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Catch Limits
Bag limit means that you can only keep up to a specific number of fish. The bag limit for major waters are listed in the regulations..
Bag and size limits
Bag limit means that you can only keep up to a specific number of fish. The bag limit for major waters are listed in the Chart on pages Regulations Chart. If a water is not listed, then the bag limit is 12. All rivers have a bag limit of 12, except for the Macquarie River and rivers within the Western Lakes, which have a bag limit of 5. Please note that you may only keep 5 fish per day collectively from the Western Lakes.
A general rule applies that when you have caught your bag limit, you must cease fishing. This rule does not apply to the Lagoon of Islands, Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon and the Western Lakes, where you can continue to fish but must release all fish caught above the bag limit.
General minimum size limits
| Fish Species | Length |
| Atlantic salmon | 220 mm |
| Bream | 250 mm |
| Brook trout | 220 mm |
| Brown trout | 220 mm* |
| Rainbow trout | 220 mm* |
| Estuary perch | catch and release only |
| River blackfish | 220 mm |
| Eels | 300 mm |
*Except in some Western Lakes (Nineteen Lagoons area), Great Lake, Penstock Lagoon, Brushy Lagoon, Bradys Lake, Tunagtinah Lagoon, Lake Binney, Lake Barrington, Meadowbank Lake, Pet Dam, Guide Dam, Curries River Dam, Four Springs and Craigbourne Dam.
Measuring fish
You are required to measure the size of fish when they are first taken. Fin fish, other than bream, should be measured from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail. Bream are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.
Tagged or marked fish
It is illegal to mark fish in any way unless you have permission from the Service. The Service releases tagged trout periodically for research purposes. Tagged trout are a valuable source of information about the fishery. If you catch a tagged trout please contact the Service and note the following:
- The number and colour of the tag.
- The length of the fish, and if possible, the weight and sex.
- Measure the 'fork' length of the fish to the nearest millimetre (see diagram on measuring fish).
- How, when and where you caught the fish.
- If you kept or released the fish. There is no requirement to release tagged fish.
Fishing from a boat
The Service is responsible for making rules about fishing from a boat. Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) registers and controls the use of boats on inland waters. Queries about speeds and other boating regulations should be referred to MAST on (03) 6233 8801.
