Fishing - Disappointing Derwent dampens trout season

With August and September now behind us, some sea run trout fishing opportunities have also passed. But with luck, some of the best are still yet to come.

It's been one of the most disappointing Septembers I can remember in regards to fishing the Derwent River. A lot of rain and fresh flow made fishing near impossible in the upper tidal influence.

Statewide, a lot of rivers have seen similar conditions with fast, fresh flowing water making it extremely difficult for baitfish to move upstream.

Large amounts of fresh water push baitfish and sea trout back into the saltier water where they wait for conditions to improve. Time is always critical.

The best trout fishing times are usually from late August through to early November. With such a small window of opportunity, if the conditions aren't suitable, it can be over before it even starts.

A lot of our rivers haven't reached their full potential. But if we keep getting some rain, it can extend fishing right out until December.

Our highland lakes have been filling rapidly with a lot of catchments still spilling. Anglers will be frothing to get out there fishing when the weather allows it.

Lake King William has risen over 7 metres since late August. Laughing Jack Lagoon isn't far behind.

Little Pine Lagoon and Pine Tier Lagoon have been spilling for well over a week. The Brady's Chain and Bronte Lagoon are pretty much full.

Great Lake and Lake Gordon have also risen over 1 metre as well.

The 2025 Tasmanian whitebait season opens today and runs for 6 weeks through to the 11th of November.

To fish for whitebait, you'll need a license which costs $38.00. They're available from the IFS website, Service Tasmania outlets and selected tackle shops.

A whitebait licence allows anglers to take a maximum of 2 kilograms of whitebait per day. A total of 10 kilograms for the season is allowed.

Whitebait nets must have a circumference of 120 cm or less. They must not be used with any structure or device capable of diverting fish into the net or stopping their escape.

‘Structures’ include rocks, logs or branches placed in the river to influence the movement of any fish.

Whitebait nets must be tagged showing your licence number. You must be within 8 metres of your net when fishing.

You can hold the net, tie it to nearby vegetation or stake it using a metal or plastic peg. But not with a broken tree branch or bush.

The following waters are open to whitebait fishing this year: Black River, Brid River, Don River, Duck River (except 50 metres above and below the weir), Henty River, Huon River, Inglis River, Polelewawta / Little Forester River, Pieman River, Derwent River, Forth River, Leven River, Kanamaluka / River Tamar (including Trevallyn Tailrace) and the Rubicon River (except 50 metres above and below the water weir).

Tasmania's designated Rainbow Trout waters are set to open this Saturday the 4th of October. These waters are the Dee Lagoon, Junction Lake, Lake Meston, Lake Rowallan, Lake Skinner, Lake Youd, Mersey River above Lake Rowallan, Leven River upstream of Loogana Road and the Weld rivers (both North and South).

Most of these waters are remote. Lakes Junction, Meston, Youd, Skinner and the Mersey River above Lake Rowallan are waters that you need to walk to. But they are great fisheries.

The Dee Lagoon has two major boat ramps. Although underrated, it is a good option for targeting healthy rainbow trout.

Remember to check the Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code for the regulations on all of these waters. Some of them are restricted to artificial lure and fly fishing methods. Others restrict fishing in specific areas as well.

Tip Of The Week – The 2025 Great Lake "tie-in" will be held on Saturday 11 October 2025 from 10am to 3pm. It will be held at the Great Lake Community Hall, Cider Gum Road, Miena.

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

Tight Lines until next week.