Fishing - Anglers still reeling in great catches despite dry weather

It’s official—Tasmania has just experienced its driest April since 2015. While the East and South East scraped in with average rainfall, the North West copped it worst, with the lowest April totals since 1900. Statewide, we saw just 55.3 mm of rain—51% below the long-term average—and both daytime and overnight temperatures were well above the norm.

This ongoing dry spell has water restrictions creeping into parts of Flinders Island and the East Coast—unusual territory for autumn. A recent dusting of snow down near sea level helped cool things off, but it’s a solid soaking we really need. Both trout and farmers would welcome a proper winter drenching.

Despite the dry, dedicated trout anglers are still managing to tempt a few fish. Craigbourne Dam has given up some stocked rainbows and browns, especially to bait fishers using worms, grubs, and PowerBait—either fished under a float or on the bottom. Trolling is also producing fish, especially near the Coal River arm.

Over at Lake Meadowbank, falling water levels have made bank access easier, though the drop isn’t ideal overall. The Brady’s Chain (including Lake Binney and Tungatinah Lagoon) continues to be a go-to spot, with grubs and worms doing the trick in and around the canals.

Northern waters are firing too—Brushy Lagoon has fished well since a recent rainbow trout stocking, and Lake Barrington and Lake Burbury are always worth a look. As always, check the forecast—conditions can turn quickly in winter, particularly around higher lakes like Great Lake, Lake King William and Lake Pedder.

My top pick for a mission? Dee Lagoon. It’s been fishing well from boats, but be quick—designated rainbow trout waters close for the season on June 1. This includes much of the North: Lakes Mackintosh and Rosebery, and the lower reaches of Brumby’s Creek, Macquarie, Meander and South Esk Rivers.

For the competitive anglers out there, the Launceston Angling Club is running its annual “Stick Comp” on May 31 at Lake Mackintosh and Lake Rosebery, with proceeds going to charity and MND Tasmania. A great cause and a great way to close the season.

Looking ahead, trout fishing in the Huon and Derwent Rivers tends to improve in June and July, especially as baby lampreys appear and lure in searun trout. In the Derwent, anglers have already found the odd slob and estuary trout from Old Beach through to Lindisfarne. There’s also still bream, tailor, mullet, mackerel and Aussie salmon hanging around both rivers to the all-year open boundaries.

In saltwater news, the southern bluefin tuna bite has slowed slightly, but there are still enough fish around to keep things exciting. The Far South Classic, hosted by the Southern Gamefish Club, is on Saturday and Sunday May 20–21. Teams will chase tuna, shark and billfish, with categories for heaviest fish and high point scorers across male, female and junior divisions. The comp is TGFA-sanctioned and open to all affiliated club members. The weigh-in and prize night is at the Southport Hotel, and there's accommodation available on-site.

Tip of the Week:
A successful fishing trip starts long before the first cast. The best anglers do their homework—researching online reports, checking conditions, tracking bait movements and tweaking gear accordingly. Ask yourself: are the fish in shallow or deep water? What are they feeding on? Are they chasing a particular lure colour or size? What time are the bites coming on? The more you prepare, the better your chances of turning a good day into a great one.

Road Closure Alert:
Hydro Tasmania has delayed the Reece Dam closure on Lake Pieman until Wednesday May 28. The dam will be shut to all traffic from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for essential survey work. Pieman Road will remain open on the Tullah side, and Heemskirk Road on the Zeehan side, but there’ll be no access across the dam during that window.

Signing Off (For Now):
That’s it from me for a while—taking my annual break and reports will resume Wednesday, July 4. Until then, feel free to send in your own catches, photos and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com.

Tight lines until July!

P.S. – The pic this week is of a cracking 2.5 kg rainbow trout I caught and released last season. Don’t forget—designated rainbow trout waters in Tasmania close to fishing on June 1.