TROUT fishers are being invited to attend a public forum on the Snowy Mountains Lakes trout fishery with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) managers and scientists.
The free forum is the direct result of angler concern about the region’s rainbow trout stocks and is on tonight (Thursday May 29) in Cooma at the Cooma Ex-Services Club starting at 6pm.
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.”
Image: Scott Thomas
