Craigbourne Dam trout stockpile filled to brim

WILD brown trout have been released at a prime fishing spot at Colebrook, Tasmania, as anglers get out their rods in readiness for the opening of the trout season

Inland Fisheries Service technical officer Brock Cuthbertson with one of the salmon released into Craigbourne Dam. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

WILD brown trout have been released at a prime fishing spot at Colebrook, Tasmania, as anglers get out their rods in readiness for the opening of the trout season.

The first instalment of 300 wild brown trout to go into Craigbourne Dam were released along with some large Atlantic salmon. The Inland Fisheries Service manages the release of stock into Tasmania’s freshwater fisheries each year to ensure there are enough fish to keep anglers coming back for more.

It is estimated Tasmania’s inland fisheries contribute over $90 million to the state’s economy each year as 25,000 recreational fishers try to lure in a prize catch.

More than a fifth of those fishers come from the mainland states or overseas.

The wild brown trout which are stocked in autumn and winter each year are harvested from fish traps in the Central Highlands.

The IFS has already stocked popular fisheries including Four Springs Lake, Penstock Lagoon and Lake Crescent.

“Craigbourne Dam is one of a few select waters open to fishing all year, with most inland waters opening on August 5,” Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

Mr Rockliff said the 2017-2018 trout season was shaping up as “even better than last year”.

Tasmanian waters will host the fly-fishing world championships in 2019.