School holiday trout stocking western Victoria

Families across western Victoria can catch an exciting new hobby these school holidays thanks to the stocking of more than 8,000 catchable size rainbow trout into 25 lakes across the region.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the stockings, from Geelong to Casterton and up to Birchip, were part of 32,000 fish going into more than 80 lakes across the state just in time for school holidays.

The school holiday stockings are part of the Victorian Fisheries Authority goal to stock 10 million fish this year and are funded by your recreational fishing licence fees and Go Fishing Victoria, the Victorian Government’s $35 million plan to get more people fishing, more often.

Family Fishing Lakes boast good access with waterside platforms, walking tracks, picnic areas and other facilities, creating a wonderful environment for people to breath in some fresh air and exercise whilst wetting a line.

Rainbow trout are perfect for kids or anyone new to fishing because they are easy to catch and take a range of bait such as worms and Powerbait, and lures too. The trout were grown by the Victorian Fisheries Authority team at their Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.

Stocked waters in western Victoria for these school holidays include:

• Alexandra Lake (300)
• Bannockburn Lagoon (300)
• Cato Lake (300)
• Cobden Lake (300)
• Dunkeld Aboretum (200)
• Ess Lagoon (525)
• Foletti Caravan park (350)
• Great Western Racing Rec Reserve Lake (200)
• Haddon Reservoir (200)
• Jack Emmett Lagoon (350)
• Jubilee Lake (300)
• Lethbridge Lake (300)
• Lismore Golf Club Lake (200)
• Marma Lake (350)
• Minyip Wetlands (200)
• Nhill Lake (200)
• Pertrobe Lake (450)
• Police Paddock Dams (200)
• Rokewood Reservoir (200)
• St Augustine’s Water Hole (750)
• Simpson Rec Reserve Lake (300)
• St George’s Dam (100)
• Tchum Lake (1,000)
• Tea Tree Lake (300)

A daily bag limit of 5 trout applies to Family Fishing Lakes, of which only 2 trout can exceed 35cm.

For the state-wide list of stocked waters these holidays visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“Casting a line into a local lake is a great way for families to get some exercise together and enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors these school holidays.”

“Family Fishing Lakes are a wonderful option because they combine good facilities with safe access and stocked fish that are relatively easy to catch by fishers of all ages and skill levels.”