Lake Gordon

Region: South · Category: Major
19.91 07/12/2024

Regulations

Min size: 220 mm Bag limit: 20 Method: Artificials (lures and flies) only Season: 3/8/2024 - 27/4/2025

Waters in McPartlans Canal between Lakes Pedder and Gordon

Closed

Background

Lake Gordon was created in 1971 for Hydro development. Lake Gordon has a surface area of 272 square kilometres and total volume of 11.9 cubic kilometres. In total the scheme represents 35 percent of the Tasmania's total energy storage capacity.

Getting There

Both Lakes Gordon and Pedder are approximately 2 hours drive from Hobart. Take the A10 to New Norfolk, B62 to Westerway and B61 to Strathgordon via National Park.

Recreational Fish Management

The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) manages Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon as wild trout fisheries. Natural recruitment sustains populations.

Angling Notes

Lake Gordon provides excellent trout fishing opportunities particularly for anglers with a boat. Shore based anglers should concentrate on nearby Lake Pedder. Both brown and rainbow trout are present in Lake Gordon although brown trout dominate. Drift spinning and trolling from a boat using cobra style lures is the most reliable method of angling. Fly fishing with large wet flies can also be successful. Wind lane fishing for rainbows can be very rewarding as well as wet fly fishing around the flooded timber from spring until autumn.

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.

Native Fish Management

The swamp galaxias (Galaxias parvus) may still be present in some of the swampy areas draining into Lake Gordon. Both lakes have populations of climbing galaxias (Galaxias brevipinnis).

Pest Fish Management

Redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) are present in Lake Gordon. If this species is caught, anglers are asked to humanely kill the captured fish and dispose of appropriately. Redfin perch are not present in Lake Pedder and it is important that they are not introduced from Lake Gordon. It is an offence to use fish or fish products for bait or to transfer fish between waters.

Lake Levels

Report any unusual fish captures or algal sightings immediately to Inland Fisheries Service

Report illegal activities to Bushwatch 1800333000

Recreational Use

Parks and Wildlife Service manages campgrounds at Teds Beach, Edgar Dam and Huon Inlet. No camping fees apply however National Parks Passes are required. Edgar Campground Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fire wood provided and fires permitted in designated fireplaces. Huon Camp ground facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fire wood provided and fires permitted in designated fire places. Teds Beach facilities: Electric BBQS, camping, toilets, boat ramp, picnic tables, water and rubbish bins provided. Fuel stove only area. Note The remainder of the Park is a fuel-stove area only.

Boating

There are boat launching areas near Gordon Dam and at Boat Ramp Road in Ragged Basin on Lake Gordon. There are several areas prohibited for navigation:
In the waters of Lake Gordon within 100metres of the intake,
In the waters of Lake Gordon between the signs and Gordon Dam,
In the waters of McPartlan Canal.
Both lakes are exposed to extreme changes in weather and can become very rough. Hazardous conditions can occur at any time of the year with little warning. Submerged timber is a significant hazard to navigation on Lake Gordon.
Practice minimal impact boating by accelerating gently in shallow water to avoid the underwater wash from the propeller jet stirring up silt and mud. This sediment clouds the water, disturbs sensitive weed beds, smother aquatic plants and degrades fish habitat.