The fishing at Craigbourne Dam has been good through winter and this will continue as the days draw out and the weather warms into spring.

There were 1660 wild adult brown trout transferred from the Central Highlands spawning run over winter and more recently we liberated 1200 rainbow trout that averaged 380 grams. These fish will put on weight quickly and provide good fishing right through the coming year.

Winter rains have had the lake spilling and this has given it a flush. The high water level gives shore-based anglers plenty of options. The shallow shoreline around where Jerusalem Creek enters and the area around the boat ramp are good spots for bait fishermen. Access to the eastern side of the lake is available via Craigbourne Road to where Craigbourne Creek and the Coal River flow in. An earth worm fished either on the bottom with a small running sinker or under a float will work well at these high water levels.

The shallow grassy edges areas are also the best spots for shore based fly fishers. Careful wading in knee deep water searching with a wet fly is likely to get some interest. Low light periods will see fish in mooching around the edges as they look for food.

Trollers and lure fishermen find that the deeper water from the toilet block around past the dam and then up through the middle to be the best area. Early in the season a deep diving lure will be most effective for angler trolling while shallow running bibbed and soft plastic lures are best for those spinning the edges.

Two tagged fish, each worth $2 000, have been released into Craigbourne Dam. To find out more go to the Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion.

The dam is close to Hobart and at a low altitude, so it is a good early season option while the conditions are cold in the highlands. To find out more go to the Craigbourne Dam Anglers Access brochure.