Golden future for Barkers Creek Reservoir

25 March 2019

Original media release available here.

For the first time ever, the Barkers Creek Reservoir near Harcourt has been stocked with golden perch to create an exciting new mixed fishery with both native fish and trout for anglers living in the region to enjoy.

Barkers Creek Reservoir received 10,000 golden perch last week, this was complimented with native fish stockings in Malmsbury, Coliban, Lauriston, and Tullaroop Reservoirs and Lake Bellfield across the region.

It was only fitting that member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, would celebrate the inaugural stockings by adding another 5,000 golden perch into Barkers Creek Reservoir today.

This stocking plan is a brand-new venture developed by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) together with local angling clubs, Futurefish Foundation and VR Fish at a recent Vic Fish Stock meeting in Bendigo on March 6.

Stocking more fish into Victorian waterways is a major part of the State Government’s Target One Million plan to get more Victorians fishing, more often.

Barkers Creek Reservoir has historically been managed as trout fishery, so this native fish stocking is a new commitment implemented as a special treat for anglers.

There are further plans to stock Barkers Creek Reservoir and several other waterways with more natives including silver perch, golden perch and Murray cod in the future. To top it off, brown trout stockings will also be increased this winter.

The newly stocked fish will take a few years to reach catchable size, so anglers of all abilities can look forward to some phenomenal year round fishing in the near-future.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“Target One Million boasts many exciting flagship commitments for inland anglers, we are improving fishing access and stocking more fish into our waterways, this is just part of our plan to get more people fishing and getting families and friends out on the water enjoying our great outdoors.” 

“This native fish stocking into Barkers Creek Reservoir will create an exciting new fishing opportunity with fantastic fishing for both natives and trout all-year-round. It’s a game changer for Barkers Creek Reservoir, and for local people who love to fish.”