Lake Kara

Region: Northwest · Category: Minor

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
26/07/2023 380 Rainbow Trout Adult 525 Triploid FF#65 - Millybrook (Huon Aquaculture Group)
View stocking history...

Background

Lake Kara is a small man made reservoir situated east of Hampshire on the North West Coast. It was constructed using voluntary labour and opened for fishing in 1969. Despite regular stocking of brown and rainbow trout the lake has not produced very good trout fishing. An attempt to improve the situation by rehabilitation and improvements to the spawning creek was also unsuccessful. There is a large population of native blackfish in Lake Kara and this provides good sport for anglers wishing to target this species. The lake has been recently stocked and angling has improved.

Getting There

From Burnie, turn south onto the Ridgley Highway (B18). 23km past Ridgley turn left onto Upper Natone Road (C102) for 6.5kms. Turn right onto Osbourns Road and then left onto Lake Kara Road.

Recreational Fish Management

The Inland Fisheries Service periodically stocks Lake Kara to maintain populations of rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. Stocking information can be found at www.ifs.tas.gov.au

Angling Notes

All methods of angling can be productive including fly fishing, spinning and set rod bait fishing. Northern shores are accessible for shore based angling and lure casting from the dam wall or a small boat or canoe is popular.

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 river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) are present in the lake.

Boating

Lake Kara is a sheltered water ideal for small boats, canoes and kayaks in strict adherence with MAST safety requirements.
Please 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, smothers aquatic plants and degrades fish habitat.

Remember

Check Your wash- if it's white it's all right If it's brown slow down. Fishing From a boat within 100 Metres of an angler fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is securely moored. Do not park on or obstruct boat ramps.