The Rubicon River to made Catch and Release?

Latest Fish Fax Issue # 47 Thursday 20th September.

New MAFRI Research - Rubicon River Trout

The Rubicon River is a relatively small tributary of the Goulburn River near Thornton. The river supports a self-sustaining population of brown and rainbow trout and is a popular fishing venue.

Recently, some anglers have raised concerns that the stream does not maintain acceptable catch rates due to high angling pressure and have requested changes to existing regulations. i.e.. Impose more restrictive bag limits or make the stream a 'catch & release' only water.

Fisheries managers aim to protect, maintain or enhance fish stocks and the angling experience. A common approach employed to achieve these outcomes is the implementation of angling regulations. Regulations usually aim to control either numbers of anglers or the number and size of fish that can be taken from the fishery.

Therefore, when a problem arises, or is perceived in a fishery, it is essential to determine if there is a problem before implementing the appropriate management response. A new MAFRI (Snobs Creek) study has been initiated to study the recreational trout fishery in the Rubicon River.

The principle aim of the study is to identify any changes in the abundance and structure of the trout population in the Rubicon River over time and determine whether these changes are related to angler harvest.

The study will include estimates of 'catch rates' and 'angler satisfaction' with the fishery.

Editor's Comment

Fisheries Victoria have had over 80 email submissions concerning the issue of declaring the Rubicon River a zero limit water. Eighty per cent of all written submissions to the regulations review committee also raised this issue. There is huge support for this proposal and it bears no relationship to fish numbers and creel surveys.

This river is a jewel in Victoria's crown and as such deserves the recognition from fisheries that because of its unique nature, its special landscape and heritage values, its iconic stature, that its rare and special character requires special designation.

There have been many concerns expressed about the vulnerability of this unique stream. The most frequently expressed are the depredations of bait anglers who frequently plunder this Blue Ribbon water. Only two days ago a confrontation occurred between a land owner and a bait fisherman who was in possession of a large number of very small trout. The angler had complained to the land owner that these were all he could catch. At this point the land owners fuse ran out. Now is the time to make your voice heard so that we can preserve and improve this great stream.

We will keep you all updated and let you know when the time to speak out is.