First ever fish stocking for new lake at Hopetoun

02 April 2019

Recreational anglers in Hopetoun celebrated today as newly created Willow Lake was stocked for the first time with 20,000 golden perch.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said creating new fisheries and stocking more native fish is a key commitment of the State Government’s $27 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often, and boost participation to million anglers by 2020.

“Fisheries staff joined local families, angling clubs and community groups at Willow Lake for a special event to mark the occasion and to officially open Willow Lake to the public,” Mr Dowling said.

“Local school children helped with the inaugural stocking, bucketing 20,000 golden perch fingerlings into the lake’s margins. Next year, Willow Lake will be stocked with Murray cod too.

“The newly stocked golden perch fingerlings, weighing 5 grams each, should reach a catchable size in about three years and will provide fun for mums, dads and kids keen to cast line.

“The new fishery was created thanks to the hard work of Lake Lascelles/Corrong Committee of Management, the Hopetoun Angling Club, the Hopetoun Ski Club and Yarriambiack Shire Council.

“More than $62,000 from Target One Million and around $60,000 of in-kind contributions from project partners created Willow Lake, which is a family friendly destination, away from motorised water-based activities on adjacent Lake Lascelles.

“Willow Lake was created using the shell of the decommissioned town water reservoir and is being maintained with piped water from Lake Lascelles. Willow Lake features two new 9-metre fishing platforms and picnic facilities, perfect for families to spend quality time together.”

Mr Dowling said he has high hopes the new fishery will match the performance of Lake Lascelles where stocked golden perch are now providing anglers with great sport.

“We’re committed to delivering all of Target One Million, which includes building a new native fish hatchery in Shepparton, increasing fish stocking to 10 million by 2022, opening new waters to kayaks and small boats, and improving access to Crown frontage along rivers.”

Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/targetonemillion2