Regulations
Min size: 300 mm Bag limit: 12 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
All waters flowing into Lake Sorell from Dogs Head Creek, Silver Plains Creek and Mountain Creek and a radius of 50 m below where that water flows into Lake Sorell
Closed
The section of the canal connecting lakes Sorell and Crescent between the Lake Sorell outlet gates and Interlaken Road.
Closed
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/2023 | 100 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 1047 | Diploid | Liawenee Canal, yingina/Great Lake | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
PLEASE NOTE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE PERIOD AT SHORT NOTICE MAY BE REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE ERADICATION OF CARP. Lake Sorell is a large (53 square kilometres), shallow lake at an elevation of 800m above sea level. Closed to fishing in 1995 due to the discovery of European carp, the lake was reopened in 2020. The lake is surrounded by grassy wood lands with extensive marshes around the northern and western shores. The water in Lake Sorell is naturally turbid but can be clear in the marshes during spring.
Getting There
Lake Sorell can be reached via C527 from Bothwell, the C526 from Tunbridge and The Steppes or the C527 from Oatlands.
Recreational Fish Management
Due to the activities of the Carp Management Program (CMP), the population of trout is low at the time of reopening the lake to fishing (2020). The trout population is anticipated to recover naturally over a number of seasons. Typically, Lake Sorell trout are in the 500g - 2kg size range and are in excellent condition. The population is predominantly brown trout with a small number of rainbow trout present.
Angling Notes
Artificial lure and fly-fishing are permitted methods at Lake Sorell. Bait fishing is prohibited. As the lake is shallow lure casting and trolling around the rocky shores and reefs is recommended. Fly-fishing with wet flies during the spring and early summer will also be effective. Trout stocks will be low in the early 2020's but will recover over time. Access to marsh fishing will be limited initially due to the presence of CMP barrier nets blocking access for fish. The CMP will remove the barrier nets when the program is complete.
Waters closed to fishing at all times:
Dogs Head Creek, Silver Plains Creek and Mountain Creek flowing into Lake Sorell and for a radius of 50m below where that water flows into Lake Sorell. The section of the canal connecting lakes Sorell and Crescent between the Lake Sorell outlet gates and Interlaken Road (C527).
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 water.
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.
Report any unusual fish captures or algal sighting immediately to the Inland Fisheries Service.
Report illegal activities to: Bushwatch 1800 333 000
Native Fish Management
The Golden galaxias (Galaxias auratus) is endemic to Lake Sorell and Crescent. This species is listed as rare under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.
Pest Fish Management
A huge effort has been undertaken to eradicate European carp from Lake Sorell. Estimates indicate that the population of carp is very low and no spawning occurred in spring 2019. Anglers can help reduce the spread of pests in Tasmanian waterways. It is an offence to use fish or fish products for bait or to transfer fish between waters. Significant penalties apply. Carp remain a controlled fish - please report any sighting or capture as soon as possible to the Inland Fisheries Service on 0438 338 530.
Boating
Lake Sorell is exposed to extreme changes in weather and can become very rough. Due to its shallow nature, there are many submerged hazards and reefs. Boat operators should take extreme care.
Remember
Be aware of and comply with fishing regulations.
Respect the rights of other anglers and users.
Protect the environment.
Carefully return undersized, protected or unwanted catch back to the water.
Fish species and other organisms must not be relocated or transferred into other water bodies.
