Wednesday, 20 September 2023

MORE TOP TROUT FISHING FOR MOORABOOL RESERVOIR

Moorabol Reservoir’s standing as one of central Victoria’s best trout fisheries has received a boost with the stocking of nearly 5000 rainbow trout yearlings today.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said the 4800 trout would grow to catchable size within 12 months in the productive waters and complement 91,000 trout stocked at Moorabool in the past four years, many of which would now weigh between one to two kilograms each.

The stocking is part of Victoria’s record-breaking fish stocking program, which has seen in excess of 26 million fish released in the past three years – funded by the Andrews Labor Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture as well as the sale of recreational fishing licence fees.

The rainbow trout are the first fish to be stocked into Moorabool Reservoir this year and will be joined by 6000 brown trout in coming weeks. They were grown at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Snobs Creek hatchery under the watchful eye of fish production staff.

Several nearby lakes have also scored a trout top-up in recent months, with a combined 20,000 brown and rainbow trout stocked Pykes Creek Reservoir and 17,500 into Upper Stony Creek Reservoir, near Meredith.

Pykes Creek will again be stocked over summer with native Murray cod and golden perch, helping provide opportunities to wet a line year-round at the increasingly-popular fishing and boating hotspot.

And for families looking for some school holiday fun, the VFA has stocked catchable-size rainbow trout into Family Fishing Lakes for the school holidays. The Gong at Buninyong, Canadian’s Lake Esmond, Lethbridge Lake and Rokewood Reservoir are among more than 80 lakes sharing in 35,000 fish for the two-week spring break.

Each of the waters feature good access, facilities like barbecues and walking paths and rainbow trout take a variety of baits and are great on the dinner table. To find out more head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

 “We know fish stocking is an important tool to enhance our fisheries which is why the Government is stocking in record numbers and investing in hatcheries to boost production.”

“Moorabool is a popular spot with fishers given its good shoreline access to catches of trout or redfin, and these stockings will help ensure it remains a drawcard in our region for years to come.”