Opening weekend option #8 is the most renowned big fish water in the state, Lake Crescent.

Otherwise known as the land of a thousand casts, catch rates in Lake Crescent are generally low and you need to go there open to the possibility of having a quiet day. This however doesn’t put anglers off because of the monster trout that are in the lake. Every season several fish are caught which weigh well over 10lbs, and this season will be no different.

Extensive wetlands border the lake providing prolific aquatic life, which drives the incredible growth rates seen in the trout. The lake is teeming with galaxias, providing one of the main food sources. Imitations of these fish provide the best option for lures and flies.

Large black wet flies are favoured by early season fly anglers, and bibbed hard body lures or soft plastics are recommended for lure anglers. A boat is favourable but not essential. Hot spots include the edges of the marshes and the rocky shores. Also worth a try is casting from the bank of the inflowing canal downstream of the C527 road below Lake Sorell (the canal is closed to fishing upstream of the C527 road bridge until it meets Lake Sorell).

Good camping exists nearby at the newly upgraded Dago Point camp ground. There is plenty of space and it’s accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles with toilet facilities available.

For further information on Lake Crescent check out the InFish App and the Lake Crescent Fact Sheet. Why not start your season off by catching one of the monster trout from Lake Crescent?!