We are now one month into the 2025-26 Brown Trout season, and if you haven’t wet a line yet, you’ve been missing out! The season has started with a bang, with plenty of great fishing right around the state.

Things have started well at Four Springs Lake, the most popular early season water in Tasmania. Fly anglers have reported catching good quality brown and rainbow trout, with plenty of fish on the shore during low light conditions. Bait anglers have had success using powerbait, with some quality rainbows caught. Lure anglers have reported catching good numbers of fish as well, but the aquatic weed growth has required regular checking of lures. The western shore from the jetty around to the dam wall is best for shore based lure fishing.

Blackmans Lagoon and Big Waterhouse Lagoon are other early season gems that have rewarded anglers that have made the trip. Wet flies and soft plastics that are fished on the edges of the weed have accounted for well-conditioned browns and rainbows up to 3 kg. As usual, these waters are at their best early season and become challenging from November onwards when the water temperature increases. It is not advisable to fish there on or after windy weather as the water can become quite turbid.

Curries River Reservoir has been popular. Anglers are reporting catching good numbers of rainbows with the occasional brown by all methods. The causeway and western side of the reservoir have been the more reliable spots. Camden Lake is producing solid fish for anglers using wet flies and soft plastics. A kayak can be an advantage at this water, however plenty of fish are also caught from the shore. There are several accesses along the northern lake shore, and the current lower lake levels are an advantage for shore access.

South Riana Lake has been very popular amongst anglers so far. The results have been mixed, and on its day fishes very well. There have been quiet days though. The fishing seems to be at its best during westerly and northerly winds, with any easterly weather particularly challenging. Soft plastics and Ashley style spinners have been successful fished from the shore and kayaks. A reminder to anglers that motors are not permitted. Bait anglers have reported mixed results, but we would expect this to change as the water begins to rise after rain when the fish will push into the shore over freshly flooded areas in search of food. The eastern shore is a real hot spot.

Another highlight of the season so far has been the farm dams. Traditional set rod bait fishing with worms or grubs have caught good numbers of quality fish. Soft plastics, hard body lures and wet flies have also been successful. Waters to have a look at include the northwest farm dams for public fishing (please abide by the access requirements, some require the landowner to give permission before entering the property). At the southern end of the east coast, Rostrevor Reservoir is an under rated option that has been giving up some quality brown trout this season.

Over on the west coast, Lake Burbury has rewarded anglers trolling lures. Don’t let the lower water levels put you off, it is still fishing very well. As is normal for this water the fish average around the 0.5 to 0.7 kg mark, with larger fish caught occasionally. As with Lake Burbury, Lake Mackintosh is lower than expected for this time of year but has been fishing well also. Hotspots include the Sophia and Vale inlets, as well as the Tunnel End. Also worth mentioning is Lake Plimsoll. Some anglers have caught big numbers of brook trout over the past week, which have included some larger fish in addition to those recently stocked. A reminder to anglers that the boat ramp at Lake Plimsoll is closed when the lake gets close to being full, so it is worth checking the level before heading off with your boat.

The action in the highlands has taken a little while to heat up, but that is fairly normal given that it is still winter! At Penstock Lagoon fly anglers have reported catching good fish on wet flies. Yingina/Great Lake is about a meter higher than this time last year and is steadily rising. Reports have been mixed, with Elizabeth Bay, Tods Corner, Swan Bay and around Reynolds Neck being the better spots. We expect the fishing to become more consistent over the coming months as the weather warms. Anglers trolling in Bronte Lagoon and the Bradys chain of lakes over opening weekend were not disappointed. The fish have been in exceptional condition, and water levels are improving again after recent rainfall.

Lake Crescent has produced some very large fish and is always productive early season. The endemic golden galaxias are currently spawning, so anglers are advised to target the edges of the marshes and the rocky shorelines. Bibbed hard body lures and soft plastics, along with large black wet flies are the go-to options. Next door, Lake Sorell has taken a bit of time to fire up, but should improve over the next month. Owing to the late rains this year, the spawning run continued over the opening weekend of the season which no doubt limited catches.

Over east, there have been some great catches on Lake Leake by trolling anglers. Boating anglers are advised caution with the current low level, however well-conditioned browns are being caught on hard bodies. Tooms Lake has also given up good fish, with rainbow trout reportedly dominating in angler bags. Bright coloured lures and powerbait come recommended from anglers that have been there so far this season.

Reports from rivers around the state have also been mixed. The St Patricks River, Tyenna River, and upper Meander River have fished well so far. There have also been some encouraging reports from the Huon and Derwent along with their tributaries. Sea runners are also starting to appear in the lower reaches of rivers statewide, with some very big fish reported from the South, North and Northwest of the state.

Stay tuned to our website, over the next week as we preview the things to look forward to in the month of September as the 2025-26 season heats up!