fly fishing

‭Telephone: 03 6289 1000‬

Trout Fishing

Derwent Bridge is an ideal base to fish many of Tasmania’s crystal-clear highland lakes and streams for wild brown or rainbow trout, from the land or by boat. Lake St. Clair, its Lagoon and Lake King William (subject to seasonal water levels) are just a few kilometres from your Chalet or Studio and a further dozen lakes can be reached in thirty minutes to one hour. The table below provides helpful details about the fishing methods, bag limits and access for these waters.

All fishing must be done in accordance with the Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code, which is provided with your fishing licence. Trout fishing licences for the 2009-2010 season are available from the Chalets office - Remember that children thirteen years, or younger, can fish free of charge without a licence.

The trout fishing season is open in some waters all year but in other waters, the season opens during August and closes during April or May. Full details are provided in the fishing code which accompanies every fishing licence. The most productive fishing in the highlands usually occurs between November and April but September and October can be satisfactory if weather conditions are mild.

Trout Guides

If you feel that local expertise and experience would improve your fishing enjoyment or success, allow us to recommend one of Tasmania’s professional trout guides, who satisfy the strict membership requirements of the Trout Guides and Lodges Association of Tasmania. For a booking during the peak season of January and February trout guides may require about six months notice but during November - December and March - April you can often book within one month of your visit.

The daily cost of a trout guide to provide their considerable knowledge and expertise, fishing equipment, 4WD transport, a boat and lunch is in the $400 - $450 range. A fishing licence (guides can issue one), personal clothing and sunscreen & insect repellent to suit you are not included. Depending on your fishing method and experience level you may be successful without a professional trout guide as we are always happy to pass on local knowledge and advice.

A special note for visiting anglers

Tasmania’s freshwater trout fishery is disease-free so if you bring used equipment ensure that it has been cleaned and disinfected. Pay particular attention to the cleanliness and contact history of waders, landing nets, rods & lines and only bring new flies. If you are an international visitor bringing used equipment be sure to provide evidence of its disinfection or declare it for treatment on arrival to protect the disease-free status of our precious freshwater fishery. It is a serious offence to bring fish, fish products, live bait or invertebrates into Tasmania.

 

Trout fishing waters near Derwent Bridge

Name &
daily bag limit
fish to catch
Fishing methodsAccesskms and hours from the ChaletsBoat ramp/s

Lake King William
20
brown & rainbow

spinning, bait or fly fishing from the shore or a boat & trolling. car & 4WD from Derwent Bridge and Tarraleah 1.5 km and five minutes Yes
Lake St. Clair
12
brown & rainbow
spinning or fly fishing from the shore or a boat, and trolling. No bait fishing. by car from Derwent Bridge, and from the Overland Track 5 km and ten minutes Yes
Lake St. Clair Lagoon
12
brown & rainbow
spinning or fly fishing from the shore. No bait fishing allowed by car from Derwent Bridge 3 km and ten minutes No
Derwent River
12
brown & rainbow
spinning, bait or fly fishing from the bank from the Lake St. Clair Road 500 m and five minutes No
Lake Burbury
20
brown, rainbow & Atlantic salmon
spinning or fly fishing from the shore or a boat & trolling. by car from Derwent Bridge or Queenstown. 75 km and one hour Yes
Bronte Lagoon
12
brown
spinning or fly fishing from the shore or a boat & trolling. by car from Derwent Bridge 28 km and twenty minutes Yes

Laughing Jack Lagoon
12
brown

spinning or fly fishing from the shore or a boat & trolling. Bait fishing is permitted. by car from Derwent Bridge 32 km and thirty minutes Yes
Little Pine Lagoon
5
brown
fly fishing from the shore or a boat. No bait fishing. by car from Derwent Bridge 52 km and fifty minutes Yes
Bradys Lake
12
brown & rainbow
spinning, bait or fly fishing from the shore or a boat & trolling by car from Derwent Bridge 33 km and twenty five minutes Yes
Lake Dixon
12
brown
fly or spinner fishing from the shore. No bait fishing allowed by car and walking track 13 km, 15 minute drive & 30 minute walk No
Clarence Lagoon
12
brook trout
fly or spinner fishing from the shore for brook trout. No bait fishing allowed. by off-road 4WD & a short walk 15 km, 30 minute drive and 10 minute walk No
Shadow Lake and Forgotten Lake
12
rainbow
fly or spinner fishing. No bait fishing allowed only by walking track from Lake St. Clair 5 km drive & a two hour walk each way No
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