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Record Bass Stockings into Blue RockBass stocked into Gippsland to improve inland recreational fishing opportunities. By Portal Admin - 8th January 2019 - Back to News Christmas has come early for freshwater anglers thanks to the stocking of 235,000 Australian bass fingerlings into 17 lakes and rivers, including a record 81,000 into Blue Rock Lake.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Target One Million Coordinator Craig Ingram said most of the bass had been stocked into Gippsland to improve inland recreational fishing opportunities.
"Bass stockings are funded by fishing licence fees and the State Government’s Target One Million plan, which aims to grow participation to one million anglers by 2020," Mr Ingram said.
"Australian bass are an iconic sportfish that can be caught by beginners and experts on a range of tackle including bait, fly and lure.
"Our bass stocking program has been a huge success in Gippsland with several high-profile fisheries such as Blue Rock Lake now hosting bass fishing competitions, which is good for local businesses that depend on tourism.
"This year the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority stocked 10,000 bass into the Nicholson River and 10,000 into the Brodribb River, supported by the Marlo Angling Club and the Bairnsdale RSL Angling Club.
"The remaining 215,000 bass were released into:
- Blue Rock Lake 81,000
- Snowy River 40,000
- Mitchell River 30,000
- Timbarra River 20,000
- Lake Glenmaggie 10,000
- Macalister River 7,000
- Thomson River 5,000
- Lake Narracan 5,000
- Avon River 5,000
- Tyers River 2,000
- Cowwarr Weir 2,000
- Hyland Lake 1,000
- Traralgon Creek 1,000
- Valencia Creek 1,000
Bass stocking also returned to Lake Bullen Merri, near Camperdown, this season with 5,000 fingerlings. This follows captures of solid bass over 1.5kg from previous stockings and support from local anglers to recommence releases that complement annual trout and salmon stockings.
Mr Ingram said the native fish-stocking season was now underway and anglers could expect to hear more in coming months about the release of Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch, alongside species of conservation significance such as Macquarie perch and trout cod.
For more information visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/bassstocking
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:
"The addition of Bass into lakes and rivers across Gippsland has provided an extra boost for recreational fishing across our region and provides wonderful opportunities for anglers of all ages to enjoy inland fishing in our region this summer".
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com

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Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Gippsland Water invites Baw Baw residents to join Sounding Board, influence services and win $1,000
Gippsland Water invites Baw Baw residents aged 16plus to join its Sounding Board, share feedback on services, shape future projects, and enter a $1,000 gift card draw by June 30, 2026. - Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future. - Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region. - Gippsland Live4Life youth unite at Allambee Camp, fostering confidence, teamwork and mental health awareness through outdoor activities
Live4Life Gippsland youth Crews gathered at Allambee Camp for adventure, teamwork, confidence-building, and sharing mental health awareness ideas, supported by Baw Baw Shire Council. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - East Gippsland Council to install raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting on Lakes Entrance Church Street
East Gippsland Council will install two raised pedestrian crossings and improved lighting on Church Street, Lakes Entrance, enhancing safety, prioritising pedestrians, and supporting safer travel for residents and visitors. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region. - One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
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