Ready reckoner finds trout 'hang outs'

[Member]

Ready reckoner finds trout 'hang outs'

Research funded by recreational fishing licence revenue is providing anglers with valuable information on two of Victoria's largest freshwater fisheries.

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) modelling, scientists from the Fisheries Research Branch outlined the extent of trout habitat in Lake Dartmouth and Lake Hume.

Scientists have estimated how much habitat is available for trout at particular times of the year and mapped areas which are within the tolerance range for trout.

Lake Hume experiences a greater reduction in suitable habitat over the warmer months of summer because it is wide and shallow. Most trout habitat in Lake Hume is available in winter months - May through to October.

Based on their research, scientists have developed TroutNAV - a handy 'ready reckoner' to guide anglers to summer 'hang-outs' preferred by trout.

In the summer months, anglers in Lake Hume are most likely to find trout close to river inflows, especially the Mitta Mitta River, and at depths greater than four metres. However, during winter anglers should be fishing within six metres of the surface.

At Lake Dartmouth, anglers are more likely to find trout in depths between nine and 47 metres during summer and within the top 43 metres during winter.

For a summary of this research report, a month by month 'ready reckoner' for both lakes, and more about how fishing licence fees are spent to improve fishing opportunities, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing