After a long break from trout fishing for some of us and all the recent disruption to our lives, one Tasmanian tradition continued this weekend with the opening of the 2020-21 brown trout fishing season.

Anglers were out in force around the state making the most of idyllic winter weather to head back to their favourite fishing spots or trying somewhere new.

With the assistance of Tasmania Police, MaST and Parks and Wildlife our Officers were on patrol, and inspected approximately 736 anglers and 113 boats. Compliance with Inland Fisheries and Marine and Safety Legislation was very pleasing. There were two infringements were issued for fisheries offences, whilst four were issued for boating safety offences.

Fishing highlights of the weekend were:

Four Springs Lake – Although not as busy as previous opening weekends, plenty of fish were caught by all methods of angling. It really looks promising for the next few months.

South Riana Dam – Anglers on Saturday morning did very well on soft plastics and worms. Fish are in amazing condition and several fish around 1.5-2Kg were taken.

Bronte Lagoon – Was the pick of the waters in the highlands with good number of caught and the fish were in superb condition.

Lower River Derwent – Fishing was good for those that persisted. Anglers were excited to see whitebait present in the gut of fish caught and are optimistic that good sea runner fishing will really kick off over the next few weeks.

Blackmans Lagoon – Superb brown and rainbow trout to 2 Kg caught. The lagoon could do with some rain but will continue to fish well over coming months.

Lake Leake – Superb brown and rainbow trout taken by both lure and fly anglers.

We recommend that you consider the above waters if you are thinking about a trip soon. Also, all of the $10,000 promotional tagged fish survived the weekend meaning they are still there for those lucky enough to catch them. For more information visit https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/about/tasmanian-tagged-trout-promotion

See you on the water sometime soon!