Fishing - dry times sink trout weekend again

Well, it’s the news no trout enthusiast wants to hear — Trout Weekend 2025 has officially been cancelled. Originally scheduled for May 17–18, the decision was made due to the ongoing dry conditions and a poor rain forecast, which continue to impact water levels in Lake Augusta.

Hydro Tasmania has opted to hold water in the lake to support the trout spawning run into June, rather than releasing it earlier to facilitate fish movement through the Liawenee Canal for the event. It’s a sensible decision given the circumstances, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing — especially with this being the second year in a row the event has been called off. The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) is now considering the future of Trout Weekend altogether, with discussions underway to explore new ideas and opportunities.

Despite the cancellation, the IFS has been active, continuing its rainbow trout stocking program. Last week alone, Brady’s Lake received 3,600 triploid rainbow trout, and Dee Lagoon took in another 1,200, all weighing in at around 300 grams and sourced from Petuna Hatchery in Cressy. These triploid trout, unable to breed, focus their energy on feeding — which means faster growth in the wild. Lake Meadowbank, for example, was stocked with over 5,000 of these back in August 2023, some of which are now estimated to weigh over 2kg.

For those still keen to wet a line, there are plenty of good options around. Great Lake is open year-round, and don’t forget — it still holds two tagged trout worth $5,000 each. Other waters worth a visit include Lake King William, Lake Pedder, Lake Barrington, Lake Burbury, Huntsman Lake, Lake Mackintosh, and Lake Rosebery (open until June 1). Many of these continue to receive regular stocking.

And with showers predicted this week, conditions should improve in places like the Derwent and Huon Rivers, which are beginning to fish better as the cooler season sets in.

In saltwater news, bream are still being landed in the Lower Derwent, especially around structure. Reports also show sea-run trout mixing in. Across the state, anglers have found success in the Swan and Scamander Rivers, Little Swanport, Georges Bay, and the Tamar River, catching a mix of mackerel, barracouta, garfish, squid, mullet, Australian salmon, trevally, and tailor.

If you’re targeting sharks, areas permitting, now’s the time — gummy, school, and elephant sharks are all biting well. Top baits include fresh pilchards, salmon, mackerel fillets, and squid — also a solid choice for snapper, which remain active around Storm Bay, Maria Island, and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel on an incoming tide.

And yes, tuna fever continues. Off Eaglehawk Neck, Southern Bluefin and Albacore are still being hooked. Mitchell Hall landed a 100kg Southern Bluefin Tuna last week after a two-hour-plus battle. Impressive stuff!

The 14th Tom Jenkins Memorial Bluefin Contest, proudly sponsored by Simrad and Meridian Tackle and run by the Tuna Club of Tasmania, wrapped up recently with some standout results:

• Skipper’s Award: Ryan Bailey – The Kraken
• Junior Highest Points (SBT): Brax King – 19.7kg on 15kg line
• Lucky Angler: Tyson Digney – Dig Deep
• Adult Male Highest Points (SBT): Ryan Ivory – 67.1kg on Tinalicious
• Small Fry Heaviest Albacore: Darcy Robertson – 5.5kg on Big Tinny
• Junior Heaviest SBT: Kohan Leggett – 22kg on Getting Her Wet
• Adult Female Heaviest SBT: Molly Curtain – 23.1kg on Team Ultra
• Adult Male Heaviest SBT: Tye Curtain – 67.8kg on Team Ultra
• Top Team Boat: Team Ultra
• Top Tag and Release Team: Ruthie 2
• Major Prize – Heaviest SBT: Ava Bryant – 69.4kg on Game Over

Big congratulations to youngsters Kohan Leggett and Ava Bryant for outstanding catches, both securing the Tasmanian Junior and Small Fry Championship perpetual trophies.

The next Tuna Club event is this weekend, featuring the Pauline Grant Memorial Mother’s Day Trophy, running in conjunction with the Sport Fishing Club of Tasmania’s Peninsula Challenge.

Tip of the Week: With trout season winding down, it’s a perfect time to sort out your gear. Take stock, clean up, and prep for next season — or that spontaneous winter trip!

Got a catch to brag about or a hot tip to share? Send your stories and photos to valleyfishes@gmail.com and follow the Derwent Valley Gazette Fishing page on Facebook.