Lake, River, Stream, Beach: Fish ‘em All!
September 14th, 2011 | 
Author: Fishing Lake, River & Stream: West Coast of Tasmania
by Mike Fry
Want to fish in a lake on your way around the west coast of Tasmania? There’s magnificent lakes as well as tranquil streams, swirling mountain rivers and deserted beaches to choose from. The one thing they all have in common? Fish… and plenty of them!
Mike catches a big brown!
The many rivers, streams and lakes have good stocks of brown and rainbow trout waiting for you to cast a tempting fly or attractive lure in front of them. A simple Inland Fisheries Licence is all that is required and most tourism destinations have fishing gear to hire if you have left yours at home. For the serious fly fisherman, Tasmanian Guides and Lodges can furnish you with a guide as well to take you to those secret places known only to a few locals.
Fly fishermen hit the lake, river or beach at dawn on the west coast
Lake Burbury & Lake Plimsoll
On the west coast, Lake Burbury is open all year with plenty of accessible shorelines as is the case with most lakes, rivers and streams. Lake Plimsoll is stocked with brook trout which can prove elusive but good for early season fishers.
Lake Rosebery, Lake MacIntosh & Lake Pieman
Lake Rosebery at Tullah is an underrated water with some very big fish; Lake MacIntosh is close by and Lake Pieman holds some excellent specimens. Fishing below the Reece Dam during the whitebait season can be quite phenomenal as can the Henty and Little Henty Rivers. The Pieman and Arthur rivers have seen some brilliant fishing but boats are best to make the most of these great fishing rivers. Staying at Corinna is also a great option.
Steve Hamill - the one that didn't get away!
Fishing in Strahan
Strahan offers harbour, river and ocean fishing with charter boats available. Within the harbour there are a number of boat ramps, jetties and wharves where a line can be cast. The Shack hires out rods with a good stock of tackle and bait. The harbour contains many escapees from fish farms as well as native species of cod, Australian salmon and flathead to name but a few.
Tasmanian trout, both resident and sea runner brown, can be found in the harbour and Gordon River with large specimens regularly caught. The Henty River is accessible by four wheel drive from Strahan and the Little Henty River from Zeehan and then to Trial Harbour. Recently the Little Henty has been fishing remarkably well during the whitebait season around October and November.
Fishing at Macquarie Heads, west coast of Tasmania
Offshore there are good catches of stripey trumpeter, morwong, shark and southern ocean rock lobster to be had if you have a local to show you the way. Take care if you bring your own boat as these waters are unforgiving. Always pay close attention to weather reports and the advice of locals. The rewards however are some of the best fishing you will ever do.
Check out this haul. Brendon & Joe on the west coast of Tasmania
Other websites you might like to visit…
www.tasfish.com for some great fishing advice
www.strahanholidays.com.au for live webcam & local tourism information
Mike Fry is the owner of Ormiston House bed and breakfast
accommodation in Strahan, Tasmania
Editor’s note: Mike is totally justified having a high opinion of the fishing opportunities in Tasmania. The state has been selected to host the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships over four days in February 2012. 12 teams from 16 countries will compete at five locations.
Map of Lake Burbury Tasmania…
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Posted in Tasmanian Beaches, Tasmanian Sport, Tasmanian Things to Do, Western Wilderness | 
Tags: Fishing, Lakes, Maps, Rivers, Tourism, Water Sports
6 Responses to “Lake, River, Stream, Beach: Fish ‘em All!”
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I have often thought that I would like to fish my way around the State where I only eat what I catch & nothing else. Maybe I should start in the west under the guidance of Mike Fry. He certainly has the local knowledge and the know-how.
Mike’s photos definitely leave you with the impression of a good feed, don’t they? Might be a bit fraught with hunger though… did you see Gourmet Farmer last night, and their attempt to feed themselves on a kayaking expedition on the Huon River? Smoked eel, and 2-minute noodles!!
Just send me the crayfish thanks.
Get in line, Gina!
Hi everyone, we are the fastest growing, friendly, family orientated fishing website in Tasmania. We have a fishing information sharing site where we invite International visitors, mainland anglers and locals to join with us to help celebrate what a great fishery we have here in Tasmania. Currently, we have nearly 1300 members and also some great Australian sponsors to help us move the site along. We invite you to pop in and say hi!
Kindest regards
Carl Hyland
Thanks Carl. I’m sure lots of our readers and Mike’s dedicated band of followers will swing by your website and say hello. All the best!