Service regulates fishing from a boat. Fishing from a boat on Ada Lagoon is permitted if the boat is powered by manual labour. Fishing from a boat is prohibited on Botsford, Dudley and Carter lakes, Howes Lagoon Bay, East Rocky and Rocky lagoons, and all lagoons between the track from Lake Augusta dam to the natural Lake Augusta and the James River. Fishing from a boat within 100 m of an angler fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is securely moored. The Parks and Wildlife Service regulate boating in the Western Lakes area. Motorised boating is permitted on Lake Augusta, Lake Fergus (Electric motors only), Lake Mackenzie, Lake Ada, Double Lagoon and the lakes accessed from the Pillans Lake - Julian Lakes vehicle track. Motorised boating (Including electric motors) is prohibited on all other waters in the Western Lakes area.
