Bonus trout boost fishing prospects

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Around 200,000 extra rainbow trout are being released into Victorian waterways, providing a boost to new and experienced fishers seeking to snag a tasty catch this spring.

From Horsham to Gippsland, 19 lakes across the state are being stocked with more trout including Rocky Valley Reservoir at Falls Creek, Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, Blue Rock Lake near Willow Grove and Lake Fyans near the Grampians.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive Travis Dowling said the rainbow trout being released are advanced yearlings weighing approximately 50g.

The trout will be ready to catch once released and will be thumpers come spring.

“These bonus stockings provide a variety of fishing opportunities, from wilderness experiences for seasoned anglers to family-friendly adventures for beginners and novices. So, Victorians of all skill levels can look forward to an even better chance of success before year’s end,” Dowling said.

“We will stock an extra 35,000 trout at Blue Rock Lake on top of the 80,000 trout it will receive this year. Similarly, we will stock Tullaroop Reservoir with 10,000 more trout in addition to its 2026 allocation of 42,000.”

Backed by the Victorian government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan and fishing licence fees, Victoria stocks more fish than all other states and territories combined.

These rainbow trout are just some of the 30 million fish the VFA has released into the state’s waters over the past three years, as part of the Victorian government’s record-breaking stocking program.

The VFA partnered with the Australian Trout Foundation, VRFish, Victorian Fly Fishers’ Association, Ballarat Fly Fishers and Sale Fly Fishers to identify a range of ideal locations to stock the trout.

President of the Australian Trout Foundation Paul Stolz said these bonus trout releases complement the VFA’s extensive stocking plan for still-waters in 2026 and would be welcomed by anglers hoping for a good catch.

The stocking at Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley reservoirs will also aid competitors at the 2027 Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championship at Falls Creek in November next year.

More information about permitted equipment and licensing can also be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most bait and tackle shops, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app on your smartphone.

If you see or suspect any illegal fishing in Victoria, call the 24/7 reporting service, 13FISH (133474), to speak directly to a fisheries officer. You can remain anonymous.

FISHING REPORTS

Anglesea

Reports this week are few and far between, with weather still being a factor

Reports courtesy of the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea

Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove

* Reports of salmon being taken off the beaches

Reports courtesy of Chris’ Bait and Tackle Drysdale

Torquay

Torquay is still seeing weather not conducive to fishing, so reports few and far between