Catchable size Murray cod have been stocked into Barkers Creek Reservoir today to accelerate the development of its mixed fishery and provide kayakers with a native fish target species immediately.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority released 200 Murray cod weighing an average of 2kg each with the help of local anglers.
These Murray cod complement the recent opening of Barkers Creek Reservoir to canoes and kayaks, which delivers on the key commitment of better on-water access in Labor's $34 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often.
Anglers who prefer fishing in kayaks and canoes, including paddle-craft with electric motors, are now permitted to use their vessels on Barkers Creek Reservoir.
The reservoir was recently stocked with thousands of golden perch fingerlings; however, these will take several years to reach catchable size.
The stocking of larger Murray cod now provides an immediate opportunity for anglers and builds on the established trout stocking program and self-sustaining redfin population in the reservoir.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority expects Barkers Creek Reservoir to become a year-round fishing destination for freshwater anglers of all skill levels, ranging from families with children wetting a line from the shore to keen kayak fishers casting lures for cod and perch.
The creation of new mixed fisheries in central Victoria with better on-water access will increase fishing participation and bring regional economic benefits through fishing-related tourism.
Anglers are keenly anticipating on-water access to Tullaroop, Upper Coliban, Malmsbury, Hepburn Lagoon and Lauriston reservoirs in coming months.
Closer to Melbourne, new mixed fisheries are also under-construction with Karkarook and Casey Fields lakes recently having shared in the stocking of nearly 270 catchable size golden perch and Murray cod. Both will receive catchable size rainbow trout next school holidays.
Stocking suburban waters with catchable size native fish is another Target One Million commitment, soon to be delivered at Roxburgh Park Lakes, Navan Park Lake, Lilydale Lake, Rowville Lakes and Melton Reservoir.
