The 2026-27 rainbow trout season opens this Saturday, 3 October 2026.

This opening applies to designated rainbow trout waters, which differ from the brown trout season which commenced at the start of August 2026.

The designated rainbow waters are:

• Dee Lagoon
• Junction Lake
• Lake Meston
• Lake Rowallan
• Lake Skinner
• Lake Youd
• Mersey River above Lake Rowallan
• River Leven upstream of Loongana Road Bridge
• Weld rivers (both North and South)

Most of the waters are fairly remote and lakes Junction, Meston, Youd, Skinner and the Mersey River above Lake Rowallan are waters that need to be accessed on foot, but they are great fisheries that offer a range of fantastic fishing opportunities.

Dee Lagoon is an accessible lake on the central plateau. It has good access with two formal boat ramps and fishes consistently well. There is also the chance of finding some excellent brown trout in this water. 

This year a new wild rainbow trout fishery (Den Dam) is opening.  This water has been developed with the aim of producing wild trophy rainbow trout. The fishery is relatively small (and only suitable for a limited number of anglers at a time) and is lightly stocked with some unique angling regulations in place. Anglers should not expect easy fishing. Success may require patience and persistence, but the long-term goal is to create a high-quality trophy trout experience. More information on Den Dam is available here:  Den Dam Opens this Weekend

All these waters will close again on Sunday, 30 May 2027.

Please check the Tasmanian Angling Fishing Code or download the free Infish App for the regulations on these waters as some are restricted to artificial methods and others are distinct sections of rivers.