Regulations
Mersey River - Downstream of Lake Rowallan
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
Mersey River - Upstream of TWWHA boundary at 432004E 5368027N
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
Mersey River - Upstream of Lake Rowallan to TWWHA boundary at 432004E 5368027N
Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: 30/9/2023 - 2/6/2024
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/07/2017 | 260 | Brown Trout | Adult | 370 | Diploid | River Derwent, Lake King William | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
The Mersey River is one of the best river fisheries in Tasmania. Anglers will particularly enjoy fishing the fastwater sections downstream from Lake Parangana to Dynans Bridge, the rural flats at Kimberley and Merseylea and the estuary at Latrobe.
While brown trout are dominant, rainbow trout are common in the middle reaches and sea run trout are a feature at Latrobe and the estuary. At Croesus Cave (Olivers Road), the river flows through the pristine Mole Creek Karst National Park for a distance of around 2 km. Bait fishing is not permitted within National Parks. A valid pass is required for entry to Tasmania's National Parks and must be displayed on vehicles and boats. Parks Passes are available for purchase from the Mole Creek Visitors Centre.
Getting There
The Mersey River rises on the Central Plateau south of Lake Rowallan and enters Bass Strait at Devonport. The angler access map (click on icon above) refers to a 55km stretch of the river from Lake Parangana to Latrobe. Anglers may access the river at various locations, including Mersey Forest Road, Olivers Road, Liena, Union Bridge, Dynans Bridge, Kimberley, Merseylea, Warrawee Conservation Area and Latrobe.
Recreational Fish Management
The Mersey River is managed as a wild trout fishery. The Mersey River is also managed as a recreationial whitebait fishery. Separate rules and regulations apply to whitebait - check the IFS website for details.
Angling Notes
Like many Tasmanian rivers, the Mersey boasts deep, slow-flowing pools and shallow fast sections of water that produce good quality trout. Locals prefer to fish the more challenging fast water sections which are reliably productive areas for brown and rainbow trout.
Favoured methods include bait fishing (where permitted); lure casting with blade spinners, hard bodied lures and soft plastics; and fly fishing the prolific hatches of duns, caenids and caddis during spring and summer. Sea run trout are a feature in spring, particularly around Latrobe and the estuary.
The Mersey River offers easy access combined with the convenience of ample parking. Sit back, relax and drift a light-weighted worm or grasshopper down the river's deep pools. Actively fish the long stretches of river that are wadeable with fly or lure. Here the trout average around 400g with some specimens over 1 kg, providing excellent sport on light tackle, especially in fast water.
Care should be taken when wading in most sections of the river due to slippery, round rocks covering the river bed.
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 cutting.
Native Fish Management
Australian grayling and giant freshwater lobster are present in the Mersey River and are wholly protected species. River blackfish are also present.
Recreational Use
Seaward Limit:
Inland angling regulations and licensing requirements apply upstream from the Seaward Limit on the Mersey River. (A straight line running from the junction of the B19 Road and C146 Tarleton Road on the Western shore to the boat ramp on the Eastern shore of the river.
