Around 35,000 rainbow trout are being released across Victorian lakes, giving families a fun, affordable school holiday activity - and a boost for local communities - thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today helped to release 2,000 rainbow trout into Karkarook Lake, one of more than 70 lakes across the state that will be replenished by next weekend.
Backed by the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan and recreational fishing licence fees, Victoria stocks more fish than all other states and territories combined.
The rainbow trout are just some of the 10 million fish the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has stocked into the state's waters across 2024/25, the third time in four years at least 10 million fish have been released as part of the Labor Government's nation-leading fish stocking program.
The rainbow trout being released today were grown at the iconic Snobs Creek hatchery and weigh approximately 200 grams each making them a great size for newcomers to fishing.
Rainbow trout are an ideal catch for beginners because they take a variety of widely available, low-cost baits and can also be caught with lures cast and retrieved from the shore.
The lakes +where they are released are close to residential areas or activity centres. Many of the family-friendly locations feature fishing platforms, walking tracks and nearby playground and barbecue facilities ensuring families and fishing enthusiasts can make a day of it.
To view the full list of Family Fishing Lakes and see what's been stocked at your local fishing spot, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout
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 vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free 'Vic Fishing' app on your smartphone.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"We know parents are always fishing for fun, healthy and free activities for the school holidays."
"Our nation-leading fish stocking program will ensure Victoria's recreational waterways are brimming with plenty of fish, which will also reel in additional business for local shops and communities."
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
"Karkarook Lake is a beautiful spot right in our backyard, and these school holidays families won't have to travel far to enjoy a great day out and the chance to reel in a memorable catch."
As stated by Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling
"There's no better way to spend time with the kids or grandkids these holidays than rugging up, rigging up a couple of rods and heading down to a local lake to reel in one of these rainbow trout. It's great fun, keeps kids off screens and gets them into the great outdoors."
