The next generation of Victorians are set to get hooked on fishing and learn more about native fish production, First Nations fishing history and interactive activities, when the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery and Visitor Centre hosts its first open day on Saturday, 6 April.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced the open day would be the first opportunity for the public to tour the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA)-operated hatchery, located 20 minutes south of Shepparton on the banks of the Goulburn River.
Hosted over the last weekend of the Term One school holidays, the open day will feature free learn-to-fish clinics for kids with rods and tackle provided by Fishcare Victoria, arts and craft activities and outdoor games for everyone to enjoy.
Experienced fishers can also bring their own gear and wet a line to catch one of the many stocked Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch at the hatchery's fish-out pond.
Native fish production staff from the hatchery will run guided tours so more locals and visitors can learn how cod and golden perch are grown.
There will be filleting and cooking demonstrations using Murray cod including tastings, with fish burgers, a sausage sizzle and coffee also available for families and friends to enjoy for lunch. Fisheries Officers and other VFA staff will also be on hand to support fishers with any recreational fishing questions.
The event follows many successful open days at the VFA's Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, giving fishers unprecedented insight into how the fish stocked into lakes and rivers are bred and grown by expert staff.
The Arcadia facility was opened in 2021 and has since produced more than 1.9 million native fish as part of Victoria's record-breaking fish stocking program.
The Allan Labor Government is investing $10 million to triple the size of the hatchery and make Victoria self-sufficient for fish stocking.
More information and to book a place in the popular kids fishing clinics visit vfa.vic.gov.au/arcadiaopenday
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"A trip to the Goulburn Valley for the Arcadia Open Day will be the perfect way for fishing-mad families to round out these school holidays."
"With plenty to see, do and learn through hatchery tours and the ever-popular free fishing clinics, we're proud to make fishing more accessible for every Victorian family to enjoy."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"We can't wait for families from across the region to explore this epic hatchery and learn more about Victoria's native fish production right in their own backyard."
