Regulations
Catch & Release only
Min size: C & R mm Bag limit: 0 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only. From 1 hour before sunrise to 3 hrs after sunset Season: 3/10/2026 - 30/5/2027
Latest stocking
| Date | Number | Species | Age | Weight (g) | Type | Stocked from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/10/2025 | 92 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 905 | Diploid | Liawenee Canal, yingina/Great Lake | |
| View stocking history... | |||||||
Background
Den Dam is a small (3.7Ha) water located on private property on the upper reaches of Donnybrook Rivulet. Previously unstocked, small numbers of wild adult rainbow trout were introduced in Spring 2025.
***Site Entry Requirement***
It is a requirement of access onto this private property to provide your name and phone number.
You must text your name and phone number to 0427 988 728 prior to entering the property.
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Getting There
Den Dam is approximately 6km west of Melton Mowbray. To access turn onto Den Road from the A5 Highland Lakes Road, approximately 2.5km west of Melton Mowbray.
Recreational Fish Management
Den Dam has been established with the aim of creating a trophy rainbow trout catch and release fishery.
New fishery regulations have been implemented at this water to support a fisheries management trial looking into catch and release related fish mortality. Only artificial lures and flies are permitted to be used in conjunction with single barbless hooks.
Through this fishery management trial, we aim to assess the survivability of released fish alongside aspects such as water temperature, fish size , time of year and angler visitation.
Angling Notes
Den Dam features prolific weed beds that are highly productive, supporting vast insect life. Rising fish are common during warmer, light wind conditions. Deeper shores along the northern part of the dam provide great scope for lure casting.
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 gear 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.
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.
Reminder
Foot access for anglers has been provided by the goodwill of landowners and is a privilege not a right. Please respect private property and abide by the access rules and code of conduct to ensure the continued use of these areas.
Do not stray into paddocks or trample crops
Avoid disturbing stock
Do not climb on fences
Leave gates as you find them
Do not cut down or deface trees
Respect the directions of the landowner at all times. Access to this site is conditional on anglers observing these rules.
Recreational Use
Catch and Release
Avoid prolonged fights, bring the fish in as quickly as possible.
Keep the fish fully submerged when removing hooks.
Remove hooks using forceps or long nosed pliers.
Wet your hands before handling and use rubberised knotless nets.
If it is necessary to take the fish out of the water minimise the time, ideally less than 10 seconds.
Keep the fish horizontal and close to the water surface.
Never touch the eyes or gills or hold the fish vertically.
Do not place fish onto grass, rocks or dirt.
When releasing, hold the fish upright in the water and let its energy recover to swim away naturally from your grip.
Boating
No boats or kayaks are permitted.
Remember
Higher water temperatures increase fish stress and oxygen demand, reducing their ability to recover after release. Please keep fish handling to a mimimum during the warmer months.
Code of Conduct
Be aware of and comply with fishing regulations
Respect the rights of other anglers and users.
Protect the environment.
Carefully return catch back to the water.
Fish species and other organisms must not be relocated or transferred into toher water bodies.
