Due to the recent dry conditions and a limited/uncertain rain forecast for the coming weeks, the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) advise that the Liawenee trout weekend, scheduled for 18 and 19 May, has been cancelled.

Cancellation of trout weekend was not an easy decision, and we appreciate that there will be many disappointed anglers, community members and IFS staff who look forward to this event each year.

Hydro Tasmania are operating flows within Liawenee Canal in line with our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and brown trout are spawning in the lower sections of the canal, downstream of the spawning traps.

Currently, there is sufficient water storage in Lake Augusta to provide flows into Liawenee Canal to support spawning activity. However, the IFS cannot guarantee sufficient fish numbers in the spawning traps for viewing across trout weekend.

The IFS are working closely with Hydro Tasmania to ensure flows are managed to allow for the trapping of brown trout to stock assisted fisheries around the State, in preparation for the 2024-25 trout fishing season.

The current focus of the IFS is to support the spawning run, ensure maintenance of fish welfare in the Liawenee Canal and protect the broader management of our fishery.

A decision has been made to cancel the event now to provide advanced notice to participants.

We apologise to anglers and community members for the cancellation of Trout Weekend 2024.

Exhibitors and vendors affected by the cancellation and wanting more information can contact Steve Paterson, Manager (Compliance) on 0438 338 530.

We are looking forward to Trout Weekend returning, bigger and better next year!