I was browsing one of the fishing forums I am a member of and cam across a thread from a member asking to ID a location in a YouTube video... now I am used to being asked to ID birds and animals because I photograph animals often, but location? I thought I'd view the video anyhow and see what all the fuss was about. The video shows a stream in a bush land setting that could be almost anywhere and some people talking about fishing for trout in streams with lures... it switches to a scene where to men are fishing a pool near a waterfall and it clicks! I know this waterfall!
I have never really considered trying to chase trout as I thought I'd have to travel too far to get to them, but it seems that this waterfall (and creek) that is about 1 hour drive from my house holds them, and if the video can be believed up to 2-3kg (or about 4-6lb in imperial). Now as if that isn't exciting enough this location is only 5 minutes from my friends house.
Trout
Like carp, trout are an introduced species. Carp were most likely introduced as an ornamental species and escaped into our water systems, however for trout there is a current and constant stocking program. These fish are encouraged to breed in our streams and are also farmed as a recreational fishing enhancement to our ecosystem. Are there negative impacts on the introduction of this predatory fish? I don’t know but I can well imagine that they would prey upon smaller native fish and crustaceans and so while they don’t destroy habitats like carp there could very well be environmental implications to the stocking of such fish in our water systems.
You would think that given the possible predation of native freshwater animals by trout that they would be considered a pest, but its not so. I am guessing that it is because of the money bought in by trout fishing through licensing, tourism, etc that the governing body continues the trout stocking program. I am not here to debate this however, so feel free my readers to debate it among yourselves. this to me is an opportunity to fish what I once thought was out of my reach. If you want to read up more on the impact of trout there is a very old study available... (http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pubs/salmonids.pdf)
It is currently spawning season for trout in New South Wales, so I will have to wait till the October long weekend. I have some leave then so that suits me fine. Below is the video which started my interest in local trout.
Like carp, trout are an introduced species. Carp were most likely introduced as an ornamental species and escaped into our water systems, however for trout there is a current and constant stocking program. These fish are encouraged to breed in our streams and are also farmed as a recreational fishing enhancement to our ecosystem. Are there negative impacts on the introduction of this predatory fish? I don’t know but I can well imagine that they would prey upon smaller native fish and crustaceans and so while they don’t destroy habitats like carp there could very well be environmental implications to the stocking of such fish in our water systems.
You would think that given the possible predation of native freshwater animals by trout that they would be considered a pest, but its not so. I am guessing that it is because of the money bought in by trout fishing through licensing, tourism, etc that the governing body continues the trout stocking program. I am not here to debate this however, so feel free my readers to debate it among yourselves. this to me is an opportunity to fish what I once thought was out of my reach. If you want to read up more on the impact of trout there is a very old study available... (http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pubs/salmonids.pdf)
It is currently spawning season for trout in New South Wales, so I will have to wait till the October long weekend. I have some leave then so that suits me fine. Below is the video which started my interest in local trout.
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