Fishing

Part of Tasmania's island advantage is the waters that surround it, and the unique sea life that it supports. Recreational fishing inland and off the coast is incredibly popular and boats abound in the North West. Fishing licences are compulsory in Tasmania and some marine reserves do not allow fishing. For full details on recreational fishing licences, fishing seasons, size limits and catch limits etc in Tasmania ring the Department of Primary Industries and Water.
Tel: (03) 6233 3352 or 1800 084 881 or visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au
Fishing licences can also be obtained at the Devonport Visitor Information Centre.

Combine kilometres of sweeping coastline and pristine blue waters; secluded inland lakes, crystal clear estuaries and winding rivers with a variety of saltwater fish species and prized freshwater trout, and you have a recipe for success. Add the exciting reality that you may be one of a mere few, if any, out on the water at one time and alas, an angler's paradise. The diversity of Tasmania's North West and its fishery is a unique package - invigorating, productive fishing in refreshingly spectacular surroundings.

Freshwater fishing
Tasmania's trout fishery is world class and the north-west boasts some of the most dynamic angling in the state. An Inland Fisheries Licence is required for inland waters but the rewards are high. You can fish just about any river, lake or stream in the region for brown trout, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon or brook trout. Highly prized sea-trout run the regions rivers, particularly in spring when large fish move up river chasing schools of whitebait, whilst the mighty Lake Burbury beckons as one of the state's most highly regarded angling destinations. The freshwater fishing season runs from August to May, with November and March considered the best time to fish. Some of the regions major waters are open for fishing year round.

You do not need a licence to fish registered private fisheries, so for those interested in a casual, high yield fishing experience a trip to the Natone Hills Fly Fishery in Natone will ease the angling itch. Two large dams are stocked with brown and rainbow trout, rods and tackle are available for hire and if you're a beginner this is a great place to start, expert tuition is available and highly recommended.

Insight: Fly Fishing
Tasmania may be fished on the surface from mid October to end of season as most rivers and lakes are shallow. Trout will readily take a well presented artificial that matches the insect or food. Most brown trout fishing requires stealth but not grasshopper fishing which is particularly exciting in this region. Plop a grasshopper on the water in mid March and the trout will literally jump at it. The rivers generally produce nice pan size trout ant the lakes 2 to 3 pound trout with a trophy fish at times.

Tip: Hire a guide, get with a local or search out a fishing club in the area to make the most of your fly fishing experience.

The best flies for North West Rivers:
Berne's Robin - No.12 hook wet fly (August, October)
Berne's Grasshopper - No.12 hook (mid January to mid April)
Brown or Green Nymph - No.12 and 14 (all season)
Iron Blue Dunn - No.14 and 14 hook (October, November December *)
Tea Tree Beetle - No.12 hook (mid January, December, early February)
Woolie Worm (shortie) Brown - Green No. 12 hook (August, September October)
*All season

The best flies for Lakes:
Bead Head Woolie Bugger (orange tag) - No.12 (August to October)
Berne's Duck Fly - No.12 hook (October, November, December*)
Berne's Grasshopper - No.12 (February, March)
Guides Tag - No.12 hook (late November through January*)
Lodgers Dunn - No 12 hook (late December, January)
*All season

Tasmania's trout fishery enjoys disease free status and encourages sustainable fishing practices. Fishing guidelines and restrictions are in place including bag and size limits, seasons and licence requirements. For more information and a comprehensive guide to freshwater fishing in Tasmania visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au.

Saltwater fishing
For the avid saltwater angler coastal waters are alive with flathead, pike, barracouta, mullet, Australian salmon, trevally, snapper, trumpeter, blue warehou (snotty trevally) and calamari to name a few. Rocky coves, awesome beaches and a variety of jetties and wharves will occupy the shore angler whilst those with access to a boat will appreciate a number of well-maintained boat-ramps located throughout the region.

Arm yourself with a beach rod and cast out from the sandy shores of Sisters Beach, drop in a line from the Wynyard wharf or scout the luminous waters of Port Sorell estuary for some of Tasmania's best eating bream. The beaches of King Island such as Phogues Bay and Martha Lavinia are fantastic for surf fishing. For those interested in the game, mako shark stalk the offshore waters right along the North West Coast. Wherever you are in the region productive fishing is never too far away. The commercial fishing industry is well established and recreational fishing is a favoured past time for many. Locals can provide valuable insights into hotspots, access and possible hazards.

Tasmania encourages responsible and sustainable fishing practices. Bag and size limits, seasons and licence requirements are in place. You don't need a licence for recreational rod and line fishing in salt or marine waters but licences are required for abalone, rock lobster fishing (dive, ring and pot), scallop (dive), grabhall net, mullet net and beach seine net fishing. For more information and a comprehensive guide to recreational saltwater fishing in Tasmania please visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au.

Weather Conditions
Weather conditions throughout the region vary considerably and can change without warning, it is strongly recommended that you seek regular updates and take the necessary precautions to ensure your fishing trip is a safe one. Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST), www.mast.tas.gov.au, provides information for general safety and recreational boating in Tasmanian waters.

Boat ramps, jetties, wharves and moorings
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) outlines all marine facilities - boat ramps, jetties and wharves - and moorings by region. For more information visit http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/domino/mast/newweb.nsf/v-html/fsFacilities.