As most keen anglers will know, the seasons for Brown and rainbow trout are there to protect the spawning runs. The Inland Fisheries Act 1995 also protects spawn and spawning fish through prohibiting certain conduct or fishing inflowing waters to certain lakes. We remind anglers of the following section of the Act:

section 137.   Disturbing spawn

(1)  A person must not disturb –

(a) any spawn or spawning fish; or

(b) any bed, bank or shallow on which any spawn or spawning fish may be; or

(c) any fish at a place and during a time at which the fish are spawning or accustomed to spawn.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.

From 1 July 2026, a penalty unit is $213.00. Anglers, or others, who disturb fish, spawn or water courses as described above interrupt the natural recruitment of fish and therefore the sustainability of fish stocks for following years. Significant penalties apply.

The definition of 'disturb' includes to 'agitate' or 'unsettle'. This means not physically entering the water or placing any objects in the water. Observations should be made from the riverbank or another suitable vantage point. If spawning fish show signs of becoming unsettled, altering their behaviour, or moving away, then the observer is too close and should move further back.

Anyone who has information regarding illegal activities in our inland waters can contact us on 03 6165 3808 or  0438 338 530, or alternatively email us at infish@ifs.tas.gov.au