Go Fish. Where to put a line in around the North East.
/GONE FISHING …..
If a strike on the end of your line gets your heart racing, then fishing in Tasmania is a must. With almost 30,000 trout thriving in lakes, rivers and streams, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But you don’t need to travel far to try your luck at some of Tasmania’s best fishing spots.
Lake Derby
Lake Derby, sometimes called as the Briseis Lake, is situated in the heart of Derby. Until recently this lake was a local secret, unknown and untouched until the towns recent mountain biking boom. Although it is situated right near town it is hidden from the main street by a thick grouping of trees. It can be reached by a five minute bike ride, or 15 minute walk from our cabins. And with it’s stunning shoreline and a small charming beach, it’s the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon with the family.
The lake is stocked with Rainbow trout which make a fine catch for any budding or experienced fisherman.
You can check when it was last stocked with fish here :Inland Fisheries Service stocking info
Lake Derby is just a short walk from our cabins. You will often see locals fishing here around dusk.
The Cascade Dam
The Cascade Dam, originally called the Briseis Dam until the infamous flood of 1929, when it burst and killed fourteen people in Derby, sits 350 metres above sea level on the Cascade River about 4 km upstream of the Ringarooma River junction. During periods of high water shoreline access is almost non existent so the use of a small dinghy is a must and will certainly see a dramatic improvement in fishing ability. The water is deep, dark and very tannin stained with areas of standing dead timber, thick scrub shorelines and sunken timber everywhere so care is needed. Mixed reports come from this water however there is a good head of wild brown trout as it has a river and two creeks that constantly flow in it. Small to medium sized Trout are caught throughout the season on Fly, Bait and spin gear and is well worth the trek into.
The Ringarooma River, Branxholm
Much of the Ringarooma River bank is rocky and hard to get to, but there are a few fantastic fishing spots from Branxholm upstream through Ringarooma - perfect for learner fly-fishers. Expect to catch small to medium sized brown and rainbow trout, blackfish and eels.
“Brown trout were first introduced to Tasmania in 1864 by English settlers as part of the ‘acclimatisation’ of Tasmania’s waterways. The genetic diversity of the strains of brown trout imported, combined with optimal water temperatures and some of the cleanest water in the world, provided the perfect environment to sustain a thriving wild brown trout population and later rainbow trout.”
Pioneer Lake, Pioneer
Pioneer Lake is a popular dam for fishing and watersports, and is the home of the annual North East River Festivals’ Trout Fishing Competition. Whether you like to fish from the shore or a boat, or like to use fly, bait or lure, you’ll be in with a chance to catch some of Tassie’s biggest rainbow trout all year round.
The Frome Dam, Moorina
You’ll find the Frome Dam in the hamlet of Moorina, just 30 minutes from Derby. This dark water dam was originally built to service the Moorina Power station, but is now an excellent fly fishing spot. A word of warning though, this spot is best for those with a boat as sinking sand and the encroaching forest makes wading from the shoreline almost impossible.
Note: An Inland Fisheries licence is required for any fishing in inland waters including some river mouths and estuaries. Visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence
Other resources:
https://flylife.com.au/articles/travel/tasmanian-trout-trail - link to the map of Trout fishing in the whole of Tasmania
https://riverfly.com.au/blog/ - A great resource on fly fishing in the region
https://essentialflyfisher.com.au/ - Fly fishing gear shop in Launceston
Written by: Kim Bush-Ellis