The state government is encouraging youngsters to get involved in fishing over the winter school holidays. More than 35,000 catchable-size rainbow trout have been released into 80 lakes across the state.
Two hundred fish have been released in the Glenlyon Dam and another 200 have been released in the Quarry Street Reserve Lake in Trentham. Further afield, 350 have been released in Hanging Rock Lake and 200 in Walter J Smith Reserve in Riddells Creek.
In total, across the state 11.5 million fish have been released in Victoria this year, more than in every other state and territory combined. Species include Murray cod, golden perch, brown trout, rainbow trout, threatened Macquarie perch, dusky flathead, Australian bass and others.
The government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan supports the Victorian Fisheries Authority to stock waterways. More than 29.5 million fish have been released into Victorian waterways since 2021. The state government has also distributed Little Angler Kits to 95,000 grade 5 students in Victorian schools so more youngsters can try their luck at their local lake. The kits include a kids’ guide to fishing with safety messages and educational videos that teach young anglers tips for catching fish as well as responsible fishing practices.
To view the full list of Family Fishing Lakes and see what’s been stocked, go to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.
This article is based on a media release from the office of Mary-Anne Thomas MP.
