Trout stocking bonanza for school holidays

24 September 2018

Original media release available here.

Families can look forward to making the most of spring these school holidays with more than 30,000 catchable size rainbow trout stocked into almost 80 waters state-wide.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the stockings were thanks to fishing licence fees and the State Government’s Target One Million plan – which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.

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

Stocked family fishing waters provide the perfect opportunity for those new to fishing to give it a go.

Waters to be stocked these school holidays include Albert Park Lake, Eildon Pondage, Karkarook Lake in Moorabbin, Lilydale Lake, Morwell Lake, Hyland Lake in Churchill, Pakenham Lake, St Augustine’s Water Hole in Geelong, Kennington Reservoir, Darlingsford Lake in Melton, Pertobe Lake and Rowville Lakes.

For the full state-wide list visit vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout. A daily bag limit of five trout applies to the family fishing lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.

More information about fishing rules and licensing is in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most bait and tackle shops, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or by downloading the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“We’re stocking family-friendly lakes in Melbourne and across regional Victoria, so kids can wet a line and try fishing these school holidays.”

“Most of the stocked lakes feature fishing platforms, bankside tracks, picnic areas and other facilities, creating safe and convenient access for families.”

“We want more people out there giving fishing a go, which is why we’ve funded better facilities, created more access and increased stocking to a record six million.”