AUGUST Hot topics. Whitebait poachers get big fines. South Esk Anglers Access Project

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2 Contents Hot topics... 3 Whitebait poachers get big fines... 3 South Esk Anglers Access Project... 3 River Derwent fish trap... 4 Start shooting for Tasmania Trout Fishing Photo... 4 Poacher convicted of netting offence... 5 Opening of the trout season wrap up 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 submissions How is Arthurs Lake shaping up? Lake Leake looking good early Fisheries Performance Assessment Shannon Lagoon Native Fish Conservation Carp Management Program wrap up for the year Hatchery and Stocking Compliance Compliance statistics from 1/7/16 to 30/6/ Magistrates Court Offence Convictions Club events, meetings and dinners Stockings between 25 May and 4 August

3 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 $ in fines and special penalties. Roger James LAMBERT received a 21 day suspended sentence plus fines and special penalties of $ The previous largest fine was in 2011 when Peter Warren LAMBERT was convicted and fined $ 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 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

4 River Derwent fish trap The trap caught its first fish after opening on 20 June. The fish are averaging 370 grams. To date brown trout have been caught and transferred to other waters: Bradys Lake 21-Jun Bradys Lake 27-Jun Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul Bradys Lake 12-Jul Mersey River 12-Jul Shannon Lagoon 19-Jul Bradys Lake 25-Jul Bradys Lake 29-Jul Bradys Lake 4-Aug Brett Mawbey with a Lake King William brown trout showing the average size of brown trout in the River Derwent trap Start shooting for Tasmania Trout Fishing Photo The 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 Steven Ooi s winning photograph in the photo competition-3. Page 4 of 24

5 Poacher convicted of netting offence On Wednesday 7 th 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 $ plus court costs. To take fish from inland waters by means other than a rod and line is illegal. To possess a nonpermitted 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 , 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

6 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

7 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 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 season across all the waters (where the number of respondents was greater than 11 anglers) are Liffey River (3.78), Lake King William (3.66), Lake Echo (2.98), Tyenna River (2.58), Laughing Jack Lagoon (2.41), St Patricks River (2.38), Lake Rowallan (2.22), Lake Ada (2.17), Meadowbank Lake (2.15) Lake Burbury (2.08). Page 7 of 24

8 The following table ranks the most popular fisheries in 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). Ranking Water Catch Rate (fish per angler per day) Angler Numbers 1 yingina/great Lake Arthurs Lake Woods Lake Penstock Lagoon Bronte Lagoon Little Pine Lagoon Tooms Lake Four Springs Lake Bradys Lake Craigbourne Dam Lake Leake Lake King William Lake Echo Lake Augusta Brushy Lagoon Ranking River Catch Rate (fish per angler per day) Angler Numbers 1 River Derwent Mersey River South Esk River Meander River Tyenna River Huon River River Leven Brumbys Creek North Esk River St Patricks River Ranking of fisheries based on results of the Angler Postal Survey Page 8 of 24

9 Anglers Access Anglers Access Flood Damage Repairs and replacements are complete for all anglers access infrastructure damaged in the 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 Recreational Boating Fund applications One RBF application submitted by the IFS has been successful in 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 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

10 Tasmanian Inland Recreation Fishery Management Plan submissions We released the Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan during August We are now drafting the Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishery Management Plan 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 This was the opportunity to inform stakeholders of proposed changes to regulations and policies of the Plan. Comment opened on Monday 22 May and closed Friday 16 June 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 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 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 APS. One of the many over 400mm that has been released upstream to spawn 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 24

11 Lake Leake looking good early During 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 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 ( 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 Page 11 of 24

12 Weight (g) Non fin clipped Fin clipped Length (mm) Figure 1: Weight versus length for brown trout captured during the Lake Leake fishery performance assessment, July Figure 2: Length frequency for brown trout showing clipped and non-clipped fish captured during the Lake Leake fishery performance assessment, July 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 24

13 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. Typical Lake Leake brown trout caught in the survey. 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 Fish released into Shannon Lagoon have a white tag. 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 24

14 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 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 24

15 Hatchery and Stocking During the 2017 autumn, we stripped 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 hatched from this batch in the troughs. But due to the cold water temperatures they have been slow to develop. We also have approximately 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 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/ 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. $ in court fines and special penalties. $ in infringement notice fines. $ in fines from all sources. One convicted whitebait offender served with Notice of Disqualification from holding a recreational whitebait licence for five years until 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 angling season. 147 were committed under the Inland Fisheries Act offences were committed under either the Marine and Safety Act, Wildlife (General) regulations or Litter Act. Page 15 of 24

16 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 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 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 Page 16 of 24

17 Infringement notice offences Infringement Notices Infringement notices endorsed as Conditional Cautions Formal Cautions Total Non-Compliance rate (total/number of checks undertaken) Taking acclimatised or indigenous fish without an angling licence % Possessing assembled rod, reel and line without an angling licence % Possess or use net other than landing net or seine net at inland waters % Not complying with Ministerial order about taking fish-closed water % Take fish from inland waters by means other than rod and line % Using bottle jar, can or similar object to indicate movement in the rod and line % Using part of fish as bait to take fish in inland waters not subject to tidal movement % Fishing with more rods and lines than endorsed on licence % Taking fish with unattended set rod % Deposit litter in public place % Use ground bait % Using natural bait in specified waters % Possess controlled fish % Fail to wear PFD on vessel under 6 meters while underway % Fail to store safety equipment in good order % Total % Page 17 of 24

18 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, launch 5 August 2017 Young Anglers Development Incorporated junior fish out day 6 August 2017 Page 18 of 24

19 August 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 Liawenee Canal diploid Penstock Lagoon 25-May-17 brown trout Wild 180 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745 Four Springs Lake 26-May-17 brown trout Wild 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 Liawenee Canal diploid Four Springs Lake 30-May-17 brown trout Wild 550 Liawenee Canal diploid 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 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745 Little Waterhouse 5-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 250 Bridport triploid 250 Four Springs Lake 6-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 300 Liawenee Canal diploid Lake Crescent 6-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Millybrook triploid 310 Lake Crescent 7-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 150 Liawenee Canal diploid Page 19 of 24

20 August 2017 Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight Penstock Lagoon 7-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Dee Lagoon 8-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Lake Leake 9-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Curries River Reservoir 11-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 350 Ulverstone Fishing Club 11-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 367 Tooms Lake 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Millybrook Millybrook Millybrook Bridport Bridport Millybrook triploid 310 triploid 310 triploid 310 triploid 250 triploid 250 triploid 310 Penstock Lagoon 13-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 120 Liawenee Canal diploid Camerons Lagoon 13-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 60 Liawenee Canal diploid Brushy Lagoon 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 900 Rossarden Dam 13-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 Pet Reservoir 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic Bridport Bridport Millybrook triploid 230 triploid 250 triploid 310 Lake Dulverton 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 110 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid Page 20 of 24

21 August 2017 Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight Lake Dulverton 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 Bridport triploid 250 Taylors Dam Latrobe 14-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 60 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid Taylors Dam Latrobe 14-Jun-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 70 Liawenee Fish out ponds triploid 700 Lamberts Dam - Railton 15-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 450 Longford juvenile pond 15-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 350 Bridport Bridport triploid 250 triploid 250 Penstock Lagoon 16-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal diploid 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 Craigbourne Dam 19-Jun-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 340 Petuna Aquaculture diploid Curries River Reservoir 19-Jun-17 rainbow trout Domestic 300 Bridport triploid 250 Penstock Lagoon 20-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 206 Liawenee Canal diploid 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 Bradys Lake 21-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 205 River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 Page 21 of 24

22 August 2017 Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight Bradys Lake 27-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 436 River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 Penstock Lagoon 29-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal diploid Lake Crescent 29-Jun-17 brown trout Wild 110 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745 Lake Barrington 3-Jul-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 150 New Norfolk diploid Clarence Lagoon 4-Jul-17 brook trout Domestic 360 Snowy Range diploid 300 Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 Craigbourne Dam 7-Jul-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 150 Bradys Lake 12-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 Mersey River 12-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 260 River Derwent (Lake King William) New Norfolk River Derwent (Lake King William) River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 diploid diploid 370 diploid 370 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 24

23 August 2017 Water Date Species Stock No Origin Type Weight Shannon Lagoon 19-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 502 River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 Penstock Lagoon 19-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 300 Tumbledown Creek diploid 745 Bradys Lake 25-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 280 River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 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 Bradys Lake 29-Jul-17 brown trout Wild 260 Taylors Dam Latrobe 2-Aug-17 rainbow trout Domestic 120 Taylors Dam Latrobe 2-Aug-17 Atlantic salmon Domestic 50 Lake Kara 2-Aug-17 rainbow trout Domestic 300 Bradys Lake 4-Aug-17 brown trout Wild 275 River Derwent (Lake King William) Springfield Springfield Springfield River Derwent (Lake King William) diploid 370 diploid diploid 900 diploid diploid 370 Page 23 of 24

24 August 2017 Prepared by: Inland Fisheries Service Staff Version No: 1.0 Approved by: John Diggle Director of Inland Fisheries Date Amended 11/08/2017 Signed: Date: 11/08/2017 Page 24 of 24

25 Protect our Waters Recreational anglers have a responsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations. Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania. Do not bring any used fishing gear or any other freshwater recreational equipment that may be damp, wet or contain water into Tasmania. Check, clean and dry your fishing equipment before entering Tasmania. Do not transfer any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, invertebrates or plants between inland waters. Check your boat, trailer, waders and fishing gear for weed and other pests before moving between waters. Do not use willow (which is a plant pest) as a rod support as it has the ability to propagate from a cutting. Access Rules Foot Access for anglers has been provided by the goodwill of landowners and is a privilege not a right. If access is not specifically identified then you must ask for permission or you may be trespassing which is a criminal offence. Please respect private property and abide by the access rules and code of conduct to ensure the continued use of these areas. Do not stray into paddocks or trample crops Avoid disturbing stock Do not climb on fences Leave gates as you find them Report any unusual fish captures or algal sightings to the Inland Fisheries Service Report illegal activities to Bushwatch Warning photo: lomas - naturescape South Esk River Anglers Access REGION: NORTH Code of Conduct Be aware of and comply with fishing regulations. Respect the rights of other anglers and users. Protect the environment. Carefully return undersized, protected or unwanted catch back to the water. Fish species and other organisms must not be relocated or transferred into other water bodies. ANGLING REGULATIONS APPLY DEEP WATER SLIPPERY SURFACES STEEP BANKS Remember Fishing from a boat within 100 metres of an angler fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is 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 underway, moored or engaged in fishing or rowing or within 120 metres of a person swimming or wading. STNG CURRENTS NOFIRES NO SHOOTING ELECTRIC FENCE Please Observe NO DOGS (UNLESS OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED) FALLING TREES AND LIMBS NO LITTERING CATTLE NO CAMPING CONTACT DETAILS 17 Back River Road, New Norfolk, 7140 Ph: 1300 INFISH BL11188 Inland Fisheries Service Getting There The South Esk River rises near Upper Esk in the north east and joins the kanamaluka/river Tamar at Launceston, a distance of some 200 km, making it the longest river in Tasmania. Many areas of the river are accessible in particular from Upper Esk to Mathinna, Fingal to Conara and between Clarendon and Hadspen. Background The South Esk River is a renowned trout fishery with a variety of angling opportunities for all methods throughout its length. These include the fast headwaters at Upper Esk, the long glides and broadwaters from Fingal to Conara and shore based angling and water ideal for fishing from a canoe or kayak between Clarendon and Hadspen. The fishery is dominated by brown trout although the occasional rainbow trout will be encountered particularly in the upper reaches. Recreational Fishery Management The South Esk is managed as a wild fishery sustained through natural recruitment. Angling Notes The South Esk River is best described in three sections. 1. Upper Esk to Evercreech Road. The headwater section from Upper Esk to Evercreech Road is generally wadeable riffles and shallow pools flowing through a mixture of native forest, private forest plantation and pasture and is ideal for wade fly fishing, lure and bait fishing. Easy access is available at Mathinna Plains Rd. bridge and Griffin Park with more challenging sections both up and downstream of these points. Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment can affect the fishing therefore it is advisable to check flows before leaving home. Generally small, fit brown trout and the occasional rainbow trout are encountered with the odd larger fish a pleasant surprise. River flow data at Mathinna is available from the Bureau of Meteorology website at: 2. Fingal to Conara The section from Fingal to Conara flows through predominantly open pasture and contains both wadeable sections and broadwaters. Access is available from many of the bridge crossings including Heffords Road, Leona Road, Storys Creek Road and Bonneys Plains Road and has been assisted through the generosity of private landowners. The river slows through this section with both shore based angling in the broadwaters and wading the flowing sections productive. Mayfly hatches and grasshopper falls are more reliable and can provide good sport for fly anglers during the warmer months. Lure and bait fishing can be productive at any time of the year. River flow data at Fingal and Llewellyn is available from the Bureau of Meteorology website. 3. Clarendon to Hadspen Feature fishing includes bait fishing with worms, wet fly and lure fishing early in the season, red spinner, mayfly and caenid hatches in spring and summer and grasshopper and black spinner hatches in autumn. Upstream of Evandale Bridge, off Perth Mill Road, up and downstream of Perth Bridge, Mill Dam at Longford and at Lions Park, Hadspen the river offers opportunities for shore based and wade angling. Canoes and kayaks can be launched at Clarendon (Paddle upstream.), Perth Riverbank Reserve, Longford (Union St. boat ramp) and Hadspen (Paddle upstream.) providing access to water not generally available to shore based anglers. River flow data at Perth and Longford is available from the Bureau of Meteorology website. Canoeing, drift boats and inflatables Some sections of the river may be navigated in canoes, drift boats and inflatables. Extreme caution should be exercised. Recommended for experienced paddlers only. Observe all MAST safety requirements. Paddling notes are available from: Angling Regulations To fish in any open public inland water in Tasmania you must hold a current Inland Angling Licence unless you are under 14 years of age. A summary of the regulations are contained within the Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code. Method Fly fishing Artificial lures Bait fishing Bag and Size Limits: Species Minimum size Bag limit Brown trout, Rainbow trout Season *Total daily bag limit of 5 fish is for both species combined. Pest Fish Management From the first Saturday in August to the Sunday nearest the 30th April. 220 mm 5* River blackfish 220 mm 12 The pest fish, redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis), goldfish (carassius auratus) and tench (Tinca tinca) inhabit the South Esk catchment. If any of these species are caught, anglers are asked to humanely kill the captured fish and dispose of appropriately.

26 B N kilometres 1 Hadspen Entally House R NDE MEA H RT SS CKS BA RI PAT AY W GH HI ER RIV RIVER C401 C415 er Riv ES K S ES H Burns Creek TIER Sou th NN S Cr Upper Esk ES K SEE ENLARGEMENT 3 R UPP E COKERS C401 RD RD Griffin Park Mangana NER RAY GRIFFIN B42 CL Mathinna PLAINS NS TO AY N AI M RD R ES K HIG AY HW U INN A SO ET ON HE FF LOCATION VE R Aber foyle Cr SOUTH ESK RIVER HOBART PATEENA TH NI LE M RIV ER ID OR NIL E LA ND HI GH AY W DS Fingal B43 D ESK K ES ys Sto r A4 A RD C429 A GRIFFIN HINN RAYNER 2 MAT C401 2 A4 N 1 RIVER kilometres r N ES Cree k AI MACQ MID UARIE LAN D Y HW K ENLARGEMENT 4 M ve Ri TH MA RI 1 N Upper Blessington 0 kilometres SEE ENLARGEMENT 4 Stor ENLARGEMENT ys 3 B42 0 ON ERS COK R UPPE 6 Avoca ET ESK Esk R Upper VE RI Esk 4 GU NO GTON BLESS IN ENLARGEMENT 1 C401 Breadalbane Western Junction E IL N kilometres A4 k Es ESK ECH EVERCRE RST RD DHU SAN NE ST Travellers Rest SEE ENLARGEMENT 1 Devon Hills SEE ENLARGEMENT 2 EVANDALE N 2 Llewellyn T LAUNCESTON SOUT 1 HSPEN SS BA WAY H HIG PERTH M D IDL AN CLARENDON LODGE Nile GUNNS R 0 H LONGFORD C520 CLARENDON STATION C416 ES K RIV E A D MAIN NE TY RIVER South UT SO D ord e TY k Epping Forest Cleveland ESK RD A Oxf R illy oo Conara A Boat ramp Toilets 1 Evandale SOUTH R C520 ON Anglers Access Access onlycressy with prior permission Parking E LAN lo Brook Ty n HURS STOR REE YS C D OA K R LE B53 No access beyond this point Honeysuckle Banks EV A NDA LE Camping Perth Riverbank Reserve 1 C521 MILL Foot access only PERTH Canoe Entry/Exit 2 Charles Berryman Picnic Reserve Perth Authority Land 1 N kilometres H Eskleigh S MER nd R t n Lomo Be SAND S PLAI NS NEY N ESK GLE M Br D A Y LE VA L ENLARGEMENT 2 A Buffal BON 0 RA AR W ILLA SOUT ES K R OL WO DS A D Mill Dam ST Longford C520 ON LE AN HL Private Land IG Y ER NN TA N IO UN SY LE B52 ES CR R