Brown trout fishers set to wet a line

The brown trout season officially opens on Saturday 3 August, with thousands of freshwater anglers from across Tasmania and interstate expected to cast a line to celebrate the start of the 2024-25 season.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said trout fishing is a valued tradition for many Tasmanians, and the opening of the season provides an important boost to our regional communities and businesses as part of the state’s $270 million recreational fishing economy.

“The Tasmanian Government has stocked thousands of adult brown trout and rainbow trout into assisted lake fisheries across the state, providing plenty of opportunities to catch a fish this season,” said Minister Abetz.

“Recent rainfall has given many of our lakes and rivers a much-needed re-charge and fishing conditions for opening weekend are looking promising.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future backs fishing as a way of life for many in the state, with initiatives such as the waiving of junior freshwater angling fees for 14-to-17-year-olds and designating recreational fishing as a “sport” and “active recreation” activity.

“Additionally, this season, the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) is also offering discounted licences for 18 to 21-year-olds; licences are now available for purchase from either your local tackle shop, Service Tasmania or online.”

All funds generated from licence sales go directly into managing the inland fishery, ensuring the long-term health and performance of the fishery, including stocking, fishery performance assessments, pest fish management, improving angler access and undertaking research.

When planning a fishing trip, anglers are encouraged to remember to check the weather conditions and water levels for not only safety reasons, but to get the best results. 

Local experienced trout guides are also a great resource to provide extra fishing assistance and expertise.

More information on inland fishing, including new licences, renewals and links to the useful Infish App 2.0 is available on the IFS website: https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/