news, local-news, Tasmania, fishing, Inland Fisheries, annual report, Guy Barnett
The fish were just about lined up and asking to be caught at a Central Highlands lake and a Northern river last season. Lake King William, near Derwent Bridge, had a catch rate of 3.12 fish per angler per day in the 2019-20 season, according to results from an annual postal survey of anglers included in the Inland Fisheries Service’s annual report. Woods Lake, south-east of the Great Lake, was another strong performer, with a catch rate of 2.98. They were well ahead of the other lakes, including the Great Lake (1.23), Little Pine Lagoon (1.49) and Penstock Lagoon (1.62). Anglers could consider themselves lucky to have caught anything at some of the lakes, including Bradys Lake and Meadowbank Lake (both 0.50), and extremely lucky at Dee Lagoon (0.18) and Brushy Lagoon (0.09). St Patricks River, north-east of Launceston, was the standout river fishery. IN OTHER NEWS: It had a catch rate of 2.23 fish per angler per day. Other stronger rivers included the Tyenna (2.01), the Mersey (1.36) and the Meander (1.74). The Mersey was the most popular river with anglers, followed by the Derwent. The Great Lake was the most popular lake, from Arthurs Lake, Woods Lake and Penstock Lagoon. Inland Fisheries said the coronavirus pandemic emerged as the greatest threat during the financial year. The year included temporary closure of access to many parks, reserves and private land areas used to access fisheries, as well as Hydro Tasmania-managed land and water. “This dramatically affected access for recreational fishing and, combined with mainland bushfires, resulted in a 10 per cent downturn in annual participation,” the IFS said. “All non-essential fieldwork ceased, with most IFS staff working from home. “Fish transfers and stocking of waters continued in preparation for the 2020-21 season in support of regional economies.” Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said the year included Tasmania hosting the 39th World Fly Fishing Championships, in November and December. He said the event attracted 1000 anglers, support crew and visitors from 23 countries. “The Tasmanian government provided $100,000, along with significant support from the IFS, to support this internationally significant event that put Tasmania and our internationally renowned wild brown trout fisheries on the world stage,” Mr Barnett said. “Pleasingly, the report also highlights the success of our ongoing efforts to eradicate carp from Tasmania, with Lake Sorell reopened for angling in February 2020 after more than 25 years of carp eradication work, with an increasing likelihood that carp will be eradicated from the lake. “This is fantastic news and testament to the dedication of the IFS team over many years.” While you’re with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
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The fish were just about lined up and asking to be caught at a Central Highlands lake and a Northern river last season.
Lake King William, near Derwent Bridge, had a catch rate of 3.12 fish per angler per day in the 2019-20 season, according to results from an annual postal survey of anglers included in the Inland Fisheries Service’s annual report.
Woods Lake, south-east of the Great Lake, was another strong performer, with a catch rate of 2.98.
They were well ahead of the other lakes, including the Great Lake (1.23), Little Pine Lagoon (1.49) and Penstock Lagoon (1.62).
Anglers could consider themselves lucky to have caught anything at some of the lakes, including Bradys Lake and Meadowbank Lake (both 0.50), and extremely lucky at Dee Lagoon (0.18) and Brushy Lagoon (0.09).
St Patricks River, north-east of Launceston, was the standout river fishery.
It had a catch rate of 2.23 fish per angler per day.
Other stronger rivers included the Tyenna (2.01), the Mersey (1.36) and the Meander (1.74).
The Mersey was the most popular river with anglers, followed by the Derwent.
The Great Lake was the most popular lake, from Arthurs Lake, Woods Lake and Penstock Lagoon.
Picture: Phillip Biggs.
Inland Fisheries said the coronavirus pandemic emerged as the greatest threat during the financial year.
The year included temporary closure of access to many parks, reserves and private land areas used to access fisheries, as well as Hydro Tasmania-managed land and water.
“This dramatically affected access for recreational fishing and, combined with mainland bushfires, resulted in a 10 per cent downturn in annual participation,” the IFS said.
“All non-essential fieldwork ceased, with most IFS staff working from home.
“Fish transfers and stocking of waters continued in preparation for the 2020-21 season in support of regional economies.”
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said the year included Tasmania hosting the 39th World Fly Fishing Championships, in November and December.
He said the event attracted 1000 anglers, support crew and visitors from 23 countries.
“The Tasmanian government provided $100,000, along with significant support from the IFS, to support this internationally significant event that put Tasmania and our internationally renowned wild brown trout fisheries on the world stage,” Mr Barnett said.
“Pleasingly, the report also highlights the success of our ongoing efforts to eradicate carp from Tasmania, with Lake Sorell reopened for angling in February 2020 after more than 25 years of carp eradication work, with an increasing likelihood that carp will be eradicated from the lake.
“This is fantastic news and testament to the dedication of the IFS team over many years.”
While you’re with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
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