Regulations

Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 20 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: All Year

Waters in McPartlans Canal between Lakes Pedder and Gordon

Closed

Latest stocking

Date	Number	Species	Age	Weight (g)	Type	Stocked from
08/07/2022	5	Brown Trout	Adult	926	Diploid	Liawenee Canal, yingina/Great Lake
View stocking history...

Background

Lake Pedder was created in 1971 by flooding of the original Lake Pedder for Hydro development. Water from the lake is diverted through McPartlan Canal into Lake Gordon and the Gordon Power Station. The scheme has created the largest water storage in Australia. It is nearly eight times the size of Great Lake and three times the size of Lake Eucumbene, the largest lake in the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Lake Pedder has a surface area of 242 square kilometres and a total volume of 3.3 cubic kilometres. Fishing in the new lake was legendary with the average size of trout approaching 5 kg. Since the early 80's the average size trout has stabilised at around 1 kg. Lake Pedder remains an angler's paradise with large bags of good-sized brown trout regularly taken. The stunning wilderness scenery and remote location add to the charm and appeal of Lake Pedder. Anglers should always respect the variable weather and check the forecast before boating on the lake.

Getting There

Both Lakes Gordon and Pedder are approximately 2 hours drive from Hobart. Take the A10 to New Norfolk, B62 to Westerway and B61 to Strathgordon via National Park.

Recreational Fish Management

The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) manages Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon as wild trout fisheries. Natural recruitment sustains populations. Lake Pedder is open to angling all year round. Lake Pedder is within the South West National Park. Park fees apply and National Park Passes are to be displayed on vehicles and boats. Park Passes are available from the visitor's centre at Mt. Field National Park and Service Tasmania shops.

Angling Notes

Fishing can be rewarding throughout the year. Thick vegetation and steep banks can limit shore access therefore a boat can increase the scope for anglers. However, shore based fishing should not be ignored as the accessible shoreline can be productive particularly at all the boat launching sites. Lure fishing from the shore or a boat provides regular success with cobra style lures and spoons being the most popular. For the fly fisherman wet fly fishing with mudeye patterns and fur flies can provide excellent sport at first and last light with fish rising to midges and spinners throughout the day.

There are landings at the Scotts Peak & Strathgordon to aid anglers launching and boarding boats.

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

Lake Pedder has a restricted native fish population with two threatened fish species once present. Both species attain a maximum length of around 100mm. The Pedder galaxias (Galaxias pedderensis) became endangered as a result of introduced species and habitat changes. Listed as endangered under Tasmania's Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and Extinct in the Wild under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as it survives only in the translocated population outside its natural range. Today, thanks to intervention, it is now considered partly secure in its new home, Lake Oberon.The second species endemic to the Lake Pedder area is the State and Commonwealth protected swamp galaxias (Galaxias parvus). This species is still present in some of the swampy areas draining into the lake. It is a landlocked species able to complete its life cycle within the lake and its tributaries. The swamp galaxias (Galaxias parvus) may still be present in some of the swampy areas draining into Lake Gordon.

Lake Levels

Report any unusual fish captures or algal sightings immediately to the Inland Fisheries Service
Report illegal activities to : Bushwatch 1800 333 000

Recreational Use

Parks and Wildlife Service manages campgrounds at Teds Beach, Edgar Dam and Huon Inlet. No camping fees apply however National Parks Passes are required. Edgar Campground Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fire wood provided and fires permitted in designated fireplaces. Huon Camp ground facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fire wood provided and fires permitted in designated fire places. Teds Beach facilities: Electric BBQS, camping, toilets, boat ramp, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fuel stove only area.
Note: The remainder of the Park is a fuel-stove area only.

Boating

There are boat launching areas on Lake Pedder at Serpentine Dam, Strathgordon, Teds Beach, McPartlan Pass, Edgar Dam and Scotts Peak Dam.
There are several areas prohibited for navigation on Lake Pedder:
Between the signs and Serpentine Dam,
Between the signs and Scotts Peak Dam,
Between the signs and Edgar Dam,
The waters of McPartlan Canal.

Both lakes are exposed to extreme changes in weather and can become very rough.
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.