The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victoria's little anglers can get hooked on a new hobby these winter school holidays - with more than 35,000 catchable-size rainbow trout being stocked into 80 lakes across the state.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today stocked more than 400 rainbow trout in Karkarook Park Lake in Moorabbin, which is has helped us reach a record-breaking stocking of 11.5 million this year - smashing our previous record of 10 million.
More fish are stocked in Victoria than every other state and territory combined - with Murray cod, golden perch, brown and rainbow trout, threatened Macquarie perch, dusky flathead, Australian bass and more bolstering world-class fishing experiences that are easy and accessible for every Victorian to enjoy.
The Labor Government's $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan has backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority to stock more than 29.5 million fish since 2021 - attracting more families and friends to every corner of Victoria to enjoy this great activity.
From Ouyen to Warrnambool, Gippsland to Shepparton, lakes across Victoria feature pontoons or jetties, accessible paths and parking for fishers of all abilities as well as other nearby facilities like barbecues and toilets to make it easier for families across Victoria to wet a line and enjoy the great outdoors this school holidays.
There's never been a better time for Victorian kids to start their fishing journey thanks to the Government's Little Angler Kits program which has delivered 95,000 kits to every grade 5 student in Victorian schools so more young anglers can try their luck at their local lake.
The kits also include a kids' guide to fishing with safety messages and educational videos that teach budding fishers tips for catching fish as well as responsible fishing practices - inspiring kids to discover this active, healthy pastime and giving families the information and equipment they need to get started.
To view the full list of Family Fishing Lakes and see what's been stocked, head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"Our record-breaking fish stocking program means great recreational fishing for all Victorians and attracting more families and friends to every corner of Victoria to enjoy this great activity."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh East Nick Staikos
"We've stocked more fish than ever before into Victorian waters in the past year so there's great fishing, not only for these holidays in lakes like Karkarook Park Lake, but for future generations to enjoy."
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
"What better way to enjoy these school holidays than by heading down to a local lake, wetting a line and reeling in a rainbow trout - means that'll be a winning photo for show and tell when school returns."
