Fish stocked across Western Victoria for school holidays

Fish stocked across Western Victoria for school holidays Main Image

FISH STOCKED ACROSS WESTERN VICTORIA FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Families and children can look forward to casting a line these school holidays – with thousands of fish stocked into waters across western Victoria.

Almost 8,000 catchable sized rainbow trout have now been stocked into 24 lakes across Western Victoria – including at The Gong in Buninyong, Lethbridge Lake in Lethbridge and Esmond Lake in Ballarat. 

The stockings have been funded by recreational fishing licence fees and form part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often.

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

Stocked lakes also feature fishing platforms, bankside tracks and picnic areas – which create safe and convenient access for families to give fishing a go.

Stocked waters across Western Victoria for these school holidays include:

  • The Gong in Buninyong (200)
  • Lethbridge Lake in Lethbridge (300)
  • Esmond Lake in Ballarat (250)
  • Alexandra Lake (300)
  • Bannockburn Lagoon (300)
  • Cato Lake (300)
  • Cobden Lake (300)
  • Coleraine Lagoon (450)
  • Dunkeld Arboretum (200)
  • Ess Lagoon (500)
  • Haddon Reservoir (200)
  • Jubilee Lake - Daylesford (200)
  • Jubilee Lake - Skipton (200)
  • Lismore Golf Club Dam (200)
  • Marma Lake (350)
  • Old Hamilton Reservoir (400)
  • Pertobe Lake (450)
  • Police Paddock Dams (2450)
  • Quarry Street Reserve Lake (200)
  • St Augustine’s Water Hole (750)
  • Simpson Rec Reserve Lake (300)
  • Tea Tree Lake (300)
  • Victoria Lakes (500)

The stocked rainbow trout have been grown by the Victorian Fisheries Authority at the Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon.

A daily bag limit of five trout applies in lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimeters.

A total of 35,000 catchable sized rainbow trout have been stocked into more than 70 waters state-wide. For the full list of state-wide waterways stocked for these school holidays visit: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“Stocking our waters with rainbow trout provides the perfect opportunity for families and kids to get outdoors and try their luck casting a line these school holidays.”

“Rainbow trout are ideal for fishers of all ages and skill levels as they’re relatively easy to catch – making it a great day out on the water.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

 “This is exciting for families and kids of all ages to get outdoors and try fishing these school holidays – with so many of our local waters now stocked with rainbow trout.”

“It includes The Gong in Buninyong, Lethbridge Lake in Lethbridge and Esmond Lake in Ballarat – which are great spots for those wanting to wet a line – close to home.”