Tagged trout prize claimed

TROUT anglers enjoyed another weekend of settled weather, with good catches reported from waters across the state.

Waters holding tagged trout attracted plenty of attention and the first tagged fish of the 2026-27 season has already been landed. George Town angler Anthony O'Shannessy caught the winning fish at Curries River Reservoir last week.

Anthony is no stranger to the competition, having landed a tagged brown trout worth $2000 from the same water in 2022.

If you ask Anthony the secret to his success, he'll tell you it's simple - the more time you spend fishing, the better your chances of being in the right place at the right time.

Whether it made the difference or not, Anthony's favourite yellow Tassie Devil lure, teamed with a bright red bead, accounted for the latest winning trout. The combination has also helped him catch plenty of fish over the years.

At the time of writing, there are still 44 tagged trout waiting to be caught before the end of the 2026-27 season. Remember, the first tagged trout landed from Great Lake is worth $25,000.

River anglers have reported mixed results, although some excellent fish have still been landed during the past week.

Brandon Gall caught a magnificent male brown trout weighing about 5.5kg from the Tyenna River at Westerway on Saturday. The impressive fish will be mounted as a trophy.

Fishing in the Derwent and Huon rivers has been patchy, although both systems have produced well-conditioned resident and sea-run trout to 2kg.

The Mersey, Macquarie and Tamar rivers have also produced some quality fish.

Jason Forster, along with daughter India and son Ethan, has enjoyed an excellent start to the season at Lake Mackintosh, catching quality brown and rainbow trout on soft plastics and hard-bodied lures.

Talbots Lagoon and Four Springs Lake continue to fish well for fly and lure anglers, while Penstock Lagoon and Little Pine Lagoon have rewarded anglers stripping wet flies.

The Brady's chain of waters has also produced good fish to both bait and lure anglers, while Lake Echo continues to reward lure casters working around submerged structure.

Lake Leake and Tooms Lake are also worth a visit, with Tooms producing quality brown and rainbow trout to anglers fishing wattle grubs and worms under floats.

A reminder that anglers intending to keep fish should always observe the legal size limits.

When measuring trout and most freshwater fish, measure from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. Black bream are the exception and should be measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.

If you're unsure of the regulations for the water you're fishing, check the size limits before you head out. Measure fish immediately after capture and promptly release any fish that are under or over the legal size limit.

Anglers are also reminded to respect access rules. Much of Tasmania's outstanding fishing is available only through the goodwill of public and private landowners. That access is a privilege, not a right.

If access is not clearly identified or signposted, always seek permission before entering private land. Trespassing is a criminal offence. Respect private property, follow access rules and observe the Anglers' Code of Conduct.

Tip of the Week

Many trout develop vibrant colours and striking patterns during the spawning season. These colours not only help attract mates but can also provide camouflage against predators.

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

Tight lines until next week.