The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a passionate supporter of the state’s world-class inland fisheries which attracts about 20,000 recreational anglers each year and generates an estimated $90 million for the economy.
Tasmania enjoys some of the best trout fishing in the world which is due in part to the active trout transfer program that happens every year.
In autumn and winter each year the Inland Fisheries Service manages the transfer of wild brown trout harvested from fish traps in the Central Highlands which are then released into waters with limited natural recruitment capabilities.
These waters include Penstock Lagoon, Nineteen Lagoons region, Craigbourne Dam, Curries River Dam and many more. Today, the IFS is releasing 240 brown trout into Four Springs Lake, near Birralee, which is one of the state’s most popular inland recreational fisheries. A total of 4000 brown trout and 2000 rainbow trout will eventually be transferred to Four Springs before the 2020-21 season starts in August.
The IFS is aiming to transfer a total of 33,000 trout this year – 18,000 yearling rainbows and 15,000 adult brown trout.
While this year’s Trout Weekend at Liawenee unfortunately won’t go ahead because of the coronavirus pandemic, trout egg collection is still happening to ensure fish numbers are managed across the state.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to growing the state’s world-class inland fishery and improving facilities for the thousands of locals and visitors who enjoy our rivers and lakes and support jobs in regional communities.
The total brown trout transfers so far this year are 5249: Bruisers Lagoon 50, Camerons Lagoon 59, Carter Lakes 200, Central Highlands Lodge Dam 30; Craigbourne Dam 360, Four Springs Lake 2640, Lake Botsford 100, Lake Duncan 30, Lake Lynch 30, Lake Paget 50, Penstock Lagoon 1500, Rocky Lagoon 100, Second Lagoon 100.
For more information on trout fishing in Tasmania and trout transfers visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au
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