Third in our opening weekend options series is South Riana Lake. Always a popular early season option, this water is at its best in the first few months of the season. The trout in the lake are always well conditioned and strong, with all fishing methods productive.

Traditional set rod bait fishing with worms works well, with the eastern shore a particular highlight. Lure anglers using hard body lures and soft plastics off the dam wall will generally do well early in the season, and fly anglers using wet flies such as matukas along the wadable shorelines are often successful.

This year we have stocked an additional 600 adult brown trout into the lake, one of which is tagged and worth $5,000 to the lucky angler who catches it.

A reminder to all anglers that access to South Riana Lake is through the good will of Tasmanian Irrigation. Please be respectful of the property by not lighting fires and taking your rubbish home with you.

Just a short drive from Burnie/Devonport and at a low elevation, South Riana Lake makes for an excellent option for opening weekend on the north-west coast.