Super school holidays trout stocking
21 June 2023
There’s more fishing fun in stock for everyone this school holidays, with thousands of rainbow trout stocked in more than 80 lakes across Victoria thanks to the Victorian Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny visited Albert Park Lake and Karkarook Lake in Moorabbin to stock some of the more than 30,000 catchable-size trout released ahead of the two-week break for students.
From the Mallee’s Rainbow Lake to Guthridge Lake in Sale, Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool and 15 waters across metropolitan Melbourne – Family Fishing Lakes across Victoria will offer families colourful adventures in the great outdoors.
The state-wide stocking program released almost 10 million fish in 2022, with the majority produced at Snobs Creek and the VFA’s native hatchery at Arcadia, near Shepparton.
The program is supported by the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees and the Government’s $96 million investment to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
Rainbow trout are the ideal catch for budding fishers as they take a variety of widely available baits like worms or PowerBait. Most Family Fishing Lakes feature pontoons or jetties, good access paths and parking for fishers of all abilities as well as other nearby facilities like barbecues and toilets.
For the full list of waterways stocked for these holidays, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout. In Family Fishing Lakes, a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.
More information about bag and size limits, permitted equipment and licensing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most bait and tackle shops, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app on your smartphone.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
“Holidays are a great opportunity to get kids into the great outdoors and wetting a line for a rainbow trout gives you the chance to make lasting memories while introducing young fishers to a new pastime.”
“Family Fishing Lakes are located across Victoria and feature good access, regular stockings of catchable-size fish and many are located within suburban areas or close to town so kids everywhere can try their luck.”
Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“Casting a line into a local lake is a wonderful way to get our young ones off screens, outside and active these school holidays.”
Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
“We’re proud to give budding fishers more opportunities to reel in a catch this school holidays.”