We’ve had good winter rain and we expect most lakes and rivers to perform well right from the start.

Four Springs Lake is ready. More than 4000 wild adult brown trout and 2100 rainbow trout were released from the Central Highlands and commercial hatcheries over winter into this fishery. This water draws a crowd for the opening and will produce fish until Christmas.

Rivers will provide great fishing in the coming season. Just how good they are will depend on the rainfall for the rest of winter and spring.

We’ve updated our Anglers Access Program brochures that show you how to get to the best spots.

The South Esk River, Brumbys Creek, Meander River and St Patricks River are always popular. Remember, great river fishing is often available close to home.

Both Lake Leake and Tooms Lake are good early season waters with generally milder weather. Wet fly and lure casting around the weed beds can be fun.

The lakes are still fairly low but should improve with spring rains. Dry fly fishing in October to December along with drift spinning among the dead timber will catch fish.

If you fancy an early trip to the Central Highlands, Bronte Lagoon, Pine Tier Lagoon, Lake Echo, Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, yingina/Great Lake and Woods Lake will fish well from the opening.

For anglers chasing a trophy trout, try Lake Crescent early in the season. The water level has risen steadily through winter and further rain in spring should bring the marshes into play.

The lake has both brown and rainbow trout. It will produce some massive trout again this season for those looking for the fish of a lifetime. Another trophy trout chance is Blackmans Lagoon.

The Western Lakes region provides a range of fishing experiences. Still enjoying the benefits from the big rains in 2016, this region is worth a look.

With no flooding, the sea run trout will be about in the estuaries and lower reaches of major rivers from the start of this season. This can provide exciting fishing right through to Christmas. Fishing for sea runners is reliable in the kanamaluka/River Tamar, Great Forester, Brid and Boobyalla rivers and many more right around the State. There have been quite a few regulatory changes so check your Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code 2018-19. If you have copies of our Anglers Access Brochures be aware that most have been updated to reflect the changes and don’t forget to update the InFish app.

An angling licence is available to suit everyone from 48 hour, seven or 28 days, one or five seasons. If you want to buy a licence or need more info/feedback go to www.ifs.tas.gov.au, call 1300INFISH or email infish@ifs.tas.gov.au