Preparations are continuing for the opening of Spring Creek Dam for fly fishing later this year.
In short: Raised in breeding tanks, 250 large Rainbow Trout were released into Spring Creek Dam.
The large fish are expected to eat the dam's feral Redfin.
What's next: The dam will be opened for fly and lure fishing later this year, around November.
Last month, Orange City Council decided to open the dam for fly fishing. Signage and bins will be installed in the coming months, and NSW fishing authorities are also organising new permit arrangements.
It's expected the dam will open for fly fishing in November. A section of foreshore has been selected for lure and fly only fishing.
In the meantime, NSW Fisheries has released 250 Rainbow Trout into the dam. The ex-broodstock Rainbow Trout - each weighing more than two kilos each – were released into the dam last week.
The NSW Government will work with Orange City Council to stock popular native sportfish species including Murray Cod and Golden Perch into local waterways, including Spring Creek Dam.
The ex-broodstock trout released into the dam were used to breed millions of fingerlings at the NSW Government's Dutton Trout Hatchery, located at Ebor.
In total around 2.5 million Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout will be stocked by the NSW Government across the state this year with funding support from the Recreational Fishing Trust.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling has welcomed the latest progress.
"Fly fishing is a very popular local sport around Orange and it's great to be working with the state government to see these large fish released," Cr Jason Hamling said. "These fish won't be breeding in Spring Creek, but they're big enough that they are expected to make an impact on the feral Redfin in the dam."
RELEASE: NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty (at right) is pictured withe NSW Fisheries staff during the release of trout at Orange's Spring Creek Dam.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, was on-hand for the trout release.
"By stocking these large trout today, we're ensuring that this exciting new fishing spot at Spring Creek Dam will be rod-and-reel-ready when it opens in a few months," Tara Moriarty said. "This is another example of how the Government is making sure fishing licence fees are being put to good use for fishers and local communities."
MP for Orange, Phil Donato believes fly fishing will become an important tourist attraction.
"Orange has lots of attractions for food and wine, and fishing is a growing reason for visitors to come to town. By releasing these wonderful large rainbow trout people have another strong incentive for visiting Orange when the trout season opens in October," Phil Donato said.
"For locals this is a good excuse to visit the Spring Creek dam when the council soon opens it to the public."
