Fact Sheet for Lake Burbury

Introduction:

Lake Burbury is one of the largest hydro impoundments on the West Coast and is considered by many Tasmanian anglers as the jewel in the crown to rival the best known angling destinations in Tasmania. Lake Burbury is regulated as inland water where all legal forms of freshwater angling are permitted. It is within close proximity to the township of Queenstown and is open to fishing all year.

Fishing Information:

Lake Burbury is primarily a boat fishing lake, it is subject to regular water level fluctuations and during those periods some shores are accessible to fish. Trolling is the most preferred method using flatfish, cobra wobblers or deep trolling lures of various colours and patterns, accounts for most fish caught. Lake Burbury can be most productive on days when the weather conditions are overcast or during rain periods. The lake contains a very large population of rainbow and brown trout, most average between 500 grams and 2 kilograms with larger specimens sometimes caught.

Fisheries Management Information:

Prior to the flooding of Lake Burbury the Inland Fisheries Service stocked the lake heavily with both rainbow and brown trout this was to take advantage of the abundant food available as the water level was raised. Both the rainbow and brown trout have acclimatised extremely well and the large number of spawning streams entering the lake has ensured natural recruitment is maintained. Both species have become abundant prompting the Service to increase the daily bag limits at Lake Burbury from 12 to 20.

Region:

West

Other Fish:

The climbing galaxias (Galaxias brevipinnis) and the spotted galaxias (G. truttaceus) are found in the catchment and are probably present in low numbers at Lake Burbury.

Fishing Tips:

Check the wind lanes! Lake Burbury has developed some of the best wind lane fishing in Tasmania. Early in the morning, after a large midge hatch it is not uncommon to encounter a wind lane abundant with surface feeding rainbow and brown trout. Small wet or dry fly’s place in front of these fish can often produce results. When the fish are proving difficult a large dry fly pattern such as a royal coachman tied on a number 8 or 10 size hook can surprise.

Facilities:

Good concrete boat ramps and toilet facilities are available at both ends of the lake. There is a camping and caravan park close to the lake just of the Lyell Highway on the eastern shore.

How To Get There:

Travel to Queenstown. The Lyell Highway crosses the centre of Lake Burbury where access to the northern camping and launching area is sign posted. Access to the camping area and boat ramp at the southern end of Lake Burbury is through Queenstown, travel south on the Mt Jukes Road. All access roads are sealed.

Regulations and Species

Stocking Information

[View Stocking list as of 23-11-2009 (2 Entries)]