There’s more fishing fun in stock for everyone this school holidays, with thousands of rainbow trout stocked in more than 80 lakes across Victoria – including four lakes for Gippsland locals.
More than 30,000 catchable-size trout are being released ahead of the two-week break for students, as part of the state government’s Family Fishing initiative.
The state-wide stocking program released almost 10 million fish in 2022, with the majority produced at Snobs Creek and the VFA’s native hatchery at Arcadia, near Shepparton.
The program is supported by the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees and the government’s $96 million investment to “improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.”
Rainbow trout are the ideal catch for budding fishers, as they take a variety of widely available baits like worms or PowerBait. Most Family Fishing Lakes feature pontoons or jetties, good access paths and parking for fishers of all abilities as well as other nearby facilities like barbecues and toilets.
For Gippslanders, this is how many fish will be stocked for the school holidays:
Lake Hyland – 800
Garfield Lake – 150
Lake Guthridge (Sale) – 250
Heyfield Racecourse Lake – 300
The VFA lists a number of fishing waters across the state, including Garfield Lake, that will be stocked with fewer trout due to poor water quality or low water levels. Morwell Lake cannot be stocked due to water contamination.
“Holidays are a great opportunity to get kids into the great outdoors and wetting a line for a rainbow trout gives you the chance to make lasting memories while introducing young fishers to a new pastime,” Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny said.
“Family Fishing Lakes are located across Victoria and feature good access, regular stockings of catchable-size fish and many are located within suburban areas or close to town so kids everywhere can try their luck.”
In Family Fishing Lakes, a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.
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.
For the full list of waterways stocked for these holidays, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout
