Lakes across the Grampians region have continued to be stocked with fish as part of a State Government initiative.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, said Grampians lakes had been receiving normal annual stockings, with Lake Fyans receiving 6000 rainbow trout and Lake Bellfield 10,000 rainbow trout.
Rocklands Reservoir has also been stocked with 2500 brown trout and 2500 rainbow trout under the program.
However, Mr Walsh said the most pleasing news was that fish had now breathed new life into Lake Natimuk near Horsham. Fish will make a return to the lake after more than a decade with 10,000 rainbow trout having been releaed.
“While the Grampians lakes have been receiving annual stockings, Lake Natimuk has received its first rainbow trout in 12 years with 10,000 fish released today,” Mr Walsh said.
“The stocking will see the lake return to a dynamic and productive fishery and we expect these rainbow trout, which are currently about 45-50 grams, to grow to at least a kilogram by spring.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to improve opportunities for the state’s recreational fishers.
“The release of these fish will further improve recreational fishing opportunities and boost local communities and economies into the future,” Mr Walsh said.
“About 30,000 rainbow and brown trout and 16,500 Murray cod will be stocked into six Wimmera and Grampians lakes this month.
“The fish are a welcome addition to the lakes, some of which had not had water for many years.”
Murray cod has also been released into various lakes across the region, including Taylors Lake.
In total, 16,500 Murray cod were released earlier this month, funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund as part of a recovery program for drought-affected lakes.
They follow a stocking of 20,000 Murray cod fingerlings into Taylors Lake and 600 Murray cod in Lake Charlegrark earlier in the season.
Wimmera Anglers Association president Robert Loats welcomed the boost to fish stocks, especially at the previously empty Natimuk.
“Natimuk Lake is probably the jewel in the crown for rainbow trout and 10,000 fish will be well received,” Mr Loats said.
“They do well in there and we are looking forward to catching these fish in spring.
“It is also a shot in the arm getting more than normal stocking of 5,000 to kick start the lake.
“These trout and cod will provide some extra angling opportunities in the Wimmera and we are extremely pleased to have them.”
Courtesy of MARCUS MARROW – The Stawell Times
Recent Comments