Access and Development
Apart from registered private fisheries, Tasmania’s fishery is public property – the fish are not the property of the landowner. However, the land that surrounds public water is subject to title and the rights of the landowner to control access to the river or lake is at their discretion. Anglers must ensure that they are on public land or that they have sought the permission of the landowner to access the river or lake they wish to fish.
The majority of lakes in Tasmania exist on Hydro Tasmania or reserve land (Crown, National Parks etc) and public access is generally permitted across the land to the lakes and around the lake shores. Hydro does control access to areas where there is infrastructure or there are safety issues with public access. These areas are generally signposted with appropriate warnings.
Rivers generally traverse a number of different land tenures along their length, which may be a combination of reserves and private land. Land title generally extends to the edge of the river, and occasionally to the middle of the river. Land tenure can be searched on the LIST Tasmanian Property Database (www.thelist.tas.gov.au). Another useful tool is theTasmanian 1:25000 map series, available from Service Tasmania. These show river reserves where they exist and anglers are permitted to access these areas provided they do not have to cross private property to reach them. The most important principle is ‘Access is a privilege not a right - when in doubt ask permission’.
Brochures and Maps
Access brochures have been developed for popular lakes and rivers which include maps showing each access point and provide important information for local and visiting anglers including anglers code of conduct, regulation, safety, environmental issues and fishery management objectives.
The brochures are available in printed copy from the IFS and PDF format via the AAT and IFS websites. Anglers Access Projects enhance the availability of information to anglers, support promotion of recreational angling to residents and visitors and enhance tourism opportunities.
The following brochures are available for downloading, each includes a map:
