Trout 150th anniversary wraps up, future bright

There is no better place to conclude celebrations marking the 150th year of trout fishing in Tasmania than in the middle of the world renowned Highlands Lakes fishery at Liawenee.

Since the first trout hatched in Tasmania 150 years ago our state has forged a world class reputation that’s lured thousands of anglers from home and across the globe to our waterways.

The year’s anniversary celebrations have demonstrated that the future of trout fishing in Tasmania will be as exceptional as its past.

Every year around 28,000 licenced anglers revel in trout fishing, with all the fees going directly to ensuring the sustainability of the fishery.

The Hodgman Liberal Government is proud of our trout fishery and is committed to strengthening the Inland Fisheries Service, including returning a permanent Inland Fisheries Service Officer to the North West and at Liawenee and improving access for anglers.

Trout fishing is not only a flourishing recreational fishery; it is also emerging as a major tourism drawcard.

As we wrap-up our milestone 150 year anniversary trout season, I congratulate today’s winner of the Gold Ford Ranger and thank the Ford Dealers – Fairford, JMC and Tilford for sponsoring the 150th anniversary competition for one and five season fishing licence holders and for joining us in support of our incredible trout fishery.

It was also a great pleasure to today announce the most recent inductees into the Angling Hall of Fame. These anglers have made significant contributions to trout fishing, helping to shape our world renowned reputation.

I congratulate Bob Ward for his induction, and pay special tribute to Norm Scott and Stewart Ingles who have been posthumously inducted today.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water