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Big Trout

Big Trout is a 10-metre-high fiberglass trout sculpture located in Adaminaby, New South Wales, Australia. Built in 1973 by local artist and fisherman Andy Lomnici, it stands in a place known as a popular fishing spot for this fish. The sculpture is one of more than 150 “big things” scattered across Australia. Construction began in 1971 with financial help from the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Big Trout sculpture standing in a circular pool with trees and a gazebo nearby.
The Big Trout sculpture in Adaminaby, set in a park-like setting with a circular pool.
December 2005 © Robert Merkel · Public domain
The Big Trout sculpture, a large trout statue with a pink stripe and grey scales, stands in a park behind a black fence.
The Big Trout sculpture in a park in Adaminaby, New South Wales.
© Maksym Kozlenko · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Big Trout sculpture with a dark grey back, white underside, and pink speckled stripe, set in a fenced area with trees and a gazebo.
The Big Trout sculpture stands in a fenced area at Adaminaby, with trees and a gazebo nearby.
October 2020 © · CC BY 3.0
The Big Trout sculpture, a large brightly painted fish with a pink stripe, rises from rocks inside a black fence in a park.
The Big Trout stands on a rocky base in a park setting under an overcast sky.
August 2024 © · CC BY 4.0
Golden commemorative plaque on the Big Trout, set in a rough stone wall
A commemorative plaque on the Big Trout at Adaminaby, set into a stone wall.
October 2020 © · CC BY 3.0

Identification

TitleBig Trout
Other titleLa Grosse Truite
TypeTrout sculpture

Historical context

Part ofThe Big Things of Australia
Site contextA popular fishing spot for trout

Creator

ArtistAndy Lomnici
Artist descriptionLocal artist and fisherman
Originally conceived byLeigh Stewart

Discovery and provenance

FundingThe Snowy Mountains Authority assisted with funding
FundingBuilt with financial assistance from an unspecified organization or entity

Physical characteristics

Height10 metres

Materials

MaterialFibreglass over mesh and a steel frame
Model usedA frozen trout

Technique

Surface techniqueThe scales were made by covering the work in mesh, adding a final layer of fibreglass, then removing the mesh before it set

Location and ownership

LocationAdaminaby, New South Wales, Australia

History and restoration

Construction started1971
Completed1973
Restored and repainted2007
Refurbished2012
Reason for refurbishmentTo celebrate the centenary of the Snowy River Shire