Public forum on Snowy Mountains Lakes trout fishery

[Member]

Public forum on Snowy Mountains Lakes trout fishery- NSW CoFA

Fishers are invited to attend a public forum on the Snowy Mountains Lakes trout fishery with Department of Primary Industries (DPI) managers and scientists in Cooma on 29 May 2014.

DPI Inland Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said some fishers have reported reduced catches of rainbow trout in Lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene during the past two years.

“While brown trout catches have continued to remain stable in the lakes and the brown trout spawning fishery has been excellent, we have received reports of lower rainbow trout catches from some fishers using traditional surface and shore based fishing methods – while other fishers have reported good catches using deeper trolling methods,” Mr Westaway said.

“Various theories for these changes in catch rates have been suggested by the public. These fisheries provide significant social and economic benefits to the region and we are committed to their long term success.

“The forum will give fishers the opportunity to hear about the current trout stocking program, management practices, and updates on research.

“Leading New Zealand scientist Dr Michel Dedual from the Department of Conservation in Turangi will provide insights into the iconic Taupo trout fishery which has also experienced changes in catch rates of rainbow trout in recent times.

“Importantly the forum will enable DPI managers to gain feedback from the fishing public on some of the most popular trout fishing locations in NSW. This feedback will assist DPI and the angler based Snowy Lakes Strategy Working Group who provide direct advice on the management of the fishery.

“Interested fishers are invited to attend the free forum at the Cooma Ex-Services Club at 6:00pm on Thursday 29 May 2014.”

Fishers are also reminded that it will be a great opportunity to fish the Thredbo River and Eucumbene River trout spawning runs before the trout closed season begins on 10 June 2014.