Opening weekend option number 6 is one of the best fisheries in the west, and one of the most picturesque - Lake Mackintosh. With the recent arrival of consistent rains, the lake has been steadily rising over the past 3 weeks. This is exactly what you want if going fishing at Lake Mackintosh!

Trolling is the most popular method of fishing in Lake Mackintosh. There are several different areas of the lake that are worth trying, and if one is not producing, move onto the next! Bibbed lures and cobra’s generally fish well, and as with most west coast lakes, green and gold are good colours to try. Spinning from the shore is also productive. 

The southern end of the lake, known as the ‘Tunnel End’ is one of the best spots, so long as water is running in from Lake Murchison through the Sophia Tunnel. A reminder to anglers that there is a signposted exclusion zone where boating is not permitted. There are also two long inlets where the Vale and Sophia Rivers enter the lake which are also hotspots worth exploring, as are the stands of drowned timber dotted around the lake.

Set rod bait fishing with worms or grubs is also a popular option and is worthwhile as the lake rises. Fly anglers will find trout rising to midge on calm mornings, but lure fishing is the main attraction.

There are also three tagged fish at large in the lake worth $5,000 each for anglers lucky enough to catch them as part of our 2025-26 tagged trout promotion.

Good campsites exist around the boat ramps between the Tullabardine and Mackintosh Dams, and for those that like a little more comfort, great accommodation is available 10 minutes away at Tullah.

For further information about Lake Mackintosh, check out the InFish App and our Anglers Access brochure. Anglers Alliance Tasmania has a webcam there, which is also available through the InFish App.