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Origin of Trout Fishery
In 1861, six Salmon Commissioners were appointed to oversee the acclimatisation of salmon (S. salar) into Tasmania. Although these salmon never acclimatised, the early Commission was successful in introducing both brown trout in 1864 from England and, in around 1897, rainbow trout from America - most likely via New Zealand. The brown trout were successfully hatched on 4th May 1864, at the 'Salmon Ponds' at Plenty - a hatchery that the Service continues to operate to this day.
The early settlers to Tasmania realised that their new home – with its cool climate and abundant lakes and rivers – was ideally suited to the fish from their homeland. In 1861, six Salmon Commissioners were appointed to oversee the acclimatisation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) into Tasmania. The Salmon Commission built the Salmon Ponds hatchery on the Plenty River, a tributary of the Derwent River, to receive salmon eggs sent from England.
After a number of failed attempts to transport live eggs, the first successful shipment arrived at the Ponds in May 1864. The eggs had been carefully packed between layers of moss, crushed ice and charcoal in small perforated boxes and shipped aboard the Norfolk.
A small number of brown trout eggs were included, and were hatched and raised alongside the salmon. Unlike salmon, however, which are a migratory fish and did not establish in Tasmania, the trout formed sustainable populations and quickly spread throughout the State's lakes and rivers.
These fish are the ancestors of today's ‘wily brown trout’ and formed the foundation of Tasmania's renowned wild trout fishery. Brown trout ova from the Ponds were later used to establish hatcheries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Today, the Salmon Ponds continues to be operated as a hatchery by the IFS to supply the brook, rainbow and brown trout stocks for Tasmania's recreational fishery. Eggs collected from wild trout, are hatched and raised until the fish are between the size of a match (called fry) and a finger (fingerlings). These fish are then released into lakes and dams around Tasmania, continuing to boost natural stocks for the recreational fishery.
The Salmon Ponds was originally designed as a display hatchery and it has remained open to the public. Set amidst mature European trees, the historic buildings and ponds, Angling Museum and Anglers Hall of Fame, are a worthy attraction for Tasmanian families, tourists and angling enthusiasts.
The Salmon Ponds, Heritage Hatchery and Gardens, is open daily. Phone (03) 6261 5663 for more information.
