Pakenham anglers now have a new target to cast for, with a number of local lakes restocked with ‘stonker’ rainbow trouts.
As part of the Victorian Fisheries Authority restocking, 1000 rainbow trout are being stocked into 17 waterways across the state, including 40 into Berwick Springs Estate Lake, 30 into Emerald Lake, 10 into Lilliput Lane Reserve in Pakenham, and 80 into Pakenham Lake.
The stockings are funded by fishing licence fees and the State Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
A daily bag limit of five trout applies in Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres.
Thousands of smaller rainbow trout – averaging 200 grams each – will be stocked across the state ready for the school holidays.
Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the new restocking is an opportunity for anglers of all ages to secure the catch of a lifetime.
“There has never been a better time to throw your line into Melbourne’s lakes,” he said.
“Fishing is great way to get outside and spend time with family and friends in nature – and you can do this close to home with Melbourne’s most popular lakes stocked ahead of Spring.”
Junior fishers will be able to get in on the action using their free Little Angler Kits, which were given to school aged children to inspire more kids to get outdoors and give fishing a go.
For more information about the restocking, visit vfa.vic.gov.au
