Family-friendly fishing in central and northwest victoria

Families across central and northwest Victoria can look forward to fishing these school holidays with the Andrews Labor Government stocking more than 3,000 catchable size rainbow trout into nine lakes across the region.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the stockings, from Woodend to Bendigo and up to Birchip, were part of almost 35,000 fish going into more than 70 lakes across the state, just in time for the school holidays.

The state-wide fish stocking blitz is funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the Andrews Labor Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often.

The family-friendly waterways provide the perfect opportunity for those new to fishing to give it a go as most feature fishing platforms, bankside tracks and picnic areas, which create safe and convenient access for families.

Rainbow trout are perfect for kids and those people new to fishing because they are easy to catch and take a range of baits such as worms, Powerbait and lures.

The trout were grown by the Victorian Fisheries Authority at its Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, which played a huge part in stocking a record-breaking 10 million fish last season including nearly two million trout and salmon.

Stocked waters in central and northwest Victoria for the September school holidays include:

Crusoe Reservoir (450)

Foletti Caravan Park Lake (350)

Forest Lake (200)

Glenlyon Dam (200)

Hanging Rock Lake (350)

Kennington Reservoir (500)

Neangar Lake (300)

Tchum Lake (1000)

In Family Fishing Lakes, a daily bag limit of 5 trout applies, of which only 2 trout can exceed 35cm.

For the state-wide list of stocked waters these holidays visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"These fish stockings will encourage tourism to the region and, in turn, support local businesses."

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"By stocking waterways across the region, we are giving locals and visitors the best opportunity to catch a fish over the school holidays."

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"What better way to spend the school holidays than with family and friends by the water – and we are giving everyone a better chance at getting the catch of the day."

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"The fish stocking in Northern Victoria are a wonderful outcome for the community, and we can’t wait to see families head to water these school holidays."