FROM the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
Fish have made a welcome return to Lake Natimuk after more than a decade as part of the Victorian Coalition Government's fish stocking program in western Victoria.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the Department of Primary Industries was stocking Lake Natimuk with 10,000 rainbow trout as part of its broader regional program.
"While the Grampians lakes have been receiving annual stockings, Lake Natimuk has received its first rainbow trout in 12 years with 10,000 fish released today," Mr Walsh said.
"The stocking will see the lake return to a dynamic and productive fishery and we expect these rainbow trout, which are currently about 45-50 grams, to grow to at least a kilogram by spring."
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to improve opportunities for the state's recreational fishers.
"The release of these fish will further improve recreational fishing opportunities and boost local communities and economies into the future," Mr Walsh said.
"About 30,000 rainbow and brown trout and 16,500 Murray cod will be stocked into six Wimmera and Grampians lakes this month.
"The fish are a welcome addition to the lakes, some of which had not had water for many years."
This month's regional fish stocking program includes:
- Natimuk Lake – 10,000 rainbow trout
- Bellfield – 10,000 rainbow trout
- Rocklands Reservior – 2500 brown trout and 2500 rainbow trout
- Lake Fyans - 6000 rainbow trout
- Taylors Lake – 13,000 Murray cod fingerlings
- Lake Charlegrark – 3500 Murray cod fingerlings
The 16,500 Murray cod, released earlier this month, were funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund as part of a recovery program for drought-affected lakes.
They follow a stocking of 20,000 Murray cod fingerlings into Taylors Lake and 600 Murray cod in Lake Charlegrark earlier in the season.
Wimmera Anglers Association president Robert Loats welcomed the boost to fish stocks, especially at the previously empty Natimuk.
"Natimuk Lake is probably the jewel in the crown for rainbow trout and 10,000 fish will be well received," Mr Loats said.
"They do well in there and we are looking forward to catching these fish in spring.
"It is also a shot in the arm getting more than normal stocking of 5,000 to kick start the lake.
"These trout and cod will provide some extra angling opportunities in the Wimmera and we are extremely pleased to have them."