Melbourne's most popular fishing spots will become an angler's paradise with huge rainbow trout - weighing up to four kilograms each - being stocked across 17 lakes thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced the restocking across Melbourne, giving fishers of all abilities the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime close to home.
The annual stocking of 1,000 enormous rainbow trout is backed the Labor Government's $96 million package to improve fishing, boating and piers right across the state.
Now in its fourth year, the restocking means anglers in and around Melbourne can catch the same trout that are stocked in Eildon Pondage and Goulburn River, to celebrate the opening of the trout fishing season.
Thousands of smaller rainbow trout - averaging 200 grams each - will be stocked across the state ready for the school holidays.
The 1,000 huge rainbow trout are being stocked currently into the following 17 waterways. The locations are:
Albert Park Lake (120 huge rainbow trout)
Berwick Springs Estate Lake (40)
Casey Fields Lake (40)
Caulfield Racecourse Lake (50)
Don Lake (Healesville) (30)
Emerald Lake (30)
Garfield Lake (10)
Karkarook Lake (Moorabbin) (150)
Lilliput Lane Reserve (Pakenham) (10)
Lilydale Lake (120)
Navan Park Lake (Melton) (30)
Pakenham Lake (80)
Rowville Lakes (Sutton and Hill Lakes) (40)
Roxburgh Park Lakes (30)
Spavin Drive Lake (Sunbury) (30)
Quarry Lake (Ferntree Gully) (60)
Yarrambat Lake (130)
Junior fishers will be able to get in on the action using their free Little Angler Kits, which were given to school aged children to inspire more kids to get outdoors and give fishing a go. Information on what bait they should use and how to rig up is available in the guide that came with the kit.
For regional Victorians who love to catch trout from the river, the season re-opens on Saturday 7 September. To celebrate, large rainbow trout will be stocked around Eildon as part of the Goulburn Fishing Festival, which starts on 7 September. The Ballarat Fishing Festival starts on the same day at Lake Wendouree.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"There has never been a better time to throw your line into Melbourne's lakes, with these huge rainbow trout giving everyone the opportunity for the catch of a lifetime."
"Fishing is great way to get outside and spend time with family and friends in nature - and you can do this close to home with Melbourne's most popular lakes stocked ahead of Spring."
