More than 3000 catchable size rainbow trout have been released into nine lakes across the region by the state government, just in time for the school holidays.
Fishing and Boating Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the stockings, including in Woodend, to Bendigo and up to Birship, were part of almost $35,000 fish going into more than 70 lakes across Victoria.
The stocking blitz has been funding by recreational fishing licence fees and the government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the stockings.
“These fish stockings will encourage tourism to the region and, in turn, support local businesses,” she said.
The government said family-friendly waterways provided the perfect opportunity for those new to fishing to give it a go, because most feature fishing platforms, bankside tracks and picnic areas, making them safer.
“Rainbow trout are perfect for kids and those people new to fishing because they are easy to catch and take a range of baits such as worms, Powerbait and lures,” the government said.
“The trout were grown by the Victorian Fisheries Authority at its Snobs Creek Hatchery, near Eildon.
Stocked waters in central and northwest Victoria for the September school holidays include:
• Crusoe Reservoir (450)
• Foletti Caravan Park Lake (350)
• Forest Lake (200)
• Glenlyon Dam (200)
• Hanging Rock Lake (350)
• Kennington Reservoir (500)
• Neangar Lake (300)
• Tchum Lake (1000)
The government said in Family Fishing Lakes, a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.
