Elsie Lange
Ten thousand brown trout have been released into Lauriston Reservoir to start this year’s season, in the beginning of a huge catch for recreational fishers in central Victoria.
The state government made the announcement on Friday, May 6, which was funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan.
The fish were grown near Eildon, at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Snobs Creek hatchery.
In a statement, the government said the reservoir was one of several lakes near Kyneton to share in the nation-wide “record-breaking” stocking effort of 10 million fish in a year.
Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said inland fishing is popular throughout the Macedon Ranges, which is why they were investing in stocking.
“Fishing and boating are not only a popular past time, but they are also a big contributor to the economy and draw in Victorians to regional towns from across the state,” Ms Horne said.
The government said the reservoir, with its long stocking history, already offers great fishing for stocked trout and redfin that breed naturally in the water.
“The stocked Murray cod and golden perch, first released in 2019, will be approaching catchable size too, creating a year-round fishery with trout in the cooler months and native fish during summer,” the government said.
The government and Coliban Water have also worked together to improve boating access at Lauriston in 2019, by giving kayaks, canoes, and boats with electric motors the go-ahead to use the lake.
According to the government, further boating access is being explored by Coliban Water and Better Boating Victoria, looking to improve the current boat ramp, layout and car parking.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the announcement.
“Freshwater fishing is at its best in the Macedon Ranges and this stocking will go a long way to further improving opportunities for local and visiting anglers.”
