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Derwent Bridge is an ideal base to fish many of Tasmania’s crystal-clear highland lakes and streams for wild brown or rainbow trout, from the land or by boat. Lake St. Clair, its Lagoon and Lake King William (subject to seasonal water levels) are just a few kilometres from your Chalet or Studio and a further dozen lakes can be reached in thirty minutes to one hour. The table below provides helpful details about the fishing methods, bag limits and access for these waters.

All fishing must be done in accordance with the Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code, which is provided with your fishing licence. Trout fishing licences for the 2009-2010 season are available from the Chalets office - Remember that children thirteen years, or younger, can fish free of charge without a licence.

The trout fishing season is open in some waters all year but in other waters, the season opens during August and closes during April or May. Full details are provided in the fishing code which accompanies every fishing licence. The most productive fishing in the highlands usually occurs between November and April but September and October can be satisfactory if weather conditions are mild.

Trout Guides

If you feel that local expertise and experience would improve your fishing enjoyment or success, allow us to recommend one of Tasmania’s professional trout guides, who satisfy the strict membership requirements of the Trout Guides and Lodges Association of Tasmania. For a booking during the peak season of January and February trout guides may require about six months notice but during November - December and March - April you can often book within one month of your visit.

The daily cost of a trout guide to provide their considerable knowledge and expertise, fishing equipment, 4WD transport, a boat and lunch is in the $400 - $450 range. A fishing licence (guides can issue one), personal clothing and sunscreen & insect repellent to suit you are not included. Depending on your fishing method and experience level you may be successful without a professional trout guide as we are always happy to pass on local knowledge and advice.

A special note for visiting anglers

Tasmania’s freshwater trout fishery is disease-free so if you bring used equipment ensure that it has been cleaned and disinfected. Pay particular attention to the cleanliness and contact history of waders, landing nets, rods & lines and only bring new flies. If you are an international visitor bringing used equipment be sure to provide evidence of its disinfection or declare it for treatment on arrival to protect the disease-free status of our precious freshwater fishery. It is a serious offence to bring fish, fish products, live bait or invertebrates into Tasmania.

Trout fishing waters near Derwent Bridge