Carp cull at trout fishery

CARP in Lake Wendouree are under attack in a joint effort by angling clubs and authorities.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority is managing several days of electrofishing to reduce numbers of the pest fish.

Ballarat Fly Fishers, the Ballarat and District Anglers Association and the City of Ballarat are all involved in the move.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said Lake Wendouree is one of Victoria’s marquee trout fisheries and anglers had reported increased numbers of carp in recent years.

“The BDAA has got on the front foot and applied for one of our Recreational Fishing Grants to fund a carp investigation and removal project while [the] City of Ballarat have also contributed $10,000,” Mr Dowling said.

“Wendouree is one of the best trout fisheries in the state, with good access from several boat ramps, regular stocking, the productivity to grow trophy trout and it has been home to international fly fishing competitions for trout.”

Electrofishing involves generating a field of electricity in the water which temporarily stuns fish within about five metres so they can be scooped up in a net.

Mr Dowling said electrofishing is highly effective and has minimal impact on other fish.

He said carp removed from the lake are likely to be transported to facilities where they will be made into a range of products such as garden fertiliser.

He said the project had been timed to occur after the period during which spawning trout congregate at an outflow pipe near Windmill Drive.

“While the work isn’t aimed at eradicating the carp here, the plan is to reduce their numbers to a level that doesn’t impact other fish or water clarity in the lake,” Mr Dowling said.

“This is a great example of recreational fishing licence fees being used by local clubs to fund really meaningful work that will protect one of our state’s premier trout fisheries.”

More information about the lake and fight against carp is available at vfa.vic.gov.au/wendouree.