Trout re-stocking boost for anglers

THE INLAND Fisheries Service released 240 brown trout into Four Springs Lake near Birralee in May, with about 4000 brown and rainbow trout to be transferred there before the 2020–21 season starts in August. Around 5249 brown trout have been transferred so far this year. The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett said that in autumn and winter each year the service transfers wild brown trout harvested from fish traps in the Central Highlands. ‘They are released into waters with limited natural recruitment capabilities, including Penstock Lagoon, Nineteen Lagoons region, Craigbourne Dam, Curries River Dam and more,’ he said. ‘The service is aiming to transfer around 33,000 trout this year - 18,000 yearling rainbows and 15,000 adult brown trout.’ The 2020 Trout Weekend at Liawenee is cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic but trout egg collection is still happening to ensure fish numbers are managed across the state. For more information see www.ifs.tas.gov.au.