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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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  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Melina Bath denounces Allan government’s $13M machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective stunt
  Melina Bath slammed the Allan government’s $13 million machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective, and politically motivated, criticising costly bins, media stunts, and lack of real impact on knife crime.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
  Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.