Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing has today announced that Morwell Lake will receive 750 rainbow trout during the September school holidays as part of the Family Fishing Lakes program.

The Family Fishing Lakes program aims to improve fishing opportunities for newcomers by stocking lakes across Victoria with 26,000 rainbow trout that have been grown at Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.

Rainbow trout provide beginner anglers with a better chance of catching a fish, and are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan to grow recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing contributes $2.3 billion to our social and economic well-being, making it a vital part of our economy, which is great for tourism, great for jobs and great for simply getting outdoors.

The Andrews Government’s Target One Million plan is the largest injection of funds into fisheries in 30 years and helps to grow recreational fishing in Victoria by encouraging families to get outdoors and enjoy fishing.

Anglers are reminded that a daily bag limit of five trout applies in Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35cm. For more information about fishing rules refer to the Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from tackle shops, online at www.vic.gov.au/fisheries or by downloading the free ‘Vic Fishing’ smart phone app.

For a full list of waters stocked with trout for the holidays visit www.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“The Andrews Labor Government understands the importance of recreational fishing and is encouraging people to spend more time outdoors enjoying this great pastime.”

“Stocking Morwell Lake with rainbow trout will be great for those new to fishing because they are relatively easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures.”

“I encourage people and families from the area to give it a go and see just how much fun fishing can be.”