12/08/2026
🎣 MIKE’S SOUTHERN TASMANIA WEEKEND FISHING OUTLOOK
15–16 AUGUST 2026
Where to fish, current conditions, access and closures
Welcome to my weekly Southern Tasmania fishing outlook. Every week I’ll look at the coming weekend’s weather, likely fishing conditions, access and any important closures.
THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK
After a wet and windy Thursday and Friday, the weekend is looking considerably better.
Huonville and New Norfolk are forecast to reach around 16°C on both days, with only a 20% chance of rain. Sunday currently looks the calmest day.
Because of Friday’s rain, smaller rivers could still be carrying extra water or colour on Saturday morning. Check the water before committing to a long session.
1. MEADOWBANK LAKE — BEST SATURDAY DAY TRIP
Where: Dunrobin Bridge, between Hamilton and Ouse.
Why this weekend: Saturday is forecast to be dry around the Central Plateau, with light winds after a cold and possibly frosty start. Meadowbank’s low elevation and sheltered position make it a better choice than the exposed highland lakes.
Try Woolly Bu**ers, Mrs Simpsons or other streamers around the w**d edges and deeper water. Start later in the morning after the frost lifts.
Important: Meadowbank is open all year. The bag limit is five fish combined, with only two over 500 mm. Good shore access, toilets, picnic facilities and a boat ramp are available around Dunrobin Bridge.
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/meadowbank-lake/
2. LOWER HUON RIVER — BEST EASY LOCAL OPTION
Where: Downstream from Huonville Bridge towards Franklin and Port Huon.
Why this weekend: A close-to-home option with mild, mostly dry weather forecast. The lower river holds resident and sea-run brown trout, along with occasional rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.
Fish the edges of currents, backwaters and submerged timber with a dark streamer or Woolly Bu**er. The water may carry some colour after Friday’s rain, so a fly with a little flash could help.
Important: The Huon downstream from Huonville Bridge is open all year. Minimum trout size is 220 mm, with a five-fish bag limit. Shore access is available at several recognised public locations—don’t cross private land without permission.
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/huon-river/
3. PLENTY RIVER WITH A DERWENT BACKUP
Where: The Plenty River around Plenty, with the River Derwent below New Norfolk Bridge as the backup.
Why this weekend: New Norfolk is forecast to be around 16°C with light winds and little chance of rain. Check the Plenty first on Sunday, when it has had more time to settle after Friday’s showers.
Try weighted nymphs through the deeper runs. If the Plenty is too high or coloured, move to the broader Derwent below New Norfolk and fish the quieter edges and current seams with streamers.
Important: The Plenty River minimum size is 220 mm, with a five-fish bag limit. The disabled fishing platforms beside the Salmon Ponds were removed after flood damage, so disabled river access is no longer available there.
The Salmon Ponds are open from 10 am to 3 pm and make a good nature and historical stop after fishing—but fishing inside the Salmon Ponds is not permitted.
Plenty River:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/plenty-river/
River Derwent:
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/fisheries/waters-a-z/river-derwent/
Salmon Ponds:
https://salmonponds.com.au/opening-times/
4. MOUNT FIELD NATURE OPTION
Sunday currently looks the better day for Mount Field, with Maydena forecast to reach around 15°C and only a slight chance of a shower.
Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees Walk are good lower-level choices. The previous Three Falls Circuit closure was scheduled to finish on 8 August, but check that the entire circuit has reopened before setting out.
Lake Dobson Road can still be affected by snow and ice at short notice, so check road conditions before driving into the alpine area. A valid Parks Pass is required.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park
MIKE’S PICK
Saturday: Meadowbank Lake—start later after the frost lifts.
Sunday: Lower Huon River for an easy local session, or Plenty River with the Derwent as your backup.
IMPORTANT CLOSURES
Craigbourne Lake remains closed to fishing and all recreational use because of blue-green algae.
https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/news/2026/jun/04/craigbourne-lake-temporarily-closed
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are closed through this weekend for annual maintenance and are scheduled to reopen on Monday 17 August.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/hastings-caves-state-reserve/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs
Pinnacle Road above The Springs is currently closed because of forecast ice. Check for an update before considering kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
LICENCE REMINDER
Anyone aged 14 or older needs a current Tasmanian inland angling licence. Regulations and seasons vary between individual waters, so check the IFS information before fishing.
Weekend forecast:
https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/huonville/forecast/
Conditions can change quickly. Check the latest weather, river conditions, road alerts and access notices before leaving home.
Tight Lines,
Mike Tenner
TroutFlies Australia
www.troutflies.com.au
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