My Big Catch: Land a rainbow trout these school holidays

YOUNGSTERS can catch a new hobby these school holidays with the stocking of more than 35,000 catchable size rainbow trout into almost 80 lakes across Victoria thanks to the state government.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said Ouyen Lake will be stocked with 500 rainbow trout for the first time to provide more freshwater fishing opportunities for people in the state’s
far northwest.
The stockings are thanks to recreational fishing licence fees and the Labor Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often, in more places.
Family Fishing Lakes boast good access with waterside platforms, walking tracks, picnic areas and other facilities, creating a wonderful environment for people to get some fresh air and explore whilst wetting a line.
The rainbow trout are grown at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, and delivered for over the school holiday break.
Rainbow trout are perfect for those new to fishing because they’re easy to catch and taste great on
the plate.
Stocked waters for these holidays include:
• Albert Park Lake (1,500) • Lillydale Lake (1,000) • Emerald Lake (500) • Spavan Lake in Sunbury (600) • Victoria Lake in Shepparton (750) • Hyland Lake in Churchill (800) • Pakenham Lake (750) • St Augustine’s Water Hole in Geelong (750) • Kennington Reservoir in Bendigo (500) • Darlingsford Lake in Melton (500) • Pertobe Lake in Warrnambool (450) • Yarrambat Lake (1,000) • Casey Fields Lake in Cranbourne (750) • Crusoe Reservoir (450) • Eildon Pondage (1,100+) • Marysville Lake (450) • Ouyen Lake (500) • Tchum Lake in Birchip (1,000)
A daily bag limit of five trout applies to Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35cm.
For more information about catch limits get hold of the 2020 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most tackle shops, online or by downloading the free Vic Fishing app for smartphones.
“Casting a line is a great way to get the kids outside for a few hours these school holidays,” Ms Horne said.
“Our Target One Million plan continues to deliver great things for Victorian fishers, whether you’re enjoying a Family Fishing Lake or chasing snapper in Port Phillip.”
For the statewide list of stocked waters these holidays, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.
I would also like to remind everyone also to keep those photos coming in of your own big catch!
We will now even take older photos of your big catch previously if they have not yet been published.
Photos: Please forward them to the email address below, with type of fish, weight, length, location, and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big Catch. Email photos to [email protected].

FISHING REPORTS
Weather conditions are still having an impact on catches

Anglesea
Reports of a few whiting being caught
A few pinkies are also being caught
A few trevally are also being caught
Salmon catches off the beaches including the point continue.
Thanks to the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea

Barwon Heads
Reports out of Ocean Grove are pretty much the same
A few snapper are being reported
Flathead are also still being reported
Some nice whiting to be had offshore but in close
Off the beaches, salmon are still around
Some school shark have also been reported
Some small whiting and some trevally reported.
Reports compliments of the Ocean Grove Angling Club

Torquay
Whiting are still being caught
A few pinkies have also been reported
Flathead reports are still being received
Salmon continue off local beaches
Spring Creek reports some small bream.
Reports compliments of the Torquay Angling Club

Queenscliff
St Leonards reports King George whiting, flathead, squid, as well as a few snapper and some school sharks as well
Clifton Springs is still seeing a few snapper, along with some whiting, calamari, gummy shark, and the occasional flathead
Queenscliff reports are still of whiting, trevally, flathead, and a few squid
The Creek is seeing only a few trevally and salmon on occasions
Swan Bay report some calamari, plus a few whiting and flathead near the mouth
Point Lonsdale reports salmon, plus a few trevally, whiting and snapper
The White Lady is said to be producing a few whiting, calamari, and some snapper
Indented Head is still seeing some reports of flathead, a few King George whiting, snapper and the odd calamari.

Fishing club corner
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