Lakes brimming with trout for holidays

Thousands of rainbow trout are hitting Victorian lakes just in time for the school holidays — giving families more reasons to get outdoors and enjoy a fun, affordable fishing adventure, thanks to the state government's restocking program. Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced almost 80 lakes are being stocked with more than 35,000 catchable-size fish, in time for the break. Mr Dimopoulos said Victoria was proud to stock more fish than every other state and territory in the country combined, providing more opportunities to go fishing and more places to choose from than ever before and was backed by the Labor Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan and the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees. “We’re making it easier for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature — stocking thousands of rainbow trout across Victoria so kids can cast a line these school holidays,” Mr Dimopoulos said. “Our nation-leading fish stocking program ensures families can have a fun, free, and healthy day out.” The rainbow trout are among 10 million fish being stocked annually into lakes and rivers to improve fishing opportunities. Many of these family-friendly locations feature fishing platforms, walking tracks, playgrounds, barbecue facilities, and toilets to ensure parents, kids, and angling enthusiasts could enjoy a great day out together. All the trout stocked were delivered by the team at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Snobs Creek hatchery and weigh about 180g each – an ideal size for newcomers. Rainbow trout can be caught in a variety of ways ranging from low-cost baits to lures that are cast and retrieved from the shore, and for the skilled, fly fishing. One of the big advantages to this species is people don’t need fancy gear to get in on the fun. Common garden worms, Tassie Devil lures or spinners, will do the trick when rigged on a small spinning outfit. Anglers are reminded that in Family Fishing Lakes a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two can exceed 35cm. More information about bag and size limits, permitted equipment, and licensing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from bait and tackle shops at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ mobile app. The full list of stocked Family Fishing Lakes for the term break can be found at vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

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