Fishing Tasmania's north east rivers

by Carl Hyland on 18 Oct 2011 We in Tassie are fortunate in that we have access to tributaries that run to the oceans along our north east coast, tributaries that are close to most major metropolitan centres or at least only a short drive away.

These waters, unlike the stocked freshwater impoundments, hold healthy heads of fish ranging from wild brown trout and rainbow trout, to river blackfish, grayling and the Giant Tasmanian freshwater crayfish, which is wholly protected.

Cross any of these streams in your travels and it is quite likely you will see healthy populations of trout scattering under bridges or fish rising at flies along their lengths.

These fish are easily targeted, and a small lure such as a celta, or a small Ashleys will often bring them unstuck. Flies too are a great attractant to these little fish but you can also expect the unexpected in the form of a large resident fish as was the case a couple of years ago where a chap was fishing underneath the bridge at Pipers River. Thinking he had a small brown on his unweighted worm offering, the fish in fact, turned out to be an 8lb behemoth.

Many streams run into Bass Strait and whilst many hold good fish, sometimes the large sea runners can intrude far upstream, chasing whitebait or other small fish. Where the salt meets the fresh is a great place to try bait like prawns or prettyfish as Southern black bream can also meander up into these backwaters.

Most landowners are quite happy to allow anglers to fish along riverbanks, don’t be fooled into thinking it is a God-given right to do so, just ask at the local farmhouse and you usually can’t go wrong. A fish dropped off for the farmer upon return will often be greatly appreciated also.

Failing that, you can check the Anglers access information via your license or visit Inland Fisheries Service website.

I mentioned earlier about using bait, garden worms are a deadly way to get amongst these smaller fish and at the same time, other baits such as mudeyes or wattle grubs are just as good. Try them unweighted, that is, no sinker, try to present them as natural as possible. A grasshopper flicked onto the water surface with a small fly hook embedded in the peak of summer will often bring a rush of fish activity and can result in full bags.

Soft plastics fished in fast water are a good method to get into fish, try the Berkley black and gold t-tail, I have found this to be the most successful plastic for use in all of the major streams throughout our region and at the same time, the Gary Glitter from Steve Starling’s range is often a good producer as well.

Waters such as the Little Forester, Ringarooma River, Pipers River, Brid River just to name a few are well worth a visit in spring time, but in summer, just be aware of the very venomous tiger snakes that like to inhabit water lines looking for frogs and other creatures. Whilst most will slither away if disturbed, some can become quite aggressive if aggravated or trodden on, so stout footwear and leggings or jeans should protect you okay.

The great thing I find about fishing the streams of the north east of Tasmania is the solitude, there are times you won’t see a soul, and if you do, it’s most likely a friendly local who will often ask ’how did you go'? Or a farmer going past that will often toot the horn or give a friendly wave.

Look forward to seeing you down here!