More rainbow trout stocked across Greater Melbourne

25 August 2022

View original release here

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny this week visited Caulfield Racecourse Lake, Karkarook Lake, Berwick Springs Estate Lake, Navan Park Lake and Spavin Lake – which have all shared in the rainbow trout stockings.

The stockings have been funded by recreational fishing licence fees and form part of the State Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often.

Rainbow trout are great stocking option for beginners because they’re easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures.

Stocked waters across greater Melbourne include:

  • Albert Park Lake
  • Berwick Springs Estate Lake
  • Casey Fields Lake
  • Caulfield Racecourse Lake
  • Don Lake
  • Emerald Lake
  • Ferntree Gully Quarry
  • Garfield Lake
  • Karkarook Lake
  • Lilliput Lane Reserve
  • Lilydale Lake
  • Navan Park Lake
  • Pakenham Lake
  • Rowville Lakes (Sutton and Hill Lakes)
  • Roxburgh Park Lakes
  • Spavin Lake
  • Yarrambat Lake

Rainbow trout formed part of the record-breaking stocking effort of 10 million fish released right across Victoria over the past year – a national record.

In regional Victoria, a free fishing festival that celebrates the opening of trout season will also return to the Goulburn River and Ballarat next month. The Goulburn Fishing Festival and Ballarat Fishing Festival will both be held on Saturday 3 September.

A total of 10 stocking sites along the Goulburn River, between Eildon and Molesworth, will share in 1500 trout, with Eildon Pondage set to receive 500.

More information about the stockings can be found online at: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/metrostonkers

Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny

“Stocking our waters with rainbow trout right across greater Melbourne provides the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to try their luck casting a line and have a great day out on the water.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan Nina Taylor

“Rainbow trout are ideal for fishers of all ages and skill levels as they’re relatively easy to catch – making it a great day spent outdoors.”

Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak

“The stocking of rainbow trout is a great way to get kids off screens for a few hours, and spending quality time together with friends and family.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas

“We’re continuing to stock our waters with rainbow trout – and now families and kids have even more opportunities to head to Berwick Springs Lake to try catching their first ever fish.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“It’s exciting to see rainbow trout stocked in our waters – including at Navan Park Lake in Melton – which will make wetting a line closer to home even easier.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

This is a great way for more people to try their luck casting a line so close to home – with Spavin Lake the perfect destination for families and kids to do so and spend time together on the water.”