Casting a close eye on Lake Nagambie’s fishing

A new study about recreational fishing in the Nagambie Lakes has bench-marked angler catches, fishing methods, angler satisfaction and spending patterns to provide a clear picture of this developing fishery and how it can grow local tourism in the future.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said the study revealed most anglers were satisfied with their fishing experience and that catches were now dominated by golden perch and Murray cod, both of which had been stocked extensively in recent years.

"Recreational fishing licence fees have helped stock more than one million golden perch and Murray cod fingerlings into the Nagambie Lakes system since 2009 so it is great to see anglers' investment paying off," Mr Dowling said.

"The study was undertaken over four summer months by Fisheries Victoria with a contribution from the Shire of Strathbogie, which was keen to know more about the role of fishing and its economic benefits to regional tourism.

"The study revealed that 55 per cent of anglers' catch consisted of golden perch, 19 per cent Murray cod, 16 per cent carp and 8 per cent redfin.

"One third of interviewed anglers specifically targeted Murray cod, golden perch or redfin with half happy to catch any species of fish in the Nagambie Lakes system.

"Nearly two thirds of anglers fished from the shore and most used bait.

"When asked about their satisfaction with the fishery over the previous 12 months, 60 per cent of anglers said they were either 'very' or 'quite' satisfied.

"The total economic value of the fishery was estimated to be up to $500,000 annually, confirming that recreational fishing is not only socially significant, but also important to the regional economy.

Mr Dowling congratulated Wally Cubbin and members of the Goulburn Valley Association of Angling Clubs for working closely with fisheries managers to develop the fishery into the community asset that the study clearly demonstrates.

"Further analysis of the study's findings and angler feedback will focus future investment in the fishery, which was expected to only improve as more stocked fish reached catchable size."

Strathbogie Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Colleen Furlanetto said the study offered a glimpse of how popular recreational fishing had become in freshwater environments.

"Lake Nagambie is an angler's delight and we hope the study's results ensure fishing in the area remains sustainable so future generations can enjoy this fabulous pastime," Ms Furlanetto said.

For the full report, email Taylor Hunt.