Great Lake, officially known as Yingina / Great Lake, is a magnificent natural lake and man-made reservoir nestled in the central northern region of Tasmania. Positioned within the inhabited Central Highlands municipality, this lake stands as Australia's second-largest freshwater lake, elevated at 1,030 metres above sea level. Its waters make it a prime destination for hydro-electric power, fishing, and tourism, with nearby towns like Liaweenee and Miena serving as popular holiday shack destinations.
Check out our video location preview for fly fishing at Great Lake in Tasmania's central highlands in the player below:
Expansive Waters: Great Lakes vast surface area provides some fantastic fly fishing options with particular highlights being early morning midge fishing, wind lane fishing and shore based poloroiding. Bright sunny days with Northerly winds are best, and the use of a boat will increase success.
Unique Ecosystem: The lake's ecosystem supports an enormous trout population, making it a prime location for fly fishers, with good numbers of fish found all throughout the lake.
Ideal Habitat for Trout: Given its size, Great Lake has a variety of different habitats ranging from dense weed beds, rocky shorelines, timbered bays and varying depths. This gives the trout plenty of opportunity to find ideal conditions for shelter, foraging and spawning.
Summer - Autumn Months: Optimal dry fly-fishing period with warmer weather bringing increased insect activity.
Winter -Spring: With Great Lake open for angling year round, its a great winter option. During spring, trout will move into shallow rocky margins to hunt spawning galaxia populations which produces some exceptional wet fly-fishing.
Great Lakes surface area of 176 square kilometres, making it the state's third-largest freshwater lake. The lake's elevation provides a cooler climate, which, combined with its natural and expanded boundaries, creates a unique environment for both aquatic life and fly-fishing enthusiasts.
By Road: Access via the Lake Highway or Highland Lakes Road, which traces the west side of the lake, offering stunning views and easy access.
Shore Access: The lake's extensive shoreline provides numerous spots for anglers to access the water directly from the land. These areas are perfect for those looking to enjoy fly fishing without the need for a boat.
Boat Fishing: Great Lakes vast expanse is ideal for boat fishing, with several launch sites available for anglers. The lake's size allows for exploring various fishing spots, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
Boat launch sites at Great Lake include concrete ramps at Swan Bay, Cramps Bay, Brandum Bay, and Tods Corner, along with a gravel ramp at Haddens Bay. These facilities are usable from Full Supply Level (FSL) down to about 17 metres below FSL. Additionally, a gravel area for launching when the lake is low is available at Boundary Bay, situated on the western shore south of Liawenee. The lake's open waters are subject to sudden and extreme weather shifts, making conditions potentially rough at any time throughout the year, often with little notice. When water levels are low, Great Lakes depth can significantly decrease, uncovering numerous underwater hazards.
Navigation is restricted near Miena Dam, Tods Corner power station, and the Poatina Intake, so please heed these areas. To preserve the lake's natural beauty and maintain a healthy habitat for fish, we encourage minimal impact boating. This includes gentle acceleration in shallow areas to prevent propeller wash from stirring up the lake bed, which can cloud the water with silt and mud, harm aquatic plants, and disturb fish habitats.
Climate Considerations: Known for its cold climate, especially during winter months when the lake's surface may freeze, adding a unique element to the visit
Scenic Beauty: Despite the cold, the Great Lake offers a tranquil fly-fishing experience, making it a sought-after destination for anglers and nature lovers alike.
Great Lake offers an unprecedented fly-fishing adventure.
With easy road access, opportunities for both shore and boat fishing, and a climate that adds a unique touch to the experience, it's a destination that promises both challenges and rewards for anglers of all levels. Whether you're casting from the shores in the early morning light or navigating its expansive waters by boat, Great Lake is a testament to the beauty and bounty of Tasmania's wilderness.
If you're looking for a fly fishing trip to Great Lake or surrounding areas, check out Trout Tales guided fly fishing in Tasmania packages or book your fly fishing trip today.
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