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The northern half of Tasmania undoubtedly possesses better and more
numerous fishing waters than the south. However, excluding those of the
Central Plateau, the remainder is principally river fishing. This is of
two distinct types: the rippling, bubbling, stony-bottomed kind of
stream; and the slow, flat, deep, weed-lined river. Both are quite
different yet both can be excellent. In the former case, for instance,
provided big fish are not sought, the St Patrick's River, some 30kms
north-east of Launceston, is an exceptionally beautiful little river
with a charm all of its own and has captured the hearts of many
visitors, especially dry fly enthusiasts. On the other hand the
Macquarie River, about 40kms south-east of Launceston, has great
beauty of a different kind and sometimes, in late October or November,
provides wonderful mayfly fishing, when the Red Spinner hatch is at its
best. Launceston is the ideal center for this area., half an hour by
car in any direction can lead to fishing of one kind or another, while
the nearer lakes of the Central. Plateau are little more than an hour's
drive away. Day trips therefore are common. Indeed it is not unusual for
an angler to slip out on a summer's evening after dinner to fish the
evening rise. The North Esk and South Esk rivers unite at Launceston to
form the Tamar Estuary. The extensive waters of these rivers and their
many tributaries provide something like 3500km of river fishing within a
60km radius of Launceston.
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