Great Lake Highland Trout

Central Highlands, TAS, Australia · Fly Fishing · Intermediate

Tasmania's Central Highlands hold some of the world's best wild brown trout water. Great Lake and the surrounding lakes offer polaroiding, tailing fish in the shallows, and classic loch-style fishing.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat
  • Boat ramp: Concrete ramps at Swan Bay, Cramps Bay, Brandum Bay and Tods Corner; a gravel ramp at Haddens Bay; a low-water alternative at Boundary Bay on the western shore south of Liawenee
  • Facilities: Public toilet (Miena), Camping ground (Miena)

Ramps are built for the Full Supply Level down to roughly 17m below it — at low water the lake can be extremely shallow with submerged hazards, so check current levels before launching. Do not park on or obstruct a ramp. Fishing from a boat within 100m of an angler fishing from shore is prohibited unless the boat is securely moored. No fires permitted on the foreshore.

Access information source

Species

  • brown trout
  • rainbow trout

Best times to fish

  • Early season wets (Aug-Oct)
  • Summer polaroiding (Dec-Feb)
  • Overcast days for loch-style

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 6-weight fly rod
  • Wet flies and nymphs
  • Waders
  • Warm layered clothing

Optional

  • Drift boat hire
  • Polaroiding sunglasses
  • Landing net

Regulations and requirements

  • Tasmanian Inland Fisheries licence required
  • Season and method rules vary by water — check IFS
  • Bag and size limits apply

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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