Regulations
5 fish combined with only 2 over 500mm
Min size: 300/500 mm Bag limit: 5 Method: All methods (bait, lures and flies) Season: 5/8/2023 - 28/4/2024
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/05/2023 | 120 | Brown Trout | Adult | 810 | Diploid | Sandbanks Creek, yingina/Great Lake | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
Blackmans Lagoon is within the Waterhouse Conservation Area and is surrounded with areas of coastal heath and marram grass dunes. The Waterhouse Conservation Area encompasses a diverse range of vegetation communities including one of the largest areas of heathland on the north-east coast. These communities support a rich fauna and have been greatly reduced in extent since European settlement. Nine threatened species of bird and at least three, possibly four, of Tasmania's six species of threatened mammals are found in the reserve. A rare freshwater fish - the dwarf galaxias - and the vulnerable green and golden frog are also found in and around the lagoon. Blackmans Lagoon and its feeder creeks constitute probably the single most important site in the State for the green and golden frog. The use of frogs as bait is prohibited.
Getting There
Blackmans Lagoon is 25 km east of Bridport via the B82 Waterhouse Road and Blackmans Lagoon Road.
Recreational Fish Management
The Inland Fisheries Service manages the fishery. Populations of well-conditioned fish are maintained by stocking small numbers of hand selected wild brown and yearling rainbow trout.
Angling Notes
Blackmans typically fishes well from the August until December, particularly at first light and last light. Fly-fishing is the most effective method of angling from the shore. From as early as the first week of the season fish are willing to eat a large buoyant dry fly such as a size #10 English hopper pattern during the late afternoon and early evening. Bait fishing and drift spinning with shallow running lures from a boat are equally effective. The use of frogs as bait is prohibited. Bait fishing is limited to mudeyes brought in or collected on site or wattle grubs collected outside the reserve.
Protect Waters
Recreational anglers have a responsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations.
Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania.
Do not bring any used fishing gear or any other freshwater recreational equipment that may be damp, wet or contain water into Tasmania. Check, clean and dry your fishing equipment before entering Tasmania.
Do not transfer any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, invertebrates or plants between inland waters.
Check your boat, trailer, waders and fishing ear for weed and other pests that should not be transferred before moving between waters.
Do not use willow (which is a plant pest) as a rod support as it has the ability to propagate from a strike.
Native Fish Management
Blackmans Lagoon supports several native fish species including the State and Commonwealth protected dwarf galaxias (Glaxiella pusilla). This small scaleless species only grows to a maximum of 40 mm and can survive in moist substrates even if the water body it lives in dries up. The jollytail (Galaxias maculatus), pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) and short and long finned eel are the other native fish species that may be encountered in the lagoon.
Pest Fish Management
Anglers can help reduce the spread of pests in Tasmanian waterways. It is an offence to use fish or fish products for bait or to transfer fish between waters. Significant penalties apply.
Remember
Be aware of and comply with fishing regulations.
Respect the rights of other anglers and users.
Protect the environment.
Carefully return undersized, protected or unwanted catch back to the water.
Fish species and other organism must not be relocated or transferred into other water bodies.
