August 18, 2020
Our self-sustaining populations trout, referred to as ‘wild trout’, are highly valued for their outstanding colouration and the unique fishing experience they provide for anglers. Wild trout fishing in Victoria provides an outstanding social and economic contribution to regional Victoria as they typically occur through most of Victoria’s highland rivers and streams.
The Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) and Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) have released the final version of the Victorian Wild Trout Strategy (2020-2025) following public consultation. Developed with 30 wild trout fishers during a workshop late last year, the 5 year strategy aims to protect, build and promote Victoria’s wild trout fishery.
Activating and engaging with trout fishers will be a key component to achieving the desired outcomes and vision of the strategy, a healthy sustainable wild trout fishery for all Victorians. Fishers will be encouraged to adopt more responsible fishing and handling practices, share their catch data with the VFA, and participate in habitat events and the annual Talk Wild Trout conference.
Key actions of the strategy are focussed around key areas: community and engagement, river health and fish habitat, fishery interventions, angler access, and partnerships and co-management. The Wild Trout Strategy can be downloaded in full below.
The draft strategy was presented to trout enthusiasts at the 2019 Talk Wild Trout Conference in Mansfield before 3 months of public consultation. The final plan was drafted by a steering committee including members of ATF, VFA, VRFish and other wild trout fishers.
The Victorian Government and your recreational fishing licence fees have invested significantly in understanding our wild trout populations and how they respond to warming and drier conditions. The largest collective investment in trout fisheries began in 2014 through the Wild Trout Fisheries Management Program.
For more information on the Wild Trout Strategy, contact Terry George at the Australian Trout Foundation via [email protected]
