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Fishing fun expands this school holiday as rainbow trout stocked across Victoria

Andrews Labor government Stocks 800 Rainbow Trout at Lake Hyland for School Holidays, Part of $96 Million Fishing Enhancement Initiative. Enjoy Family Fishing in Victoria!

By news@gippsland - 15th September 2023 - Back to News

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 in stock for everyone at Churchill's Lake Hyland these school holidays, with 800 rainbow trout stocked thanks to the Andrews Labor government.

Funded by fishing license fees and the Go Fishing Victoria plan, stocking rainbow trout aims to boost fishing participation, especially for families during holidays

School holiday fish stocking

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 Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing attended a restocking event at Lake Hyland and noted that the restocking programs 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.

Fishers of all abilities access

From Rutherglen's King Lake to Ess Lagoon in Casterton, Lake Hyland in Churchill and Albert Park Lake in the heart of Melbourne, 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
• 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.

Information resources

For the full list of waterways stocked ahead of these holidays, visit the 'School holiday trout stocking' website. 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 Victorian Fisheries Authority website via Recreational Fishing Guide page or via the free 'Vic Fishing' app on your smartphone.

Trout stocking for holidays

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "We've stocked Lake Hyland with 800 rainbow trout home in time for the school holidays, and with hundreds more released in lakes at Heyfield, Sale, and across the state it's easier than ever to get outside, catch a fish and spend time with the family as the weather warms up."

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny said, "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."

Pictures from Victorian Fisheries Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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