Fishers with limited mobility or other restrictions on being able to get out and about to fishing spots will welcome news that Inland Fisheries and TasWater have joined forces to replenish stocks in one of Tasmania’s disabled fishing access areas.

This morning 300 rainbow trout have been released into Risdon Brook Dam specifically for catching in the dam by disabled fishers.

Generally fishing is not permitted in the dam which is a TasWater storage held in reserve for domestic supply.

However due to the dams easy access with two purpose built fishing platforms and other facilities, it’s been a traditional area where fishing is permitted for people under the Transport Access Scheme.

David Roberts who works closely with Inland Fisheries and coordinates fishing activities for disabled anglers says the dam hasn’t been stocked with fish for some time so activity among angler’s has dropped off.

John Diggle, Director of Inland Fisheries says “with this release of the trout, weighing in at 300 grams, and expected to grow bigger, hopefully more disabled anglers will come to Risdon Brook and make use of the facilities.”

Risdon Brook dam not only has fishing platforms specifically designed for wheel chair use but also disabled toilet facilities.

David Roberts says many disabled people love the opportunity to get out and fish.

“Sometimes you don’t get a bite but it doesn’t matter that much. It’s just important to be able to get out and enjoy the day.”

Department Manager of Product Quality Lance Stapleton says “TasWater says activities like fishing are not normally permitted in drinking water storages but Risdon Brook is used as a standby supply and we will be testing regularly following the resupply of the fish stocks to make sure it is having no impact on the water quality.”

“It’s a small number of fish in a very large pond so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“We would just like to remind people that fishing is only permitted for disabled anglers who have the required transport access authority and only fly’s and lures are permitted, no bait.”
A current angling license is also required.

The fish have been provided from the Salmon Ponds hatchery by Inland Fisheries with many over the minimum legal length of 220 mm.
Simon Pilkington, TasWater