Freshwater fisheries have defied expectations of a slow recovery from dry conditions early this year after heavy rain increased water levels.
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Anglers are returning to waters previously made inaccessible by receding water lines, and are reporting healthy stocks.
Freshwater fisheries across the state have recovered well since dry conditions in late 2015 and early 2016, according to director of Inland Fisheries Service John Diggle.
“Most Hydro Tasmania and irrigation storages have spilled or filled significantly since June resulting in some great fishing opportunities,” he said.
Woods Lake, Tooms Lake, Lake Leake, Lake King William, Craigbourne Dam and the Nineteen Lagoons area have improved considerably, Mr Diggle said.
“Other fisheries less susceptible to draw down such as Penstock Lagoon, Little Pine Lagoon, Four Springs Lake and Bronte Lagoon fished well last season and have continued to fish well this season aided by strong inflows.”
Boat ramps at all major fisheries are open, however road access to Lake Rowallan is not yet available due to flood damage.
Further recovery will involve fish gaining size with improved food availability.
Mr Diggle said no long-term impacts on fishing from the drought were expected at most fisheries.
Great Lake, which recorded a particularly low water level, has risen about six metres since the dry. There remains a chance the trout population there may show reduced condition of fish.
“However at this stage the lake continues to produce good numbers of well-conditioned trout,” Mr Diggle said.
IFS warned in a report presented in February that there was likely to be a delay of several years in the recovery of some fisheries when water levels did return to normal.
North West Fly Fisher’s Club’s Adrian Hope said there was an instant improvement in fishing conditions when water levels rose. North Western Fishing Association’s Charles Thompson said more rain would help fish swim up creeks to spawn.