Document Actions
Lakes Sorell and Crescent – Options this Season
This is a reminder that Lake Sorell is closed to fishing again this season. In fact, it is closed to the public below the high water mark and this applies to all activities that might result in contact with the water, including hunting, boating, wading and swimming besides angling.
Lake Sorell remains closed but Lake Crescent is a good option for fishing this season
This is a reminder that Lake Sorell is closed to fishing again this season. In fact, it is closed to the public below the high water mark and this applies to all activities that might result in contact with the water, including hunting, boating, wading and swimming besides angling.
The special closure order was given by the Director, John Diggle before the start of last season and the decision will be reviewed annually. The restriction covers public access to the lake as well as the outlets of Lakes Sorell and Crescent, including the land around the lake and the outlets below their high water marks.
The closure is required to support the IFS in its work to control carp in Lake Sorell after the outbreak in 2009-10. A major operation has been underway since then to eliminate the juvenile fish that resulted from the 2009-10 spawning and to prevent any further spawning during the spring and summer months.
Lake Crescent, however is open for artificial lure fishing during daylight hours from Saturday 6 August and this fishery is a viable alternative to Lake Sorell. The fishery at Lake Crescent has been in the recovery phase since 2009 when the last carp is believed to have been removed.
Over the past two seasons, Lake Crescent has received flushing winter rains and sustained high water levels that have brought a significant improvement in water quality. Recent surveys have revealed a healthy population of both brown and rainbow trout, and the Service has commenced a restocking program to help build the fishery back to its former premium trophy status.
So, although there is no fishing allowed at Lake Sorell this season, anglers should consider visiting Lake Crescent instead. Since there is no public camping at Lake Crescent, campers should consider going to Dago Point Reserve at Lake Sorell. Access to the Silver Plains area is closed off to public access with a boom gate as part of the lake closure and management strategy with the land owner.
