Regulations
River Leven - Between Whiskey Creek & Loongana Road Bridge
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 3/8/2024 - 27/4/2025
River Leven - From National Hwy 1 (Bass Hwy) to Whisky Creek
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: All Year
River Leven - Upstream of Loongana Road Bridge
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/07/2015 | 400 | Brown Trout | Adult | 1000 | Diploid | Liawenee Canal, yingina/Great Lake | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
The River Leven is one of the few rivers in Tasmania that has not been dammed for irrigation or hydro development. The Loongana and Gunns Plains sections are highly rated trout fisheries and the estuarine section is recognised for its sea-run trout.
Getting There
The River Leven can be accessed at a number of points including Ulverstone, Dial Range, Gunns Plains and Loongana.
Recreational Fish Management
The River Leven is managed as a wild trout fishery dominated by brown trout however the Leven also has a reputation as a rainbow trout fishery. Regulations for separate sections of the river reflect the diversity of the fishery and recreational fishery management goals. The River Leven is also recognised as a recreational whitebait fishery. Separate rules and regulations apply to whitebait - check the IFS website for details.
Angling Notes
Access has been provided by the goodwill of landowners. Anglers must observe the access signs and where access is not specifically identified permission must be sought from the landowner. At Loongana Bridge and upstream the river is generally shallow and riffled, interspersed with deep pools. The water is tea coloured throughout and can be turbid after periods of heavy rain however it clears quickly. Best fishing is during the warm summer months when rising fish are reliable. Fishing with small lures, bait fishing and fly fishing can be productive. Between Loongana and Gunns Plains the river runs through the spectacular Leven Canyon. This section is only accessible on foot and is extremely challenging terrain. Although predominantly populated with small brown trout the chances of catching a rainbow trout are elevated in this section as a result of IFS stocking and the prescribed angling season. At Gunns Plains the river flows through flat pasture although steep overgrown banks inhibit access to the river until low summer flows make much of the river wadeable. The best access points are at Bannons Park, Lee Memorial Park, Marshalls Bridge and Lowana Rd. All methods of fishing can be practiced with equal success however the late summer and autumn are renowned for bait fishing with a single grasshopper. The section of the river accessible in the Dial Ranges recreation area via the Penguin Cradle Trail is best described as 'tight' water surrounded by native forest suitable for wading and accurate light lure casting or fly fishing. The access track is of good standard and follows the river for approx 3km making this an excellent day walk. The tidal reaches of the river from Ulverstone to the pump house on Lobster Creek Rd. are renowned for early season sea trout. Lure casting and fly fishing with whitebait patterns is recommended. The section of the river below Whisky Creek is open to angling all year round.
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 State and Commonwealth protected giant freshwater lobster (Astacopsis gouldi) is present within the River Leven catchment. This slow growing species can reach weights in excess of 5 kg but are commonly much smaller. They are wholly protected and if observed are not to be disturbed. Penalties for taking threatened or protected species are considerable.
Environ Cultural
Inland angling regulations and licensing requirements apply upstream from the seaward limit which is the downstream side of the A1 road bridge.
Reminder
Foot Access for anglers has been provided by the goodwill of landowners and is a privilege not a right. If access is not specifically identified then you must ask for permission or you may be trespassing which is a criminal offence. Please respect private property and abide by the access rules and code of conduct to ensure the continued use of these areas.
Do not stray into paddocks or trample crops
Avoid disturbing stock
Do not climb on fences
Leave gates as you find them
Report any unusual fish captures or algal sightings to the Inland Fisheries Service
Report illegal activities to Bushwatch 1800 333 000
Boating
Boat ramps are located on both sides of the estuary at Ulverstone.
Responsible Boating.
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 alright - 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.
Code of Conduct:
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.
Seaward Limit.
Inland angling regulations and licensing requirements apply upstream from the seaward limit which is the downstream side of the A1 road bridge.
