Catch a Carp returns to Lake Colac
12 August 2026
The popular Catch a Carp Festival is returning to Lake Colac on Sunday 13 September, offering families, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts a fun-filled day dedicated to tackling one of Victoria’s most damaging aquatic pest species.
Hosted by the VFA and local radio station MIXX FM/3CS, the free community event includes kids fishing clinics, a carp fishing competition, cooking demonstrations, educational sessions and market stalls, offering a fun-filled day along the Lake Colac foreshore.
VFA CEO Travis Dowling said the festival provides a unique opportunity for families and anglers to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the impacts carp have on aquatic habitats, and play a role in reducing carp in Victorian waterways. Carp are a declared noxious aquatic pest and anglers play an important role in helping reduce their numbers.
“The Catch a Carp Festival is all about getting people involved in helping tackle one of Victoria’s worst aquatic pests while having a great day out with family and friends,” Mr Dowling said.
“Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, the festival offers something for everyone and helps raise awareness about the importance of controlling carp in our waterways.”
Visitors can also watch commercial carp fishers in action as they demonstrate how large quantities of carp can be removed efficiently while protecting native fish species.
The event will showcase carp in fish biology presentations alongside cooking demonstrations designed to show anglers how they can make the most of their catches.
Families can enjoy food and coffee vendors, community market stalls, children's activities, a fishing and outdoor swap meet, train rides hosted by the Lions Club Colac, and a live broadcast from MIXX FM/3CS. The popular Catch a Carp competition will also return with prizes and giveaways on offer throughout the day.
For more information and to register for the free kids fishing clinics, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/colaccarpfestival.