Fishers will have more opportunities to cast a line, thanks to the stocking of 1000 rainbow trout into waters across greater Melbourne.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny this week visited Berwick Springs Estate Lake, Caulfield Racecourse Lake, Navan Park Lake and Spavin Lake – which have all shared in the rainbow trout stockings.
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.
“We’re continuing to stock our waters with rainbow trout and now families and kids have even more opportunities to head to Berwick Springs Lake to try catching their first ever fish.” Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said.
Stocked waters in the South East include Berwick Springs Estate Lake, Casey Fields Lake, Emerald Lake, Garfield Lake and Pakenham Lake.
Rainbow trout formed part of the record-breaking stocking effort of 10 million fish released right across Victoria over the past year – a national record.
The stockings come ahead of free introductory fishing clinics will be held across the state this spring.
Clinics will be held Casey Fields, Lilydale, Seymour, Shepparton and Bendigo, and come as part of the Labor Government’s Go Fishing Victoria plan.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards welcomed the stocking of the lake and the opportunity it provides to try the sport.
“It’s great to have these free introductory fishing clinics located so close to home – including in Cranbourne East – so families and kids can try fishing and enjoy time together outdoors,” Ms Richards said.
VicFishKids events are designed especially for children keen to learn the basics in a safe and supported environment with help from experts.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Ambassador Lee Rayner will join Fisheries Officers and the Education Team to chat with participants and share tip and tricks.
VicFishKids events are run with the help of local fishing clubs and Fishcare, ensuring participants learn from experienced fishers about knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they land their first fish.
Children who pre-register for clinics will receive a free fishing rod to take home, with 120 up for grabs at each event.
Casey Fields Lake will also hold a filleting and cooking demonstration, and tips on how and where to catch your target species on Saturday, 15 October between 10am and 4pm.
More information about the stockings can be found online at: vfa.vic.gov.au/metrostonkers
