Continuing our lead in to the 2026-27 brown trout season starting on 1 August 2026, here’s a look at some of the best options in northern Tasmania for your first trip of the season. 

Four Springs Lake has long been Tasmania’s most popular opening morning destination, and we expect this season to be no different. The stocking team has been busy in recent months, releasing 3,337 adult brown trout and 1,000 rainbow trout to ensure the fishery is primed for the new season. All methods of angling proved successful on opening day last season. Trolling was particularly productive, with Cobra lures and hard-bodied lures accounting for many trout. Fly anglers enjoyed success stripping wet flies and fishing nymphs, while shore-based bait anglers did well using worms and PowerBait. There is always a crowd at Four Springs Lake on opening morning, so if a busy fishery isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to consider.

Curries River Reservoir is another excellent northern fishery. Located just a short drive from Georgetown, it is expected to perform well after receiving 2,400 brown trout and 1,000 rainbow trout over winter. Shore-based anglers have good opportunities throughout the reservoir, with both lure casting and set-rod fishing proving effective methods. Kayaks and other non-motorised craft can provide an advantage on opening weekend, allowing anglers to access less crowded areas. Anglers should note that petrol-powered outboard motors are not permitted, although electric outboards may be used. Curries River Reservoir also features in the Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion, with a $5,000 tagged trout on offer.

Camden Lake has grown steadily in popularity as an opening morning destination over recent seasons. Recent catchment rainfall has seen water levels rise rapidly, creating ideal conditions for set-rod fishing using worms. Lure casting is also a productive option, with soft plastics and hard-bodied lures fished around the dam wall producing excellent results early last season. Built in 2019, this fishery is still developing and, as a result, trout condition has remained excellent in recent years.

Further north, Blackmans Lagoon and Big Waterhouse Lake are renowned early-season fisheries.  These waters have benefitted greatly from recent rains and their extensive aquatic vegetation provides an abundance of food for trout, resulting in plenty of well-conditioned fish and several larger-than-average specimens being caught each year. Fly fishing is a major attraction early in the season, with wet flies fished along weed edges accounting for many trout. The waters support healthy populations of galaxias, which form an important part of the trout's diet. Lure anglers can also expect good results spinning from the shore or drift spinning from a boat. Trolling, however, can be challenging due to the extensive weed growth. In recent months, our stocking team has released an additional 852 brown trout and 250 rainbow trout into Blackmans Lagoon, and 120 brown trout and 250 rainbow trout into Big Waterhouse Lake.

The region’s rivers also offer promising prospects. Following periods of heavy rainfall, flooded margins can be particularly productive. Backwaters where small streams and drains enter the main river system are excellent locations for worm fishing with a set rod. Tidal reaches can produce quality sea-run trout from the opening weekend of the season. In the heart of Launceston, the Trevallyn Tailrace regularly produces trophy trout early each season. Anglers seeking river options can also refer to the Tinamirakuna/Macquarie River, Meander River, South Esk River and Brumbys Creek angler access brochures. Other worthwhile choices include the North Esk River and St Patricks River.

Interested in recent stockings?

To view recent fish stockings for the north and north-east regions visit the IFS website or download the free Infish App.

Get Ready—Act Now!

Don’t miss opening day. Purchase or renew your licence today:

Visit Service Tasmania, your local tackle store, or go to the IFS website. 

Gear up, get licensed, and get fishing—we’ll see you on the water this season!