LOCAL LAKES TOPPED UP WITH TROUT FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Families can expect to reel in a big catch these school holidays, with more than 35,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked into lakes across Victoria, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

There’s more fishing fun these school holidays, with rainbow trout stocked for everyone at the following locations:
Glenlyon Dam in Glenlyon with 200 stocked
Hanging Rock Lake in Woodend with 350 stocked
Jubilee Lake in Daylesford with 200 stocked
Walter J Smith Reserved in Riddells Creek with 200 stocked

The school holiday stocking program forms part of a record-breaking fish stocking effort funded by the Labor Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers andaquaculture – supported by recreational fishing licence fees.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said fish stocked into our local lakes would encourage families to make lasting memories in the great outdoors and get kids hooked on anew hobby.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) hasstocked more than 26 million fish in the past three years to ensure fishing is great all year round.

More than 80 Family Fishing Lakes, most of which were also stocked ahead of the mid-year school holidays, will share in the good times with trout grown at the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon.

Budding anglers can begin their fishing journey at family-friendly waters – many of which boast access for fishers of all abilities including platforms or pontoons, walking tracks, playgrounds and other facilities like barbecues.

The stocked rainbow trout are ideal for newcomers as they take a variety of widely availablebaits like worms or PowerBait.

For the full list of waterways stocked ahead of these holidays, visit www.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 www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app on your smartphone.

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas

“It’s easier than ever to get kids making memories in the great outdoors, with lakes across the region stocked with catchable fish.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny

“The weather’s starting to warm up so what better time to grab the kids or grandkids, a few rods and get the next generation hooked on fishing."

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