Regulations
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
Background
Combined with the Macquarie River and Brumby's Creek, the region boasts some of the most accessible and rewarding river fishing in the state.
Getting There
The Lake River can be accessed from both Longford and Cressy approximately 30 km south west of Launceston
Recreational Fish Management
The Lake River is managed as a wild trout fishery. Populations are dominated by brown trout however rainbow trout are also present in the lower reaches of Brumbys Creek and the Macquarie River.
Angling Notes
There are many areas that have easy access (and can be identified using the map - click the Angler Access button). For the more adventurous, foot access has been provided for considerable distances both up and downstream from some of these locations through the goodwill of private landowners. Anglers must observe the access signs and where access is not specifically identified, permission must be sought from the landowner. The Macquarie River is open to all methods of angling and all are equally successful. Early in the season when levels are high there is scope for bait fishing with worms, wet fly and lure fishing. As the season progresses dry fly fishing comes in to its own with hatches of the famous red spinner mayfly the feature during spring. Fishing early and late in the day through summer is recommended although polaroiding can be rewarding. Late in the season grasshopper fishing is a feature with both natural baits and fly fishing proving successful.
Protect Waters
Recreational anglers have a responsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations. Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania. Do not bring any used fishing gear or any other freshwater recreational equipment that may be damp, wet or contain water into Tasmania. Check, clean and dry your fishing equipment before entering Tasmania. Do not transfer any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, invertebrates or plants between inland waters. Check your boat, trailer, waders and fishing gear for weed and other pests that should not be transferred before moving between waters. Do not use willow (which is a plant pest) as a rod support as it has the ability to propagate from a strike.
Pest Fish Management
The pest fish, redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) and tench (Tinca tinca) inhabit the Macquarie River system. If either of these species are caught, anglers are asked to humanely kill the captured fish and dispose of appropriately.
