This season, anglers have commented on the unusually low catch rates and a lack of tailing fish at Little Pine Lagoon. This is despite periods of good weather, generally favourable lake levels and with some experienced anglers fishing the lagoon.

In response to this, the IFS undertook a small-scale electrofishing survey on
30 October 2024. 

Using the Service’s electrofishing boat, we surveyed most of the shoreline, middle of the lagoon and the area where Little Pine River enters the lagoon.  For approximately four hours of electrofishing (shock time of 7,588 seconds), we captured 42 brown trout ranging from 124 mm to 495 mm.  Water temperature during the survey was around 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The general observations from this survey were:

• The number captured was lower in comparison to previous surveys, presumably because of recent cormorant predation
• Longer/older fish over 500 mm were absent
• The presence of younger fish in the survey indicates favourable recruitment of fish from recent years spawning
• Almost all fish were in good to excellent condition, including longer fish up to 495 mm (1.4 kg)

So what does this mean for the remainder of the season? 

Catch rates should improve with warming water but are likely to be lower than normal.  Your catch will contain a mix of fish, with 30 per cent of the population between 300 – 400 mm and 15 per cent between 400 – 500 mm.  The lagoon still holds a significant number of undersized fish. When you catch a brown trout, it will be in great condition!

For this season, we encourage you to consider releasing fish over 400 mm.

Once complete, the assessment report will be published on the IFS website.