- Minister for Fishing and Boating
Victorians will have more fishing opportunities after Karkarook Lake was stocked for the first time with Murray cod and golden perch, thanks to Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford joined school kids and anglers to release 50 Murray cod averaging 40cm and 600g, and 200 golden perch averaging 30cm and weighing in at 450g.
Stocking more native fish into urban lakes is a key Labor Government election commitment and is part of the Target One Million plan to boost angling participation to one million by 2020.
Karkarook Lake is the first of a series of urban waters to be stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
Other urban lakes on the native fish stocking agenda include Roxburgh Park Lakes, Navan Park Lake, Lilydale Lake, Rowville Lakes and Melton Reservoir.
These new native fish stockings will complement existing trout stockings that take place for the school holidays in June and September.
All waters selected for the new urban native fish stocking program have the right characteristics to support a mixed fishery and will provide accessible year round angling opportunities for families.
Fisheries managers will monitor these waters to assess the performance of the stockings with the help of anglers and local fishing clubs.
Anglers are reminded that some of these stocked native fish need to reach minimum legal size before they can be considered for the dinner table.
Murray cod need to be a minimum of 55cm and no more than 75cm, while golden perch need to measure at 30cm or more.
As stated by Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford
"Murray cod hold a special place in freshwater anglers' hearts and we've acted on their calls to catch them in more accessible places."
"Target One Million is all about getting more people fishing, more often, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time together in the great outdoors."
As noted by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
"By stocking Karkarook Lake we're ensuring the local community and keen anglers can get out on the water and reel in some fish."
