Regulations
5 fish combined with only 2 over 500mm
Min size: 300/500 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 3/8/2024 - 27/4/2025
Background
Woods Lake was created by damming of the Lake River to provide riparian flows downstream in summer and autumn. Low lake levels in the warmer months result in large areas of the lake becoming very shallow and weedy. The water is generally milky and can become turbid after persistent strong winds.
Getting There
Woods Lake can be reached by turning off the B51 to Arthurs Lake Dam, follow the road past the dam for approximately 15 km. This is a gravel road that is steep in sections. It is recommended that 4wd vehicles be used for towing boats.
Recreational Fish Management
Woods Lake is managed by the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) as a Premium Wild Trout Fishery. The brown trout population is maintained through natural recruitment.
Angling Notes
Woods is a good all round angling water providing consistent fly fishing, bait fishing, trolling and lure casting from both the shore and a boat. Early and late season provide the best sport with low water levels and emergent weed growth limiting angling opportunities during the summer months.
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
Two species of indigenous fish are endemic to Woods Lake and nearby Arthurs Lake, the saddled galaxias (Galaxias tanycephalus) and Arthurs paragalaxias (Paragalaxias mesotes). Both species are threatened and listed as endangered under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, and are therefore wholly protected. These species commonly grow up to 120 mm and 70 mm in length respectively.
Pest Fish Management
It is an offence to use fish or fish products for bait or to transfer fish between waters.
Recreational Use
There is one boat launching area at Woods Lake. Informal lakeshore camping is permitted on Permanent Timber Production Zone and Crown Land between the boat ramp and the dam wall and on the eastern shore. No facilities are provided. Campers should bring a chemical or portable toilet or be sure to walk at least 100 metres from the water, dig a 15-centimetre hole and bury waste including the toilet paper.
Boating
Woods Lake is generally more sheltered than the exposed highland lakes however during extreme changes in weather can become very rough. During periods of low water Woods Lake may be extremely shallow with extensive weed and submerged navigation hazards. 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.
