September 21st, 2023Local lakes stocked up with rainbow trout

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 a state program.

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 and aquaculture – 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 a new hobby.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has stocked 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 available baits like worms or PowerBait.
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