The forecast mild weather for the State this weekend bodes well for those contemplating a last run at the brown trout waters, which close at 11.59pm on Sunday 27 April 2025. 

Remember the Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion, where you could claim $5,000 if you can bag the tagged brown trout still swimming around in Arthurs Lake, Bradys Lake, Huntsman Lake, Lake Mackintosh, Lake Rowallan, Lake Sorell and Yingina / Great Lake. 

Remember conditions apply and some waters close on Sunday.

The IFS are again extending the season for the Bradys chain of lakes, supported by fish stockings in the near future.  For more information please see our separate story here, the Infish App and our Latest Fish Stocking database page on our website.

Fisheries open until Sunday 1 June are:

• Lake Mackintosh; 
• Lake Rosebery; 
• the lower sections of Brumbys Creek downstream from Weir 1 on Brumbys Creek to its junction with the Macquarie River; 
• the lower section of the Macquarie River downstream from its junction with Brumbys Creek to its confluence with the South Esk River; 
• the lower section of the Meander River downstream from the bridge on Selbourne Road at Hagley to its confluence with the South Esk River; 
• the section of the South Esk River downstream from the bridge on Storys Creek Road at Avoca to a point upstream of its confluence with Lake Trevallyn;
• Dee Lagoon;
• Lake Mackintosh;
• Lake Rosebery;
• Lake Rowallan;
• Lake Skinner;
• Mersey River above Lake Rowallan and the associated upper Mersey lakes rainbow fishery (Lakes Meston, Junction and Youd);
• River Leven above the Loongana Bridge;
• Weld River in the North East above Harridge Falls; and
• Weld River in the South above the confluence of the Huon River.

Fisheries open all year round are:

• Brushy Lagoon;
• Craigbourne Dam;
• Yingina/Great Lake (other than Canal Bay);
• Huntsman Lake;
• Huon River downstream of the Huonville Bridge;
• Lake Barrington;
• Lake Burbury;
• Lake Meadowbank;
• Lake Pedder;
• Lake King William;
• North Esk River and Kanamaluka/River Tamar downstream of the Lower Charles Street Bridge;
• River Derwent downstream of the New Norfolk Bridge;
• River Leven downstream of the Whisky Creek; and
• South Esk River downstream of the West Tamar Road Bridge
• The Bradys chain of lakes (except the inflowing water at Bradys Lake, known as the “whitewater”, which will close with the brown trout waters)

Why do waters close at the end of April? To protect the brown trout on their spawning runs. The fish-breeding season provides us with a new group of fish to catch for years to come.

Have a great time enjoying the open waters, keep safe in the winter weather conditions and tight lines!