AUGUST 2017 - Anglers Alliance Tasmania
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AUGUST 2017
AUGUST 2017
Contents
Hot topics .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Whitebait poachers get big fines ............................................................................................................................. 3
South Esk Anglers Access Project ........................................................................................................................... 3
River Derwent fish trap ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Start shooting for 2017-18 Tasmania Trout Fishing Photo ............................................................................... 4
Poacher convicted of netting offence ..................................................................................................................... 5
Opening of the trout season wrap up. ........................................................................................................................ 5
Angler Postal Survey (APS) ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Anglers Access ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Anglers Access Flood Damage ................................................................................................................................. 9
Four Springs Lake Accessible Angling Platform .................................................................................................... 9
Recreational Boating Fund applications .................................................................................................................. 9
Boating zones at Little Pine Lagoon and Penstock Lagoon ................................................................................ 9
Tasmanian Inland Recreation Fishery Management Plan 2018-28 - submissions............................................. 10
How is Arthurs Lake shaping up? ............................................................................................................................... 10
Lake Leake looking good early.................................................................................................................................... 11
Fisheries Performance Assessment – Shannon Lagoon ........................................................................................ 13
Native Fish Conservation............................................................................................................................................. 13
Carp Management Program – wrap up for the year.............................................................................................. 14
Hatchery and Stocking .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Compliance...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Compliance statistics from 1/7/16 to 30/6/17 .................................................................................................... 15
Magistrates Court Offence Convictions .............................................................................................................. 16
Club events, meetings and dinners ............................................................................................................................ 18
Stockings between 25 May and 4 August 2017 ....................................................................................................... 19
2
AUGUST 2017
Hot topics
Whitebait poachers get big fines
On Wednesday 7 June 2017 two Circular Head men were sentenced in the Smithton Magistrates
Court. They were sentenced on 43 counts relating to the taking of whitebait and offences against
officers.
These convictions and penalties are the largest ever recorded by the courts for whitebait related
offences.
Leslie John LAMBERT and Roger James LAMBERT had previously pleaded guilty. Both men were
convicted on all counts.
Leslie John LAMBERT received $11 600 in fines and special penalties.
Roger James LAMBERT received a 21 day suspended sentence plus fines and special penalties of
$11 060.
The previous largest fine was in 2011 when Peter Warren LAMBERT was convicted and fined
$11 560 for taking and possessing 62kg of whitebait without a licence.
These current offences occurred on a number of occasions at Deep Creek near Smithton. Deep
Creek is a water that is closed at all times to the taking of whitebait. These penalties should serve
as a warning to anyone choosing to disregard the strict regulations around the taking of whitebait.
Poaching and the illegal sale of whitebait is an ongoing threat to a long-term recovery plan for the
recreational whitebait fishery.
South Esk Anglers Access
Project
The South Esk Anglers Access project
is complete and was officially launched
at a ceremony on 5 August 2017. The
new brochure detailing access along
40kms of riverfront is now available in
tackle shops and on the IFS website.
Gary France (AAT), Neil Morrow (IFS) and Minister Rockliff at
the launch of the South Esk Anglers Access Project.
Page 3 of 24
AUGUST 2017
River Derwent fish trap
The trap caught its first fish after opening on
20 June. The fish are averaging 370 grams.
To date 2 818 brown trout have been
caught and transferred to other waters:
Bradys Lake 21-Jun-17 205
Bradys Lake 27-Jun-17 436
Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul-17 300
Bradys Lake 12-Jul-17 300
Mersey River 12-Jul-17 260
Shannon Lagoon 19-Jul-17 502
Brett Mawbey with a Lake King William brown trout showing
Bradys Lake 25-Jul-17 280 the average size of brown trout in the River Derwent trap
Bradys Lake 29-Jul-17 260
Bradys Lake 4-Aug-17 275
Start shooting for 2017-18 Tasmania Trout Fishing Photo
The 2017-18 Tasmania Trout Fishing Photo Competition is underway again! It is the start of the
new season so think about saving your best photos of Tasmanian lakes, rivers and angling
experiences. Photos can include fish, anglers or others enjoying Tasmanian inland waters or be
more scenic in nature.
Keep an eye out for
more information on
how to enter. There
will be great prizes
again. We will
announce the winners
at Trout Weekend
2018.
Steven Ooi’s winning photograph in the 2016-17 photo
competition-3.
Page 4 of 24
AUGUST 2017
Poacher convicted of netting offence
On Wednesday 7th June 2017, Terry Johann Jones of Northdown was found guilty on four charges
relating to illegal net use and taking protected wildlife. Mr Jones had set a grab all net in the
Franklin Rivulet near Port Sorell, which entangled and killed a platypus.
Terrence Jones pleaded not guilty but was convicted of all charges and fined $1091.09 plus court
costs.
To take fish from inland waters by means other than a rod and line is illegal. To possess a non-
permitted net at inland waters is also illegal. Platypuses are protected wildlife, and significant
penalties apply to taking or possessing them.
This shows the risks of illegal nets and traps. They are good at catching fish but also catch wildlife
as well. This is the fourth platypus killed by an illegal fish trap found by the IFS this year. We need
your help to stop this happening!
Please report any suspicious behaviour to the Inland Fisheries Service on 1300 INFISH.
Information such as dates, times, vehicle descriptions and registration numbers, along with any
details of the people involved. A quick response improves the chances of us catching them.
Opening of the trout season wrap up.
Last weekend (5 & 6 August) saw the opening of the brown trout season for 2017-18, with
thousands of anglers out trying to tempt a trout. Despite some rain and wind in the north, there
were some outstanding catches to report. Going by the fishing seen on the opening, it looks like
this trout season is going to be one to remember! Inland Fisheries Officers patrolled waters
around the state. In all 561 anglers and 53 boats were inspected with catches of 556 brown trout,
278 Rainbow trout and 1 Atlantic Salmon reported.
At the popular waters a large percentage of the fish caught were either recently stocked rainbows
or wild browns transferred from the highlands over the winter. Some of the brown trout were
recovering from spawning so were not in prime condition. Anglers should remember that there
are only a limited number of fish available to be stocked and if they are all taken early in the
season the fishing will get tougher. Some of these waters have the potential to grow trophy trout
but from the catch rate seen none will get through to reach these proportions. So as much as it is
nice to take a trout home for dinner please consider releasing any you do not need.
If you are wondering where to go for your next trip, why not try somewhere a bit different.
Reports were that Lake Mackintosh fished well and Lake Burbury is always worth a look. Talbots
Lagoon, with its improved access, will produce some good fish. The lakes in the Derwent system,
Meadowbank, Cluny, Repulse and Catagunya also fish well. Lake Echo is a good lake to try as the
level is beginning to rise and this should encourage fish to come in close. A wrap up of waters
checked over the weekend are as follows:
Tooms Lake – Anglers enjoyed some outstanding fishing. Up to 50 boats were on the lake with
many camps dotted around the shoreline. Good numbers of brown and rainbow trout were taken
by all methods of fishing. Fish up to 3kg were seen.
Page 5 of 24
AUGUST 2017
River Derwent – The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association held its opening weekend
fishing competition on the Derwent system. Eighty-Four fish were weighed in with fish up to 5.6kg.
The lower Derwent always fishes well early in the season and with dryer than normal conditions
this year, whitebait will be around early and should provide good fishing particularly in the section
from Bridgewater to New Norfolk.
Mersey River – The rain on the North West coast over the weekend saw the Mersey River rise
significantly. Such conditions are perfect for bait fishing, with some good fish caught in the
Kimberley/Merseylea stretch of the river. One angler had caught 8 trout to 1.5kg before
lunchtime. The key is to find backwaters and flooded margins that have relatively still water. Trout
will come to these areas to seek out food. There were some good brown trout caught in the
Latrobe area by anglers using soft plastics.
Woods Lake - Good numbers of fish were taken on the opening day of the season. One IFS
compliance team conducted a boat patrol on the Saturday and checked 67 anglers for 144 fish.
Trolling was the most successful method, however there were some fish taken by bait. This water
has been a stand out for many years now.
Pet Reservoir – There were large numbers of rainbow trout along with some brown trout
caught over the weekend. Bait and lure anglers were extremely successful. The majority of the
rainbow trout caught were from stocking conducted late last fishing season. This group of fish is
now just reaching the minimum size of 300mm and is providing good sport to anglers. We would
like to encourage anglers at this water to only take what they need. These fish will grow
exceptionally well throughout the spring and will likely be around 1kg by Christmas. If anglers fish
responsibly now, the fishing quality later in season will thank you!
Four Springs Lake – The fishing here was fantastic. On Saturday morning, some anglers had
caught their bag limit before 9am! Brown and rainbow trout up to 3kg were caught, with a variety
of angling methods proving successful.
Penstock Lagoon – Good numbers of brown and rainbow trout were taken by anglers fishing
wet flies. The average catch rate for anglers checked at this water was over five fish for the day. It
was pleasing to see so many anglers practising responsible fishing with the majority of caught fish
returned to the water to grow and fight another day. Anglers reported that the fish were in good
condition and fought well.
Junior Fishing Dams – Frombergs dam at Ulverstone and Taylors Dam at Latrobe held their
junior fish-out days over the weekend. Some nice fish were caught. The annual presentations for
last season were held at Taylors Dam with many prizes awarded for various categories. We would
also like to acknowledge the contributions of Peter and Wendy Maloney. Peter was presented
with life membership to the Devonport Angling Club for his service to junior angling. Well done
Peter.
South Riana Dam – Lure and soft plastics caught good fish up to 2.8kg.
Page 6 of 24
AUGUST 2017
Fisheries Officers detected the following offences over the weekend:
1 x Take fish by means other than artificial fly
4 x Fail to wear PFD
4 x Fishing with unattended set rod
2 x Fishing without angling licence
2 x Fishing in closed water
2 x Possess assembled rod/line at a closed water
2 x MAST boat equipment offences
2 x Use more rods than endorsed on license
1 x Use bottle strike indicator
With so many of our waters firing why not get out and amongst it? Take a friend, your kids,
grandkids trout fishing and pass on the tradition and create lifetime memories.
Angler Postal Survey (APS)
We conduct the annual APS to collect data on recreational fishery. At the end of the season, a
written questionnaire is posted to a representative sample of licence holders.
Five thousand questionnaire forms were posted and the response rate was 17 per cent, 2 per cent
less than last year. We collate the results and make calculations to estimate the catch rate and
total harvest for each species and angler effort, as well as the number of anglers fishing particular
waters.
There is no change to the top five still waters from last year. yingina/Great Lake remains the
state’s most popular fishery ahead of Arthurs Lake.
The catch rate at Arthurs Lake has dropped by 0.20 fish per day and yingina/Great Lake catch rate
has increased by 0.56 for the 2016-17 season.
The River Derwent and the Mersey River are the top two most fished rivers respectively; North
Esk River has moved back into the top ten most fished rivers, displacing the Macquarie River.
The fisheries with the highest catch rates (fish per angler per day) for the 2016-17 season across
all the waters (where the number of respondents was greater than 11 anglers) are
Liffey River (3.78), Lake Rowallan (2.22),
Lake King William (3.66), Lake Ada (2.17),
Lake Echo (2.98), Meadowbank Lake (2.15)
Tyenna River (2.58), Lake Burbury (2.08).
Laughing Jack Lagoon (2.41),
St Patricks River (2.38),
Page 7 of 24
AUGUST 2017
The following table ranks the most popular fisheries in 2016-17 according to the results of the
APS. They shows the estimated number of anglers who fished at each location, along with the
estimated total catch rate for all species combined (brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and
Atlantic salmon).
Catch Rate Angler
Ranking Water
(fish per angler per day) Numbers
1 yingina/Great Lake 1.57 6 736
2 Arthurs Lake 0.75 4 428
3 Woods Lake 1.92 3 617
4 Penstock Lagoon 1.82 3 586
5 Bronte Lagoon 1.48 2 806
6 Little Pine Lagoon 0.61 2 446
7 Tooms Lake 1.38 2 370
8 Four Springs Lake 1.53 2 152
9 Bradys Lake 0.51 1 465
10 Craigbourne Dam 0.33 1 465
11 Lake Leake 0.99 1 153
12 Lake King William 3.66 1 122
13 Lake Echo 2.98 1 029
14 Lake Augusta 1.93 935
15 Brushy Lagoon 1.16 904
Catch Rate Angler
Ranking River
(fish per angler per day) Numbers
1 River Derwent 0.84 2 401
2 Mersey River 1.20 2 339
3 South Esk River 1.34 2 089
4 Meander River 0.88 1 652
5 Tyenna River 2.58 1 341
6 Huon River 0.59 1 122
7 River Leven 1.01 966
8 Brumbys Creek 0.82 904
9 North Esk River 1.40 810
10 St Patricks River 2.38 717
Ranking of fisheries based on results of the 2016-17 Angler Postal Survey
Page 8 of 24
AUGUST 2017
Anglers Access
Anglers Access Flood Damage
Repairs and replacements are complete for all anglers access infrastructure damaged in the 2016.
Four Springs Lake Accessible Angling Platform
Planning has commenced for the construction of the accessible angling platform at Four Springs
Lake with construction proposed during summer 2017-18.
Recreational Boating Fund applications
One RBF application submitted by the IFS has been successful in 2017. The project is for
maintenance to navigation lights statewide.
Despite contributing funding from Hydro Tasmania and strong support from AAT, anglers and IFS
at the public forums in Devonport, Launceston and Hobart, the Lake Rowallan boat ramp upgrade
and Little Pine Lagoon boat ramp upgrade submissions were unsuccessful. The IFS will meet with
Hydro Tasmania in coming months to discuss the implications of the new prohibited-for-navigation
zone at Lake Rowallan.
Boating zones at Little Pine Lagoon and Penstock Lagoon
Last week, IFS assisted AAT staff set up the
recommended outboard motor corridor
for Penstock Lagoon and the
recommended outboard motor free zone
at Little Pine Lagoon. Boat users are asked
to familiarize themselves with these
arrangements to help protect the fragile
weed beds which characterise these
shallow lagoons. Details of the
arrangements are contained in the 2017-18
Inland Fishing Code, on signposting at
Penstock Boat Ramp and soon at the ramp
at Little Pine Lagoon. The Penstock
Lagoon Anglers Access Brochure includes The navigation buoys were donated by MAST.
details of the outboard motor corridor and the Little Pine Lagoon Access Brochure will be
amended in due course. Additionally, Anglers Alliance has produced a detailed flyer, which will be
distributed at the boat ramps.
Page 9 of 24
AUGUST 2017
Tasmanian Inland Recreation Fishery Management Plan
2018-28 - submissions
We released the Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan 2008 – 2018 during August
2008. We are now drafting the Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan 2018 – 28
that will be a guiding document for the IFS in managing the recreational trout fishery.
The first step in this process was the release of an Issues Paper: Proposals for the Tasmanian Inland
Recreational Fishery Management Plan 2018 – 28. This was the opportunity to inform stakeholders
of proposed changes to regulations and policies of the 2018-28 Plan. Comment opened on
Monday 22 May and closed Friday 16 June 2017.
Eleven submissions were received, four from clubs and associations, one from a tackle store and
guiding business and six from individuals. The overall response for the proposals was supportive.
The Draft Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan 2018 –28 will be available for
public comment for a two-month period following release later this year. A public meeting will be
held during this time.
How is Arthurs Lake shaping up?
Since the drought in 2008-09
and the rapid rise in lake
level that followed, the
Arthurs Lake fishery has
failed to perform. Catch
rates have been down and
the size of fish has been
small. This may be starting to
change. Over the past five
years we have undertaken
two in-lake surveys (2013 &
2016), monitored the
spawning run each year and
tracked anglers’ catch rates
and the total harvest of
brown trout through the One of the many over 400mm that has been released upstream to spawn
APS. in Tumbledown Creek, Arthurs Lake
Indications are that the size of fish is improving. A comparison of the survey results from 2013 and
2016, in conjunction with monitoring this years spawning run, suggests the lake is now holding fish
from a range of sizes. Back in 2013, just 10% of the fish were 400mm or greater. In 2016, 34%
were 400mm of greater. The 2017 spawning run indicates just over 50% of the fish are now
400mm or greater. The graphs on the next page show how the trout population is changing, and
while the 2017 information is from the spawning run only, it shows a real improvement. We are
confident this will show in the catches for the coming season.
Page 10 of 24AUGUST 2017
Lake Leake looking good early
During 24-27 July we assessed the trout population at Lake Leake. Over two nights, using 80 box
traps, we captured 410 trout. This total consisted of 383 brown trout and 27 rainbow trout. As
part of the assessment, in May 2017, we released 2 000 adult brown trout into Lake Leake. These
fish had their adipose fin clipped so they could easily be identified. Of the 383 brown trout
captured during the survey, 71 fish had adipose fin clips. This has enabled us to approximate size
of the population. Indications are the number of trout was lower than expected (8 500 – 13 000
brown trout). However, three quarters of brown trout captured weighed 1 kg to 2.5 kg. The
average weight for brown trout was an impressive 1.2 kg, with a two brown trout weighing over
2.5 kg (see figure 2 on the next page). There was strong evidence that recruitment of young
brown trout from the past three years was extremely low (see figure 1 on the next page). Further
stocking is needed to address this lack of recruitment. The growth and survival of brown trout
appears to be reasonable given the poor environmental conditions experienced within the lake
over the past few years with low lake levels dominating pre June 2016.
Page 11 of 24AUGUST 2017
2750
2500
2250
2000
Weight (g)
1750
1500
1250
1000
Non fin clipped
750
Fin clipped
500
250
350 400 450 500 550 600 650
Length (mm)
Figure 1: Weight versus length for brown trout captured during the Lake Leake fishery
performance assessment, July 2017.
Figure 2: Length frequency for brown trout showing clipped and non-clipped fish captured during the Lake Leake
fishery performance assessment, July 2017.
The number of rainbow trout was much lower than expected, but 61% of the rainbows captured
weighed between 1 kg to 2.0 kg. Many of the yearling rainbow trout stocked over the last
12 months were absent. The IFS will stock additional rainbow trout if fish are available and
provided the lake is not too low.
A full technical report will be completed later this year and published on our website.
Page 12 of 24AUGUST 2017
Typical Lake Leake brown trout caught in the survey.
Fisheries Performance Assessment – Shannon Lagoon
During July 2017, we tagged 500 adult
brown trout collected from the spawning
trap at Lake King William and transferred
them to Shannon Lagoon. he purpose of
this is so we can undertake a survey to
estimate the brown trout population in
Shannon Lagoon and assess the growth of
the transferred fish in the coming seasons.
The survey is scheduled for September this
year.
Fish released into Shannon Lagoon have a white tag.
Native Fish Conservation
During June 2017 a survey was done to assess native fish populations at Penstock Lagoon.
Penstock Lagoon is home to four species of galaxiids:
Spotted galaxias
Great Lake paragalaxias
Shannon paragalaxias
Climbing galaxias
The Great Lake paragalaxias and the Shannon paragalaxias are listed as threatened under State and
Commonwealth law. The spotted and climbing galaxiids are widespread and common throughout
Page 13 of 24AUGUST 2017
the State, although the climbing galaxias is rarely found in the lagoon (mostly found in the inflowing
canals).
Monitoring of Penstock Lagoon has been conducted annually for the past five years. The 2017
survey showed two interesting results. Normally, the spotted galaxias is far more common in the
lagoon than the threatened Shannon paragalaxias. However, this year for the first time the
Shannon paragalaxias was more abundant than the spotted galaxias. In part, this was due the timing
of the survey being conducted around the spawning period for the Shannon paragalaxias, therefore
adult fish were congregating in the shallows. Despite this result, the Shannon paragalaxias numbers
were well up with 208 captured and the spotted galaxias numbers lower than previous (12
captured). Also during the survey, a single individual of the Great Lake paragalaxias was captured,
which is unusual as none have been captured in the previous four years.
The majority of female Shannon paragalaxias were carrying large numbers of eggs and close to
spawning.
Carp Management Program – wrap up for the year
Wow. What a hectic spring and summer chasing carp. Lake Sorell filled quickly, after good winter
rain, stimulating the carp to move. The lake hit full supply at the end of September and continued
to rise in early October peaking around 160mm above full supply level. This tested the levee banks
and outflow screens containing carp to the lake. Everything held and the water was drawn down,
reducing the stimulus for carp spawning.
The high water levels also tested the barrier nets that keep carp out of the wetland spawning
areas. Numerous fish were caught in traps as they tried to move into the wetlands. At a number
of sites carp breached the barriers. They were targeted using gill nets and electrofishing gear. This
became a priority to prevent spawning. Further rain in late November provided additional stimulus
and another wave of carp attempting to enter the wetlands to spawn were caught.
Monthly sampling for any indication of spawning started in November. Culminating with a large
survey in March, we failed to detect any sign of spawning or recruitment. The team did an amazing
job to overcome the favourable breeding conditions more so because the carp are mature adults
ready to spawn. Stopping spawning was a just reward for the long hours and hard work.
The remaining carp appear to be struggling in both size and maturity. The observation was that the
proportion of Jelly Gonad males had increased from 33% last year to now over 50% being affected
and infertile.
The State Government continues to support carp eradication with annual funding. The Australian
Government funding through Landcare Australia finished on 30 June 2017. Negotiations are
underway with the Australian Government for financial support to finish the project.
Surveys indicate that carp remain contained to Lake Sorell
Page 14 of 24AUGUST 2017
Hatchery and Stocking
During the 2017 autumn, we stripped 150 000 ova from wild brown trout trapped from the
Liawenee canal, yingina/Great Lake.
The brown trout ova collected in April, hatched in June. We have approximately 60 000 hatched
from this batch in the troughs. But due to the cold water temperatures they have been slow to
develop.
We also have approximately 80 000 from Trout Weekend 2017 that are also developing slowly.
This week we have noticed the backbones starting to show through the egg casing
Mountain Stream Fishery kindly supplied 15 000 brook trout ova and once reared to fry stage will
be stocked out into the brook trout fisheries on the West Coast.
Compliance
Compliance statistics from 1/7/16 to 30/6/17
4 185 angling licences inspected.
101 whitebait licences inspected.
Nine whitebait nets seized.
24 freshwater crayfish nets and 4 baited lines seized.
Two graball nets seized.
57 prosecution offences listed for 8 defendants in the Magistrates Court.
Three further defendants are to appear for plea, hearing and sentencing on 7 charges.
Infringement, Conditional and Formal Cautions issued for 124 offences.
$31 736 in court fines and special penalties.
$20 718 in infringement notice fines.
$52 454 in fines from all sources.
One convicted whitebait offender served with “Notice of Disqualification” from holding a
recreational whitebait licence for five years until 2021.
One defendant sentenced to 21 days imprisonment wholly suspended on the condition that
the defendant commit no offences punishable by imprisonment for two years.
As of 1 July 2016, nine notices of disqualification were current, preventing offenders from
holding a recreational whitebait licence for 26 years
Of the 181 offences dealt with during the 2016-17 angling season.
147 were committed under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995.
34 offences were committed under either the Marine and Safety Act, Wildlife (General)
regulations or Litter Act.
Page 15 of 24AUGUST 2017
Fishing without an angling licence, along with being in possession of an assembled rod and line
accounted for 50% of all infringement notices issued. The wearing of PFD’s continues to be an
issue, with 36 infringement notices issued for this offence.
Magistrates Court Offence Convictions
List of offences prosecuted in the Magistrates Court 2016-17
Prosecution offences (Magistrates Court) Number
Possess or use net other than landing net or seine net at inland waters 17
Take whitebait without a whitebait licence 13
Fail to comply with Ministerial order under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995
11
relating to the taking of whitebait
Possess whitebait without a whitebait licence 4
Abuse Inland Fisheries Officer 2
Mislead Inland Fisheries Officer 2
Threaten Inland Fisheries Officer 2
Possess assembled rod, reel and line at inland waters without licence 1
Possess freshwater crayfish 1
Possess product of protected wildlife without authority 1
Take excess whitebait 1
Take fish from inland waters by means other than rod and line 1
Take protected wildlife without authority 1
Total 57
Page 16 of 24AUGUST 2017
Infringement notices Non-Compliance rate
Infringement Formal
Infringement notice offences endorsed as Total (total/number of checks
Notices Cautions
Conditional Cautions undertaken)
Taking acclimatised or indigenous fish without an
angling licence 24 11 35 0.84%
Possessing assembled rod, reel and line without
an angling licence 16 11 27 0.64%
Possess or use net other than landing net or
4 4 0.10%
seine net at inland waters
Not complying with Ministerial order about
taking fish-closed water 1 4 5 0.12%
Take fish from inland waters by means other
2 2 0.05%
than rod and line
Using bottle jar, can or similar object to indicate
movement in the rod and line 2 2 0.05%
Using part of fish as bait to take fish in inland
waters not subject to tidal movement 2 2 0.05%
Fishing with more rods and lines than endorsed
on licence 2 2 0.05%
Taking fish with unattended set rod 1 1 0.02%
Deposit litter in public place 1 1 0.02%
Use ground bait 1 1 0.02%
Using natural bait in specified waters 1 1 0.02%
Possess controlled fish 4 4 0.10%
Fail to wear PFD on vessel under 6 meters while
underway 28 8 36 0.86%
Fail to store safety equipment in good order 1 1 0.02%
Total 82 38 4 124 2.96%
Page 17 of 24AUGUST 2017
Club events, meetings and dinners
Regional Boating Fund meeting, Devonport – 15 May 2017
Regional Boating Fund meeting Launceston – 16 May 2017
Glenorchy Anglers Club - 6 June 2017
Southern Tasmanian Licenced Anglers Association annual dinner – 16 June 2017
Longford Fishing Club annual dinner - 17 June
Latrobe Rotary Club meeting – 21 June 2017
North Western Fisheries Association annual general meeting -1 July 2017
New Norfolk Licences Anglers annual dinner – 7 July 2017
Trout Guides And Lodges Tasmanian annual general meeting – 29 July 2017
Bridgewater Anglers Club annual dinner – 29 July 2017
Devonport Anglers junior angler presentations, 2017-18 launch – 5 August 2017
Young Anglers Development Incorporated junior fish out day – 6 August 2017
Page 18 of 24August 2017
Stockings between 25 May and 4 August 2017
Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight
Lake Leake 25-May-17 brown trout Wild 1 000 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Penstock Lagoon 25-May-17 brown trout Wild 180 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Four Springs Lake 26-May-17 brown trout Wild 1 000 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Lake Crescent 26-May-17 brown trout Wild 180 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Four Springs Lake 29-May-17 brown trout Wild 1 300 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Four Springs Lake 30-May-17 brown trout Wild 550 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Four Springs Lake 30-May-17 brown trout Wild 400 Sandbanks Creek diploid 900
Lake Crescent 31-May-17 brown trout Wild 152 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
Penstock Lagoon 31-May-17 brown trout Wild 150 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
Tooms Lake 1-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 1 200 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Little Waterhouse 5-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 250 triploid 250
Bridport
Four Springs Lake 6-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 300 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lake Crescent 6-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 3 000 triploid 310
Millybrook
Lake Crescent 7-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 150 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Page 19 of 24August 2017
Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Penstock Lagoon 7-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 3 000 triploid 310
Millybrook
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Dee Lagoon 8-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 3 000 triploid 310
Millybrook
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lake Leake 9-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 3 000 triploid 310
Millybrook
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Curries River Reservoir 11-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 350 triploid 250
Bridport
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Ulverstone Fishing Club 11-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 367 triploid 250
Bridport
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Tooms Lake 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 3 000 triploid 310
Millybrook
Penstock Lagoon 13-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 120 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Camerons Lagoon 13-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 60 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Brushy Lagoon 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 900 triploid 230
Bridport
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Rossarden Dam 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 triploid 250
Bridport
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Pet Reservoir 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 2 500 triploid 310
Millybrook
Lake Dulverton 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 110 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid 1 000
Page 20 of 24August 2017
Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lake Dulverton 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 triploid 250
Bridport
Taylors Dam Latrobe 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 60 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid 1 000
Taylors Dam Latrobe 14-Jun-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 70 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid 700
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lamberts Dam - Railton 15-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 triploid 250
Bridport
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Longford juvenile pond 15-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 350 triploid 250
Bridport
Penstock Lagoon 16-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Penstock Lagoon 16-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 140 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Brushy Lagoon 19-Jun-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 200 Petuna Aquaculture diploid 4 000
Craigbourne Dam 19-Jun-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 340 Petuna Aquaculture diploid 4 000
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Curries River Reservoir 19-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 300 triploid 250
Bridport
Penstock Lagoon 20-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 206 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Lake Crescent 20-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 24 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
Lake Crescent 20-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 125 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 21-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 205 diploid 370
William)
Page 21 of 24August 2017
Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 27-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 436 diploid 370
William)
Penstock Lagoon 29-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal diploid 1 000
Lake Crescent 29-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 110 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lake Barrington 3-Jul-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 150 diploid 6 000
New Norfolk
Clarence Lagoon 4-Jul-17 brook trout Domestic 360 Snowy Range diploid 300
River Derwent (Lake King
Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 diploid 370
William)
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 150 diploid 6 000
New Norfolk
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 12-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 diploid 370
William)
River Derwent (Lake King
Mersey River 12-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 260 diploid 370
William)
Lake Dulverton 13-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 45 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Bradys Lake 18-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 220 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Bradys Lake 18-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 80 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
Lake Crescent 18-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 110 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Lake Crescent 18-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 40 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
Page 22 of 24August 2017
Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight
River Derwent (Lake King
Shannon Lagoon 19-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 502 diploid 370
William)
Penstock Lagoon 19-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 25-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 280 diploid 370
William)
Pet Reservoir 27-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 150 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745
Pet Reservoir 27-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 150 Scotch Bobs Creek diploid 790
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 29-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 260 diploid 370
William)
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Taylors Dam Latrobe 2-Aug-17 rainbow trout Domestic 120 diploid 1 000
Springfield
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Taylors Dam Latrobe 2-Aug-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 50 diploid 900
Springfield
Huon Aquaculture Company,
Lake Kara 2-Aug-17 rainbow trout Domestic 300 diploid 1 000
Springfield
River Derwent (Lake King
Bradys Lake 4-Aug-17 brown trout Wild 275 diploid 370
William)
Page 23 of 24August 2017
Prepared by: Inland Fisheries Service Staff Version No: 1.0
Approved by: John Diggle Date Amended 11/08/2017
Director of Inland Fisheries
Signed: Date: 11/08/2017
Page 24 of 24Protect our Water s
Recreational anglers have a responsibility to look after
Access Rules
Foot Access for anglers has been provided by the
South Esk River
Anglers
fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment goodwill of landowners and is a privilege not a right.
and future generations. If access is not specifically identified then you must
• Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals ask for permission or you may be trespassing which
Access
or aquatic plants into Tasmania. is a criminal offence. Please respect private property
• Do not bring any used fishing gear or any other and abide by the access rules and code of conduct to
freshwater recreational equipment that may be ensure the continued use of these areas.
damp, wet or contain water into Tasmania. Check,
clean and dry your fishing equipment before • Do not stray into paddocks or trample crops REGION: NORTH
entering Tasmania. • Avoid disturbing stock
• Do not transfer any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, • Do not climb on fences
invertebrates or plants between inland waters. • Leave gates as you find them
• Check your boat, trailer, waders and fishing gear
photo: lomas - naturescape
• Report any unusual fish captures or algal sightings
for weed and other pests before moving between to the Inland Fisheries Service
waters. • Report illegal activities to Bushwatch 1800 333 000
• Do not use willow (which is a plant pest) as a rod
support as it has the ability to propagate from a cutting.
Warning
Code of Conduct
• Be aware of and comply with fishing regulations.
• Respect the rights of other anglers and users.
• Protect the environment. ANGLING DEEP SLIPPERY STEEP
• Carefully return undersized, protected or unwanted REGULATIONS WATER SURFACES BANKS
APPLY
catch back to the water.
• Fish species and other organisms must not be
relocated or transferred into other water bodies.
STRONG ELECTRIC FALLING C ATTLE
Remember CURRENTS FENCE TREES AND
LIMBS
• Fishing from a boat within 100 metres of an angler
fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is Please Obser ve
securely moored.
• Do not park on or obstruct boat ramps.
• A 5 knot speed limit applies within 60 metres of
any shoreline, marine facility, buoy or boat that is NOFIRES NO NO DOGS NO NO
underway, moored or engaged in fishing or rowing or SHOOTING (UNLESS
OTHERWISE
LITTERING C AMPING
within 120 metres of a person swimming or wading. IDENTIFIED)
CONTACT DETAILS
17 Back River Road, New Norfolk, 7140
Ph: 1300 INFISH
BL11188
www.ifs.tas.gov.au Inland Fisher ies Ser vice
Getting There River flow data at Mathinna is available from the Bureau Canoeing, drift boats and inflatables
of Meteorology website at: Some sections of the river may be navigated in canoes,
The South Esk River rises near Upper Esk in the north east www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood/rain_river.shtml drift boats and inflatables. Extreme caution should be
and joins the kanamaluka/River Tamar at Launceston, a distance exercised. Recommended for experienced paddlers only.
of some 200 km, making it the longest river in Tasmania. 2. Fingal to Conara Observe all MAST safety requirements.
The section from Fingal to Conara flows through
Many areas of the river are accessible in particular from predominantly open pasture and contains both wadeable Paddling notes are available from:
Upper Esk to Mathinna, Fingal to Conara and between sections and broadwaters. Access is available from many www.paddletasmania.canoe.org.au
Clarendon and Hadspen. of the bridge crossings including Heffords Road, Leona
Road, Storys Creek Road and Bonneys Plains Road and
Background has been assisted through the generosity of private Angling Regulations
landowners.
The South Esk River is a renowned trout fishery with To fish in any open public inland water in Tasmania
a variety of angling opportunities for all methods
The river slows through this section with both shore you must hold a current Inland Angling Licence unless
throughout its length. These include the fast headwaters
based angling in the broadwaters and wading the flowing you are under 14 years of age. A summary of the
at Upper Esk, the long glides and broadwaters from
sections productive. Mayfly hatches and grasshopper falls regulations are contained within the Tasmanian Inland
Fingal to Conara and shore based angling and water
are more reliable and can provide good sport for fly Fishing Code.
ideal for fishing from a canoe or kayak between
anglers during the warmer months. Lure and bait fishing
Clarendon and Hadspen. The fishery is dominated by
can be productive at any time of the year. Method Season
brown trout although the occasional rainbow trout will
be encountered particularly in the upper reaches. Fly fishing
River flow data at Fingal and Llewellyn is available from From the first Saturday in
the Bureau of Meteorology website. Artificial lures August to the Sunday nearest
Recreational Fisher y Management Bait fishing the 30th April.
3. Clarendon to Hadspen
The South Esk is managed as a wild fishery sustained
Feature fishing includes bait fishing with worms, wet
through natural recruitment.
fly and lure fishing early in the season, red spinner, Bag and Size Limits:
mayfly and caenid hatches in spring and summer and
Angling Notes grasshopper and black spinner hatches in autumn. Species Minimum size Bag limit
The South Esk River is best described in three sections. Brown trout,
Upstream of Evandale Bridge, off Perth Mill Road, up and 220 mm 5*
Rainbow trout
1. Upper Esk to Evercreech Road. downstream of Perth Bridge, Mill Dam at Longford and
at Lions Park, Hadspen the river offers opportunities for River blackfish 220 mm 12
The headwater section from Upper Esk to Evercreech
Road is generally wadeable riffles and shallow pools shore based and wade angling.
*Total daily bag limit of 5 fish is for both species combined.
flowing through a mixture of native forest, private forest
plantation and pasture and is ideal for wade fly fishing, Canoes and kayaks can be launched at Clarendon
lure and bait fishing. Easy access is available at Mathinna (Paddle upstream.), Perth Riverbank Reserve, Longford
Plains Rd. bridge and Griffin Park with more challenging (Union St. boat ramp) and Hadspen (Paddle upstream.)
sections both up and downstream of these points. Heavy providing access to water not generally available to shore Pest Fish Management
rainfall in the upper catchment can affect the fishing based anglers.
The pest fish, redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis), goldfish
therefore it is advisable to check flows before leaving
River flow data at Perth and Longford is available from (carassius auratus) and tench (Tinca tinca) inhabit the
home. Generally small, fit brown trout and the occasional
the Bureau of Meteorology website. South Esk catchment. If any of these species are caught,
rainbow trout are encountered with the odd larger fish
anglers are asked to humanely kill the captured fish and
a pleasant surprise.
dispose of appropriately.Hadspen
D
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TH
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with prior permission Toilets
SO
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ENLARGEMENT
B53 K ys 3
No access beyond this point Parking
Cr
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TA RO
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GH
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Charles Berryman
W
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B52 ILLA Picnic Reserve kilometres
AY
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AN
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