Fishing - Anglers still unable to get their rods out

A decent weather window allowed trout anglers the chance to get out fishing up until Sunday morning  - but you guessed it, more wind and rain is on the way.

Temperatures are fluctuating and Spring is in the air, but we need to catch a break so we can get out there and catch a few fish.

A lot of water is still flowing through our catchments with many still spilling, with rivers also flowing high and dirty.

It's been frustrating not being able to get out much, after what's been a tough couple of seasons.

But in regards to catch rates, it could be exactly what our trout fisheries have needed.

Less angler pressure - as well as predatory pressure - should have allowed trout to feed and fatten up, which they'll continue to do in the coming weeks and months.

Whilst roaming the upper reaches of the Derwent River last week, I saw several young trout - presumably from this years spawning run hiding in the slower runs, which is encouraging.

Anglers that did get the chance get out to fish when conditions were ok last week reported some decent results.

A spilling Pine Tier Lagoon has meant a full Brady's chain and Bronte Lagoon are starting to fire, with one party landing 10 fish in 90 minutes from the latter last week.

Brady's Lake, Lake Binney and Tungatinah Lagoon have all given up some decent catches of rainbow and brown trout, mainly to bait anglers soaking worms and grubs.

Wood's Lake is another water worth fishing with some good bags of trout up to 1.5 kg taken - trolling, spinning and using bait even though the water levels are still fairly low.

I've also seen a few fish caught from Arthurs Lake recently and anglers should think about a trip to Lake King William, which won't be far off being full by this time next week.

Although I've not heard or seen much action from Lake Sorell or Lake Crescent, I'm presuming these waters will fire when the wind dies down and water clarity starts to settle and clear.

IFS reports focussed on Lake Leake and Four Springs Lake recently mentioning some good fishing for both brown and rainbow trout and I'd also be targeting Toom's Lake.

Trout up to 2.5 kg have been reported from these waters, with a lot feeding on snails, and fly anglers are excited after the first dun hatches of the season started at the end of September.

Four Springs Lake anglers have started catching fish using said dun imitations and black spinners have also started making an appearance, which is another encouraging sign.

Another food trout like to look for and eat at this time of the year are Mudeyes, which don't last long suspended under a float when using them where bait fishing is permitted.

River fishing will improve as flow and clarity clears, and it's a good time to be soaking big baits for a trophy trout.

The Huon River has given up some big trout early this season, which is encouraging to see from this iconic water.

The Tyenna River has been up and running for a long time which is when the monsters lurk the most.

The Derwent has been a bit hit and miss but there are a few sea trout and residents moving around the lower reaches.

They'll hopefully move more up the system when water conditions improve.

Whitebait season started last week but I'd suggest it's going to be another tough season in the main systems.

However, I have seen and heard reports of bait and fish with it inside them caught from tributaries in both the North and South.

A reminder about legal methods for Tasmanian trout anglers fishing with a rod, reel and line using either bait, artificial lure or fly.

There are inland waters where only one or two of the legal angling methods are allowed, so always check an area before you fish it.

Only one rod and line is allowed per person unless that person is licensed to fish with two rods at the same time - except for Lake Mackenzie and Augusta, which are restricted to one handheld rod and line.

A single line must have no more than two lures or two baits, or one lure and one bait or three artificial flies.

Anglers must always be within eight metres of their set rod and be able to see it.

And remember, it's illegal to look after another person’s rod and line at any time, even if you have a current licence.

Anyone can use two rods at the same time while fishing for indigenous fish - including bream - in the specified indigenous fish waters listed in the Inland Fisheries Regulations.

The Tasmanian Department of Health has advised not to eat wild shellfish from Great Bay at Bruny Island.

Wild or recreationally harvested shellfish should not be eaten from this area because the biotoxins are harmful to humans.

Wild shellfish include oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, cockles, wedge shells, abalone, periwinkles and scallop roe.

The intestines and livers of rock lobster can also be affected when toxic algal blooms are present.

Tip Of The Week- Maintaining proper balance and movement on a boat is crucial for safety when out fishing.

You should avoid standing in a small boat and take care when changing positions to prevent the boat from capsizing.

When you're sitting down, spread your legs wide and lean against a seat for increased stability.

Send in your fishing reports, pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com

Tight Lines until next week.