Fishing Report – May 10, 2018

ANGLESEA

» Weather conditions have been ordinary to say the least
» A few pinkies are still being reported
» Flathead and whiting catches are occurring but few in numbers
» Reports of salmon catches continue.

BARWON HEADS

» Off shore reports of some pinkies
» Some tiger flathead have been reported offshore
» Reports of whiting, trevally and salmon continue.

TORQUAY

» Still some whiting to be caught as well as pinkies
» Salmon catches continue off our local beaches
» Still some flathead reports coming in
» Spring Creek producing some nice bream.

Remember Torquay Tackle and Sports. For all the best available advice in Torquay on tackle and bait, drop in at the store and see Ross or Josh to ensure you get the most up-to-date information available. Phone 5264 8207.

QUEENSCLIFF

» St Leonards has whiting, squid, some pinkie and flathead still being reported
» Indented Head: whiting, squid and a few flathead are being caught
» Swan Bay is still seeing some flathead, King George whiting and salmon at the entrance
» Point Lonsdale pier has salmon, whiting and the odd trevally still being caught
» The White Lady is seeing a few squid and whiting
» The creek is producing a few trevally and some salmon

I am taking this opportunity to remind everyone that the trout season is coming to an official close.

Everyone needs to be aware of the rules regarding trout fishing especially in the Mitta Mitta region with the recent announcement of the restocking of the Dartmouth Pondage by the State Labor Government

Autumn is known as one of the best times to be on Victoria’s north-east rivers and streams, for the trout. With the waterways seeing some of the countries best fly fishing available.

However, trout fishing in most of Victoria’s rivers and streams closes on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June and reopens in September.

For all details go to bit.ly/2HZbZwI.

However, those heading for this part of the country with the stretch of water from Dartmouth Pondage to Lake Banimboola, will find a year-round fishery.

Even when the rivers themselves are off-limits.

RESTOCKING OF THE DARTMOUTH PONDAGE BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT

A section of the Dartmouth Pondage in northeast Victoria has re-opened to fishing for the first time since 2013.

The new arrangements have been officially launched at Dartmouth and, in a boost for local and visiting anglers, the Pondage has been stocked with 20,000 trout to accelerate the fishery’s development.

When open to fishing previously, the pondage was known to grow trophy trout to three kilograms and often boasted the winning fish in local angling competitions.

The re-opening project was funded by the state government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.

The state-wide water plan – Water for Victoria – acknowledges the recreational values of our water resources and the need to consider these in how we manage water.

The state government has also introduced legislation to ensure water corporations and other water resource managers consider the recreational values of our water assets.

In line with this, Goulburn Murray Water has worked with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to re-open Dartmouth Pondage. This follows Gippsland Water and Fisheries working together to open access for barramundi fishing at Hazelwood Pondage.

The state government has also set a new fish stocking record of more than six million through Target One Million, saved Lake Toolondo’s iconic trout fishery, removed boating restrictions at Blue Rock Lake so anglers can better access the stocked bass, and now re-opened a section of the Dartmouth Pondage.

Victoria’s water storages, lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams provide bountiful fishing opportunities as well as flow on economic benefits for tourism and local economies.

The state government is investing $222 million over four years to improve the health of our waterways and catchments, including restoring fish habitat.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said that “more people fishing, more often is exactly what our government is about”.

PHOTOS

I would also like to remind everyone to keep those photos coming in of your big catch! Please forward them to [email protected], with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big Catch.