Nineteen Lagoons | Tasmanian Fly Fishing Spots

OVERVIEW OF NINETEEN LAGOONS

The Nineteen Lagoons are a network of small lakes and lagoons accessed from the Lake Augusta road. The area receives a lot of attention from anglers, and is the ‘gateway’ to the Western Lakes wilderness fishery.

While some can be reached by car, others require a short walk of up to one hour to access. Wild brown trout are dominant, but rainbows are present in some waters with Lake Augusta and Little Blue Lagoon having the largest populations.

Fish size varies between locations, with those with better recruitment holding good numbers of trout of 2lb to 4lb, while others with more limited spawning have less, but larger fish.

WHEN TO FISH NINETEEN LAGOONS

While some anglers walk in from the locked gate at Lake Augusta dam in the first month of the season, the feature fishing typically begins from mid-September (TPWS usually opens the gate allowing vehicle access mid-September, but this varies depending on the condition of the road and water levels of Lake Augusta Dam).

September, October and November will see tailers, flood plain fishing and then frog and tadpole feeders.

From late spring until the end of summer reliable mayfly hatches and spinner falls create exciting fishing. Terrestrial falls can generate wonderful dry fly fishing from spring to seasons end.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS FISHERY

• Being shallow and clear, the Nineteen Lagoons are a sight fishers dream.
• All waters differ, some are better known for tailing fish and flood plain fishing, others produce prolific mayfly hatches, some exceptional wade and shore based polaroiding and several are great boat fishing venues.
• All waters in the region are wonderful dry fly fisheries.

ACCESS POINTS TO NINETEEN LAGOONS

All of the Nineteen Lagoons have special features, unique geography and characteristics to offer anglers. Places like Lake Kay and O’dells are known for producing hatches of mayfly and black spinners. Hatches appear from late spring and run throughout summer, warm days with light winds and cloud are best.

All locations within the 19 Lagoons offer good polaroiding, but sandy bottomed venues such as Lake Ada, Ada Lagoon, Double Lagoon, Sandy Lake and Lake Botsford are easier places to see fish. If you are unfamiliar with this style of fishing, these are good venues to try first.

Map courtesy of Discovertasmania.com.au

Lake Kay, Double Lagoon, Hood Lagoons, Pine River Lagoons, Howes Bay Lagoon and Talinah Lagoon feature large areas of tussock flats which flood after heavy rains. This is prime water to look for tailing fish and trout hunting frogs during spring. Early and late in the day are best, but overcast conditions can have fish stay in the shallows all day.

First Lagoon, Lake Bailie and Second Lagoon all feature shallows with areas of small rock. They are reliable locations to find fish feeding on snails. Dawn the best time to target these fish, which normally feeding slowly seen with their tails and backs clear of the water.

GEAR REQUIRED

A 9’ foot 5wt or 6wt rod rigged with a WF floating line and leader of 12 – 15ft in length will cover most situations.

FLY SELECTIONS

Wet Flies

My suggestions would include Woolly Bugger (olive or black), Woolly Worm, Rabbit Fur Fly (olive or black), Stick Caddis, Snail patterns and brown nymphs.

Dry Flies

These should include things like Red Tags, Possum Emerger, Shaving Brush, Black Spinner, Gum Beetle, Bobs Bits, small parachutes and large terrestrial patterns.

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