Wetting a line has never been easier for families in Bendigo thanks to a new fishing platform and more fish habitat in Kennington Reservoir.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the improvements would help anglers enjoy summer fishing at the freshwater hotspot which welcomed 100 catchable-size Murray cod and silver perch today, assisted by students from Victory College who have been monitoring water quality at the reservoir.
"We want to encourage youngsters to explore the great outdoors and spend time in nature, and fishing is a terrific way to do that," he said.
"Funding for the extra fish habitat was provided through the Victorian Government's Recreational Fishing Grants Program that puts fishing licence fees to work on worthwhile projects while the City of Greater Bendigo took the reins on the new fishing platform along the strengthened northern wall, which features a non-slip deck and rod holders.
"The reservoir itself has also had significant work undertaken with channels created, root balls and snags installed to provide food and shelter for native fish, and deeper pools at the reservoir's northern end near the new platform. Recent rain has filled the reservoir, making it the ideal time to release fish to call these new spots home."
Close to schools and nestled in between the neighbourhoods of Strathdale and Kennington, the reservoir is a much-loved outdoor recreation space with walking paths, plenty of parking and barbecue facilities.
The VFA will continue to stock catchable-size rainbow trout for the June/July and September school holidays to provide fishing opportunities for beginners in the cooler months.
More stockings of native fish are planned too with the VFA intending to release 5,000 golden perch,5,000 silver perch fingerlings and 110 southern purple-spotted gudgeon this summer, complementing the conservation stocking of 880 southern pygmy perch earlier this spring by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Mr Dowling said Bendigo's Family Fishing Lakes including Kennington Reservoir, Eaglehawk's Neangar Park Lake and Kangaroo Flat's Crusoe Reservoir are fantastic places to get kids of all ages into fishing, learning the basics and enjoying success by catching stocked fish.
"In 2026, we will be rolling out another round of free Little Angler Kits to grade 5 primary school students that's sure to get the next generation of anglers hooked on a pastime they can enjoy for the rest of their lives."
