The Tasmanian Government has announced it will run a $50,000 tagged trout promotion to help encourage anglers to visit regional areas and support the local economy.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett said the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) would release five tagged brown trout into lakes across the state before the season starts on August 1, with each tagged trout worth $10,000 to the lucky angler that returns the fish – with tag intact – to the IFS.
“The Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion will see Arthurs Lake, Lake Burbury, yingina/Great Lake, Lake Pedder and Lake Rowallan each receive a $10,000 tagged fish,” Mr Barnett said.
“Tasmania is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world and our inland fishery attracts more than 20,000 recreational anglers each year, which generates an estimated $90 million for the economy,” he said.
“As we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase, there has never been a better time to get outdoors, explore our inland waterways, buy some lures at local stores and stay fit and healthy.”
He said favourable rainfalls in autumn and winter had allowed strong spawning runs in the Central Highlands, with the IFS transferring more than 9000 wild adult trout from spawning traps at yingina/Great Lake to popular waters around the state.
The Minister said that with rising lake levels and good flows in rivers and streams the 2020-21 trout season was shaping up to be a successful one.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government understands trout fishing is an important part of the Tasmanian way of life and the inland fishery is being supported by a $300,000 commitment to freeze inland angling licenses at 2017‑18 prices until 2021-22, and providing $500,000 to improve facilities and access to Tasmania’s rivers and lakes,” Mr Barnett said.
“We encourage as many people as possible to buy a licence through their local tackle shop, Service Tasmania or online from the IFS and enjoy the world class trout fishing experience our state has to offer – and maybe catch one of the $10,000 tagged trout.”
For the full terms and conditions and details of the Tasmanian Tagged Trout Promotion visit the IFS website: www.ifs.tas.gov.au
