Fishing - Trout season fast approaching

WE’RE less than a month away from the start of another Tasmanian brown trout fishing season.

This time last year, much of the state was still recovering from June flood damage.

In contrast, there has been little rain or snow in the past two months, although last week was tipped to bring the best snowfalls of the year.

It’s lucky we didn’t receive too much rain, as big king tides surged well over 1.7m, which can cause major flooding. Still, we badly need fresh snow and more rain to top up waters statewide.

Lake levels are well down, and estuary rivers need flushing to reduce salinity.

Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salt in water.

Levels are used to classify water as fresh, slightly, moderately or highly saline.

Most freshwater systems have low salt levels, while seawater is highly saline.

Increasing salinity poses a major risk to biodiversity in water and on land.

It’s a problem in dry climates, where little rainfall and high evaporation leave salt behind.

Salinity can also rise with irrigation, where salt remains on the soil or plant leaves after evaporation.

This reduces crop yield and affects ecosystems.

Trout anglers fishing the tidal boundaries of the Derwent and Huon Rivers have reported poor results, likely due to low rainfall and increased salinity.

A few sea-run trout and resident fish have been caught, but not many.

Until mid-June, barracouta were still being caught around the tidal Derwent.

It could all turn quickly—just a few days of snow and rain might shift things.

The pick of the year-round trout fisheries include the Bradys Chain, Craigbourne Dam, Great Lake, Lake Pedder, Meadowbank Lake, Brushy Lagoon and Lake Burbury. Fish are more active during warmer days, so anglers may find better success then.

Bait anglers using worms and grubs in permitted waters are getting bites.

Those spinning or trolling with minnow or galaxia-profile hardbodies and cobrastyle wobblers have also had luck.

But you’ll need to cover ground.

Slow down – cold-water trout are lethargic, and keeping your lure in their face helps.

The Inland Fisheries Service has continued its trout stocking program, releasing wild brown trout and triploid rainbow trout ahead of the 2025–26 season starting Saturday, August 2.

Recently stocked waters include Bradys Lake (1000+ trout), Four Springs Lake (2000+), Craigbourne Dam (1000+) and Tooms Lake (close to 1000).

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