Regulations
Min size: 300 mm Bag limit: 12 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 28/9/2024 - 1/6/2025
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/10/2024 | 2 | Brown Trout | Adult | 463 | Diploid | Hydro Creek, Arthurs Lake | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
Lake Rowallan is situated in the upper reaches of the Mersey River Valley and is the first of two hydro impoundments constructed across the Mersey River. The lake is subjected to regular water level fluctuations but is a very popular family fishing and camping destination.
Getting There
From Deloraine take the B12 past Mole Creek, turn left on to the C138 then on to the C171 past Lake Parangana.
Recreational Fish Management
Lake Rowallan is managed by the Inland Fisheries Service as a Premium Trout Fishery. Natural recruitment of brown trout and regular stocking of rainbow trout maintains the quality of angling.
Angling Notes
The most popular method is set rod bait fishing using natural baits, worms, mudeyes or wood grubs. Trolling from a boat or spinning from the shore is also very popular early or late in the season when the water temperatures are low. All commonly used artificial trout lures can be effective. Large gum beetle falls often occur during November and December, early morning midge hatches and evening mudeye migrations can be found during the warmer summer months and fly-fishing from a boat or along the shores can be very productive. When the water level is low during the summer months walking the steeper rocky banks using polaroids can be very productive on sunny days. Dry fly patterns such as cocky bondu's, red tag and march brown are popular choices. Later in the season (January- February) evening fly fishing using dry mudeye or corby moth patterns will prove productive. Spinning or trolling flatfish and cobra wobblers continues to take many well-conditioned brown and rainbow trout.
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 lake has populations of climbing galaxias (Galaxias brevipinnis) and the spotted galaxias (G. truttaceus). Both species commonly grow to between 120 mm and 140 mm in length. Anglers may encounter River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), a minimum size limit of 220 mm and bag limit of 12 applies to River blackfish.
Recreational Use
There is a well sign posted gravel boat ramp situated on the north eastern end of the dam wall, but it can be difficult to use during times of low water levels. There are no other facilities. Campers should bring a chemical or portable toilet.
Boating
Boat anglers are reminded to take care at all times and observe the areas prohibited for navigation 300 metres upstream of the Rowallan Dam. 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
