More waters for boating and fishing in central Victoria

07 August 2019

Four more lakes in central Victoria are now open to recreational fishers in canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors, thanks to the State Government’s plan to get more people fishing, more often.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford joined fishers, paddlers and small boat owners near Kyneton to open on-water access for the first time to Upper Coliban, Malmsbury and Lauriston reservoirs, and Hepburn Lagoon.

The opening of these four waters by Coliban Water and Goulburn Murray Water complements similar on-water access expansion at Barkers Creek and Tullaroop reservoirs in April and May this year.

For decades, Hepburn Lagoon and the three Kyneton reservoirs have been stocked with trout for freshwater fishers, supported by their fishing licence fees. Fishers can now get on the water with fly, bait or lure, to make the very most of these scenic fisheries from small watercraft.

All three Kyneton reservoirs were stocked with nearly 110,000 native fish fingerlings last summer to encourage more people to get out and cast a line.

Upper Coliban Reservoir received 25,000 golden perch fingerlings and Malmsbury 30,000 last summer, in addition to annual releases of trout grown at Fisheries’ Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.

Lauriston Reservoir received 25,000 golden perch and nearly 30,000 Murray cod whilst Hepburn Lagoon will remain a stocked trout fishery given its fantastic reputation as a productive cool-water destination.

Plans are also underway to build boat ramps at Upper Coliban and Lauriston reservoirs over the next 12 months, making it even easier to enjoy a great day on the water.

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

Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford

“We promised to expand on-water access to six central Victorian lakes and that’s exactly what we’ve done – making it easier for more people to get out on the water and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“Opening up access to these reservoirs is a great way to get the most out of the social and recreational values of our waterways and water storages.”

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“By opening on water access we’re encouraging more people to get to our region for fishing and boating – providing a boost to our local economy.”