Snobs Creek Hatchery to host open day

THE Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery near Eildon will be open to fish fanatics of all ages from 9am to 2pm at its annual open day on 3 May.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive Travis Dowling said the annual free event will have an added attraction this year following the opening of the new Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre which will provide a significant boost to the “Maccas” and trout cod.

“The open day is packed with free family activities including self-guided tours and the chance to ask questions of expert hatchery staff about how fish are bred in captivity and Victorian Fisheries Authority nation-leading fish stocking program.”

Snobs Creek opened in 1948 and now produces everything from the Murray cod to threatened trout cod and Macquarie perch, as well as brown and rainbow trout and Chinook salmon.

Work by the Snobs Creek Conservation Hatchery to help recover at least 10 threatened species is another highlight of the open day.

VFA staff and the team from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Arthur Rylah Institute will be on hand to explain the work carried out at this state-of-the-art facility.

Robbie Alexander will be there sharing fishing tips and stories, inspiring the next generation to go fishing more often and scientist Dr Corey Green will be dissecting trout and discussing their fascinating anatomy.

VRFish will be running a fun lure painting activity while sharing advocacy updates in the recreational fishing space.

The Fisheries Education team will keep the kids entertained with a range of activities. There will also be a stocking truck display, casting clinics, aquaculture hub, live music, coffee van and sausage sizzle.

The Snob’s Creek Fish Hatchery is at 455 Goulburn Valley Highway, Eildon

For more information on what the Snobs Creek Open day has in store, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/snobsopenday

Scott Jefferies elected to VRFish board

VRFish, the Victorian recreational fishing peak body, has announced the unanimous election of Scott Jefferis as its new deputy chair.

VRFish chair, Rob Loats, said: “We are thrilled to announce Scott Jefferis as VRFish deputy chair signifying an exciting change in leadership at Victoria’s recreational fishing peak body.”

A lifelong recreational fisher, Jefferis joined the VRFish board in 2024. He is the vice-president of the Dunlop Bayswater Angling Club and the secretary/treasurer of Howqua Association of Angling Clubs.

“For over 30 years, VRFish has proudly represented Victoria’s recreational fishing. Scott’s extensive business experience and passion for recreational fishing will further enhance the strength of VRFish,” Loats said.

Jefferis replaces Steven Relf who has served as VRFish deputy chair since 2016.

“We sincerely thank Steven for his invaluable contributions, leadership and dedicated service as VRFish deputy chair,” Loats said.

To ensure recreational fishers priorities are strongly represented, VRFish has recently launched its plan to make fishing better ahead of November’s Victorian election. This demonstrates the value of a strong and independent recreational fishing peak body.

If you see or suspect any illegal fishing in Victoria, phone the 24/7 reporting service 13 FISH (13 34 74) to speak directly to a Fisheries officer. You can remain anonymous.

FISHING REPORTS:

Anglesea:

· Weather conditions extremely poor with little or no reports as boats are not getting out.

Reports compliments of the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea

Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove:

· Some small trevally in the river but weather makes it far from conducive to fishing.