Casting a line into Barkers Creek Reservoir at Harcourt just got a whole lot easier now that kayaks and canoes are permitted.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said a key component of the State Government's $34 million Target One Million plan is better on-water access to reservoirs across Victoria.
This waterway is the first to have new access arrangements implemented, delivering on an election commitment that will get more people fishing, more often and boost participation to one million anglers by 2020.
It is also the first time a Coliban Water reservoir has been opened for on-water access of any kind.
Barkers Creek Reservoir is stocked with trout annually, grown at the Victorian Fisheries Authority's (VFA) Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.
Thanks to an exciting new development last month, it was also stocked for the first time with tens of thousands of golden perch fingerlings. With plans to stock silver perch and Murray cod, anglers can expect great year-round fishing for trout in winter and native fish in summer.
Electric motors may be used on canoes and kayaks if they travel below 5 knots. In the future, on-water access will be further expanded to include boats, on the proviso they're only powered by electric motors. Work will begin on improving car parking and boat launching facilities shortly.
The VFA will continue to work with water authorities to expand on-water access and improve facilities at several reservoirs including Tullaroop, Lauriston, Malmsbury, Upper Coliban and Hepburn Lagoon.
