Better chance of a catch as reservoirs restocked

THE Moorabool and Pykes Creek reservoirs have had their fish stocks boosted with thousands of trout and Murray cod released there by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA).

The latest releases in this year’s stocking program took place earlier this month and have significantly increased recreational anglers’ chances of making a catch.

“We’ve stocked 10 million fish across Victoria for the third time in four years, which is more stocking than any other state or territory combined,” VFA CEO Travis Dowling said.

“Our record-breaking stocking program is making a real difference to recreational angling opportunities in lakes and rivers, including several in the Central Highlands around Ballarat and Ballan.

“Reservoirs such as Moorabool, Pykes Creek, Bostock, along with Lake Wendouree, are all stocked annually and produce wonderful fishing year-round for beginners and experts alike.”

The total of fish released – or to be released – into the Moorabool Reservoir this year is 10,800, consisting of 6000 brown trout and 4800 rainbow trout.

At the Pyke’s Creek Reservoir, the total number is 88,240 and consists of 10,000 brown trout, 70,740 Murray cod and 7500 rainbow trout.

The stocking program is supported by recreational fishing licence fees and the State Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan.

Fish released at the various sites come from two VFA-operated hatcheries – one at Snobs Creek near Elidon; the other at Arcadia, near Shepparton.

The Snobs Creek hatchery grows trout and salmon to improve inland fishing, along with a variety of threatened native fish such as trout cod and Macquarie perch that need help to grow populations in the wild.

The facility is also home to a conservation hatchery that grows small-bodied native fish.

The Arcadia hatchery, meanwhile, grows native fish like Murray cod and golden perch, and is currently being tripled in size.

The VFA’s trout stocking activities occur from April to November each year when water temperatures are cooler and favourable to the species.

Native fish releases occur from December to May, given the timing of annual spawning by those species.