Families can expect to reel in a big catch these school holidays, with more than 35,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked into lakes across Victoria, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

There’s more fishing fun in stock for everyone at Navan Park in Melton these school holidays, with 600 rainbow trout stocked thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. The school holiday stocking program forms part of a record-breaking fish stocking effort funded by the Labor Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture – supported by recreational fishing licence fees.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie said fish stocked into Navan Park would encourage families to make lasting memories in the great outdoors and get kids hooked on a new hobby.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has stocked more than 26 million fish in the past three years to ensure fishing is great all year round.

More than 80 Family Fishing Lakes, most of which were also stocked ahead of the mid-year school holidays, will share in the good times with trout grown at the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon.

From Rutherglen’s King Lake to Ess Lagoon in Casterton, Lake Hyland in Churchill and Albert Park Lake in the heart of Melbourne, budding anglers can begin their fishing journey at family-friendly waters – many of which boast access for fishers of all abilities including platforms or pontoons, walking tracks, playgrounds and other facilities like barbecues.

The stocked rainbow trout are ideal for newcomers as they take a variety of widely available baits like worms or PowerBait.

For the full list of waterways stocked ahead of these holidays, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout. In Family Fishing Lakes, a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.

More information about bag and size limits, permitted equipment and licensing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most bait and tackle shops, online at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app on your smartphone.

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“It’s easier than ever to get kids making memories in the great outdoors, with lakes across the region stocked with catchable fish.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny

“The weather’s starting to warm up so what better time to grab the kids or grandkids, a few rods and get the next generation hooked on fishing.”