Fishing - Whitebait and rainbow trout seasons starting

Whitebait anglers will be ready for the start of the 2026 season on Thursday, October 1. Two days later, on Saturday, October 3, the designated rainbow trout waters open.

The Inland Fisheries Service says more prize-winning rainbow trout will be tagged and released ahead of the rainbow waters opening. October also brings Trout Weekend at Liawenee on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, alongside the Great Lake Tie In.

The whitebait season runs from October 1 to November 11. A separate whitebait licence is required. Licences are available through the IFS website, Service Tasmania and selected tackle, outdoor and sports stores.

Check www.ifs.tas.gov.au for the waters open this year, permitted nets and the daily and seasonal catch limits before heading out.

Meanwhile, the fifth $5000 tagged trout of the 2026-27 season has been caught. Fly angler Michael landed the 1.2kg brown trout at Lake Binney after already catching three fish that day.

He initially thought its yellow tag was for research, until he spotted the word “Winner”. The fish had been tagged and released into Brady’s Lake in October 2024, when it measured 35cm. It had since grown to about 42cm and was in good condition.

There are more tagged trout to chase, including a $25,000 prize fish in Great Lake.

The Australian team finished eighth among 22 countries at the 45th World Fly Fishing Championships in Idaho, United States, held from September 13 to 19.

The senior team was captain Tom Jarman, Stewart Dick, Craig Dawson, Chris Houston and Daniel Ringer. Jarman was the highest-ranked Australian, finishing 29th overall. Well done to the whole team on a fine result in unfamiliar waters.

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association holds its fourth competition of the season on the Derwent River this weekend. Fishing starts at 6pm on Friday, October 2, with the weigh-in at the Rotunda on the New Norfolk Esplanade from 3pm to 3.30pm on Sunday, October 4.

The boundaries run from the Lawitta Pump Station to the Tasman Bridge. Entrants must be financial NNLAA members before the competition starts. Memberships are available through the club’s Facebook page or Williams Outdoors in High Street, New Norfolk.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Fish in shallow, clear water often see colours well. In deeper or low-light water, contrast may matter more when choosing a lure.

Send your fishing reports to valleyfishes@gmail.com.

Tight lines until next week.