Free open day and tour at Snobs Creek hatchery

Fisheries' Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, will open its doors these school holidays and welcome visitors to a free open day on Sunday April 10.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO, Travis Dowling, said the open day would provide keen recreational fishers, locals and tourists with the perfect opportunity to learn how stocked fish are produced.

"The hatchery's operation is funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the State Government's $35 million Go Fishing plan to get more people fishing, more often," Mr Dowling said.

"The team at Snobs grew a record number of Macquarie perch fingerlings recently to help this threatened species recover in our waterways.

"Murray cod, brown and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and trout cod are also grown at Snobs and released into lakes and rivers across as part of the state-wide stocking program.

"The hatchery is playing a huge part in stocking a record 10 million fish this season and is now supported by Fisheries' new native fish hatchery at Arcadia on the banks of the Goulburn River."

Mr Dowling said the open day and tours provide a rare, behind-the-scenes view into the hatchery, where visitors can talk directly with expert staff about the process of growing their trout, salmon and native fish.

"Come along to see first-hand how fish are bred, fed, sorted and loaded into customised stocking trucks for release to make your fishing even better," he said.

Attendees will be greeted by staff who can answer any of their questions before going on a self-guided tour. There will also be a free sausage sizzle, local Lions Club providing tea and coffee, an educational trailer and stocking trucks on show. Visitors can also get a selfie with the giant fish sculptures at the front gates.

Mr Dowling encouraged families to make a long weekend of it, combining a visit to the hatchery with wetting a line in the picturesque pondage, stunning Goulburn River or trying their luck in the deeper waters of Lake Eildon.

The open day will have one hour tour time slots at 10am, 11am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Bookings are essential and can be made at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/snobsopenday

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