Vic school holiday trout bonanza

Young anglers and their families can catch up on some local fishing over the June school holidays thanks to a state-wide trout stocking program funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the State Government’s Target One Million plan.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said 62 'Family Fishing Lakes' would share in more than 24,000 catchable-size rainbow trout to boost fishing opportunities in family-friendly locations.

"Several of the lakes are in suburban Melbourne and scattered throughout Victoria in regional centres, providing a great opportunity for children to practice their skills or try fishing for the first time," Mr Dowling said.

"Most of the lakes provide convenient access for families with fishing platforms, bankside tracks, picnic tables and other facilities.

"Some of the better-known Family Fishing Lakes include Emerald Lake (500 rainbow trout), Lilydale Lake (800), Karkarook Lake in Moorabbin (1000), Casey Fields Lake in Cranbourne (500), Kennington Reservoir in Bendigo (500), Sambell Lake in Beechworth (1000), Guthridge Lake in Sale (250), Victoria Lake in Shepparton (500) and Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool (300)."

Mr Dowling said rainbow trout are a good target species for children or those people new to fishing because they are relatively easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures.

"These holiday trout stockings support the State Government’s Target One Million plan, which aims to grow recreational fishing participation to one million anglers by 2020," Mr Dowling said.

"The plan will also boost fish stocking from three million to five million per year, improve fishing facilities and access, and support angling clubs to strengthen membership."

Anglers are reminded that a daily bag limit of five trout applies in Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres in length.

For more information about fishing rules refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most good bait and tackle shops, online at www.vic.gov.au/fisheries or by downloading the free Vic Fishing app for smart phones.

For a full list of waters stocked with trout these school holidays, go to: www.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.