Helping our wild trout in hot water
by VRFish 30 Nov 04:46 UTC
Helping our wild trout in hot water © VRFish
Summer in Australia presents unique challenges for recfishers targeting trout. As temperatures rise, trout become more susceptible to heat stress, making it essential for anglers to adopt strategies that protect our valuable wild trout populations.
Trout are amongst the most commonly targeted recreational fish species here in Victoria, both recorded in the top five fish species targeted by Victorian recfishers. In fact, our recent advocacy survey found that rainbow trout are the most popular freshwater species targeted by recfishers, followed by brown trout.
Victoria is home to several trout species including brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and hybrid species like cheetah trout and tiger trout. Trout are regularly stocked by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and certain rivers in eastern Victoria host self-sustaining populations of wild brown trout that thrive in cool, fast-flowing waters.
With the warmer weather upon us, it's a great time for recreational fishers to brush up on their best practice handling techniques when targeting trout during the summer season to help them survive and thrive while also understanding the effects of hot weather on our wild trout populations.
Here are some handy hints that were developed by a past cohort of VRFish young future leaders and the Australian Trout Foundation.
Measure the water temperature
- 12-14 degrees celsius: Optimal growth conditions. Trout will be actively feeding.
- 19 degrees celsius: Growth ceases and trout become stressed.
- Greater than 24 degrees celsius: Trout are extremely stressed and potentially lethal. Avoid fishing.
Rest your river
Limit your fishing between the hours of sunrise and 11am whilst the water is still cool and the trout are not under stress. As the water temperature increases above 19 degrees celsius during the day, trout will cease feeding and find shelter in cooler water patches. By fishing during the cooler periods, you will greatly increase your chance of success. You will also be giving the fish the best possible chance of survival if practicing catch and release.
Keep them wet and use a net
Minimise handling of the trout and use a net. Using a landing net will allow you to keep the fish wet whilst unhooking. This gives the fish the greatest possible chance of survival in extreme heat if practicing catch and release.
Support habitat and river restoration projects
The effects of climate change will continue to have negative impacts on our trout streams into the future. You can help minimise this by supporting river restoration projects that increase trout habitat and restore riparian zones.
By following these simple guidelines you can help to ensure Victoria's trout fishery is thriving for years to come.
Targeting trout during the summer months requires careful consideration of environmental factors and responsible fishing practices. By understanding the importance of these fish to local communities and implementing strategies to protect them from extreme heat, anglers can contribute to the sustainability of wild trout populations while enjoying one of Victoria's most popular recreational pastimes.
If you are out fishing this summer, and keen to see where fish have been stocked, check out the Victorian Fisheries Authority's Fish Stocking Database. You can search by waterway, by species, by date, and much more to know exactly how your fishing licence fees have been utilised in the fish stocking program.
If you're keen to do your part in protecting our wild trout populations by participating in on-the-ground works, check out the Australian Trout Foundation as they are regularly hosting tree planting days and other activities in Victoria.