Biggest ever trout opening on Goulburn River
21 August 2018
Original media release available here.
Victoria’s biggest ever opening of a trout season is set for September 1, when 2,000 massive trout will be stocked at 11 family-friendly sites near Eildon.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the combined weight of the enormous rainbow trout would be 7 tonnes, making the release the biggest ever 24-hour stocking event in Fisheries’ history.
The Goulburn River between Molesworth and the Eildon Pondage will receive 1,500 trout, with 500 of the goliaths to be released into the Eildon Pondage itself,” Ms Symes said.
Half the trout will be released on Friday, August 31 with the remainder through the morning of Saturday, September 1.
“The season-opening stocking bonanza will be complemented by the free Goulburn Fishing Festival the same day, which is part of the State Government’s Target One Million plan that’s investing a record $46 million, including $9 million from fishing licence fees, to get more people fishing, more often,” Ms Symes said.
“The Festival promotes fishing in country Victoria and there will be fun things to do for the whole family from 10am till 4pm, including fireworks over the Eildon Pondage at 7pm.
“I’m encouraging first time fishers and those experienced to come out and wet a line.
“If you are keen to make a weekend of it, families can stay in some of the superb accommodation facilities we have in country Victoria and take in the sites of our beautiful towns.”
Free activities will include fishing clinics from experts, fly-fishing lessons tailored for women, prizes and raffles, and trout releases into the Pondage.
The event will also include cooking demonstrations, fishing tackle displays, a jumping castle and face painting for the kids, the Fisheries education trailer and free guided tours of the Snobs Creek hatchery, which grows trout and native fish for the statewide stocking program.
For more information, including a map of the 11 stocking sites, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest
Victorian rivers and streams officially open to trout fishing at midnight on Friday, August 31, 2018. All lakes, including Lake Eildon and the Eildon Pondage, are open to trout fishing year-round.
Quote attributable to fishing personality Rex Hunt
“Catching a trophy rainbow trout of 3 or 4kg is the dream of every freshwater angler, young or old.”
Quote attributable to VRFish chairman Rob Loats
“Victoria won’t have seen a trout opening like this in decades, which is a credit to everyone involved.”
Quote attributable to Future Fish Director David Kramer
“Trout opening is big business for regional communities that depend on fishing related tourism.”
Quote attributable to Australian Trout Foundation President Terry George
“It’s wonderful to see trout being celebrated in such significant ways this year.”