Fishing - Preparation for next fishing season underway

The Inland Fisheries Service of Tasmania has been busy stocking waters with both Brown and Rainbow Trout in preparation for the start of the 2026-27 Tasmanian brown trout fishing season on Saturday, August 1.

Around 13,500 fish have been released through June alone, including over 8,000 triploid Rainbow Trout weighing around 0.500 kg.

Brady's Lake received the most fish, taking around 3,500 brown and rainbow trout, with a lot also going into Lake Leake, Toom's Lake, Brushy Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon,

Four Springs Lake, Pet Reservoir, and Curries River Reservoir. Anglers chasing sea-run and resident brown trout from the Derwent and Huon Rivers have found fishing difficult, but results will improve through July.

A few sea-run and resident trout weighing up to 1.6 kg have been landed, but bite times have been short and unpredictable.

Other open-year-round fisheries, like Great Lake and the Brady's Chain, have been popular, but catch rates have slowed through Winter.

Some good catches of Black Bream are available from the Derwent River, Jordan River, Browns River, and the Lauderdale Canal, with Australian Salmon also a popular by-catch.

Craigbourne Lake/Dam, which has been closed since early June due to the detection of blue-green algae, will reopen on June 30.

Recent testing by Tasmanian Irrigation shows the algae is now non-toxic and that levels are decreasing during the cold weather of Winter.

Visible scum has mostly cleared, and consultation with the IFS and Mast has confirmed that the lake is safe to reopen.

Please remember to avoid direct contact with the water where possible, stay clear of any discoloured or scummy areas and keep pets away from any visible algae.

Huntsman Lake's water level rose quickly during early June after the lake had dropped to 11.5 metres below full supply back in March 2026.

The Inland Fisheries Service has advised that the boat ramp and jetty are open for use with some good opportunities to catch some trout here over the remainder of Winter.

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association is hosting their annual dinner and trophy presentation night for the 2025-26 season this Friday night at the New Norfolk RSL Club.

Outstanding anglers will receive awards for their efforts during last season, after a hearty spit-roast meal, a raffle or two, and a few words from special guests.

The NNLAA's 2026-27 season competition roster will also be revealed, with NNLAA memberships available from Williams Outdoors in High St, New Norfolk, or online from the club's Facebook Page.

The recent detection of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) on mainland Australia is an important reminder of the need for preparedness and vigilance here in Tasmania.

Bird flu has not been detected in Tasmania yet but it if you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife avoid contact and record what you see eg, the type of animal, the number of animals, the location and take photos or video and then report it by calling the Emergency Animal Disease hotline ASAP on 1800 675 888 or through the online reporting form on the NRE Tas website.

Tip Of The Week- 2026/27 Tasmanian brown trout season fishing licenses are available to purchase, and keep an eye out for license renewal letters to start arriving in the mail.

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

Tight Lines until next week.