The 2017/18 reservoir fishing season promises to be plentiful for participants, with waters fully stocked and licence fees frozen.
Stocks of rainbow trout were impacted during catastrophic flooding at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s (DEFA’s) fish hatchery in Cornaa in December 2015.
The hatchery is run by private company Troutlodge, which stocks the Island’s six reservoirs as well as exporting rainbow trout eggs to the international market.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘In the Programme for Government, we promise to promote recreational use of our beautiful Island.
‘Angling at our six scenic reservoirs – Ballure, Clypse, Cringle, Kerrowdhoo, Sulby and West Baldwin – is a popular pastime with residents as well as benefitting our visitor economy.
‘Although we had good quality trout last season, a shortfall in fish numbers was unavoidable after the hatchery was badly damaged. Troutlodge has made huge efforts to recover and stocks will be back to levels agreed with us this season.’
Stocking of standard 2lb rainbow trout and larger, ‘trophy’ fish will take place ahead of the season, which starts on 10th March 2017 and runs until 31st January 2018.
Licence fees are unchanged from last season and represent great value for money, the Minister said.
Adults can fish all six reservoirs as often as they wish up to January 31st 2018 for just ?208. Day and week licences and concessions for children and young people are also available.
Licences go on sale Monday 27th February and can be purchased via www.gov.im, from the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and from DEFA at St John’s.
Reservoir season concession licences, available to those who are 65 and over or registered disabled, can also be bought at Post Offices but are not available online as eligibility must be proved.
Troutlodge will be conducting tours of the hatchery on Saturday 4th March. Places are free but must be booked via DEFA by ringing 685857 or emailing fisheries@gov.im Troutlodge works closely with DEFA to promote the reservoir fishery and anglers are encouraged to submit suggestions for improving the experience.
For information on recreational fishing, visit the fisheries pages on www.gov.im.
Regulations governing inland fishing, being laid before Tynwald this month, will bring them under the Fisheries Act 2012, rather than an older Act.
Minor changes include extending a child’s licence right up to their 14th birthday and young person’s licence up to their 19th birthday. In previous seasons, higher fees applied if a child/young person reached birthdays by 31st December in any given season.
