Tasmanian trout fishing 2011

by Carl Hyland on 5 Jul 2011 It is with much anticipation that trout anglers from around the world await the opening of the Tasmanian trout season which commences on the 6th August 2011.

Renowned for its fantastic trout fishery, the Island state and its anglers, celebrate the start of the season at midnight on the day of opening. Some can’t wait and are still getting their fix at waters that remain open all year around, places like Lake Barrington, Craigbourne Dam and Brushy Lagoon.

Others are purchasing licenses (which are now available) and getting gear ready. Whilst many fish are still spawning, others have done so and are now feeding up and putting weight back on, which does bode well for anglers using all methods to catch fish.



The start of the new season this year is on Saturday 6 August. This marks the opening of brown trout waters which remain open until 29 April 2012, while rainbow trout waters open on 1 October and close on 3 June next year.
New season licences will be available for purchase from 1 July via the internet at www.ifs.tas.gov.au and at licence agents ( tackle stores) and Service Tasmania shops.

If you are a current full season licence holder, however please wait until you receive your renewal notice in the mail to pay for your new season licence. The renewal notice, which will contain your business card size licence, will be mailed out on 11 July along with a copy of the new season’s fishing Code.

If you are a current full season licence holder and haven’t received your renewal notice by the end of July or you’ve changed your address, please contact the Inland Fisheries Service.

A series of 25 boat ramp signs have been placed around most of the major waters in the central highlands.
This will certainly be of benefit to local and visiting anglers to the state.

The signs are part of the recommendations of the Access Plan and are coordinated with directional signage being installed by DIER and Councils as well as interpretative signs being installed by IFS. The Central Highlands Council has funded the signs themselves with installation costs being covered by IFS. The signs being installed at Lakes Echo, King William and Great have an open/closed feature that will assist in informing anglers when water levels dictate that boat ramps are unsafe to use.

The signs also incorporate the isometric symbol for angling, which will inform visitors that trout fishing is promoted on these waters. We hope that this initiative will assist anglers finding boat ramps that are often blended in to the surroundings and keep them informed regarding their safe use

If you are planning a trip to Tasmania to go trout fishing, pop into www.fishtas.com and get the drum on what’s biting where, what places are the best to visit, plus get the low down on good accommodation via the links or just ask!

Until next time, stay safe!