Record One Million Fish Stocking For Lake Eppalock

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Record One Million Fish Stocking For Lake Eppalock

Post by fishingvic » Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:45 pm

Record One Million Fish Stocking For Lake Eppalock


Media contact: Isobel Loschiavo 0431 963 479 | isobel.loschiavo@minstaff.vic.gov.au Tuesday, 7 December 2021
RECORD ONE MILLION FISH STOCKING FOR LAKE EPPALOCK

Recreational anglers will soon have one million chances to reel in a fish at Lake Eppalock with a record stocking for
the waterway in the coming months. Set to improve freshwater fishing for decades to come, the one million fish stocking is part of an Andrews Labor
Government promise to stock an Australian-record 10 million fish across the state by April 2022. It is also a key
component of its $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing more often. The Lake Eppalock stocking will consist of 500,000 Murray cod and 500,000 golden perch fingerlings, set to grow to
catchable size within three to four years. This stocking is a milestone, easily surpassing the lake's previous season records – 200,000 Murray cod fingerlings
in 2017 and 315,000 golden perch last summer. A short drive from Bendigo, the lake is known for producing exceptional freshwater fishing, including golden perch
and redfin. At the same time, more Murray cod are stocked every year as part of an increased focus on the iconic
native species by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA). Many of the stocked Murray cod are grown by the VFA at its Snobs Creek hatchery, made possible by the
Government's reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees. This season, other Victorian waterways also receiving record stockings include Lake Eildon with 500,000 Murray
cod and 500,000 golden perch - an addition to 200,000 brown trout and 50,000 rainbow trout that have already
been released. Out west, Rocklands Reservoir completes the trio of large waterways receiving a significant stocking with 500,000
Murray cod and 500,000 golden perch to be released. The VFA began stocking Rocklands Reservoir with native fish in 2017, with fishers already reporting remarkable
results, including golden perch up to 60 centimetres and Murray cod now reaching takeable size (between 55 and
75 centimetres). These three major waterways join more than 125 others across Victoria set to share in millions of native fish this
summer, including Australian bass, estuary perch, silver perch, Macquarie perch, trout cod, golden perch, and
Murray cod.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"Stocking Lake Eppalock with 1 million fish will see it remain a must-visit destination of choice for anglers right
across the state." “Investing in our local waterways ensures we are not only supporting local anglers, but we are also encouraging
tourism to our regional towns – of particular importance in adding the economic recovery from the pandemic.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“Lake Eppalock is a favourite amongst locals right across the region – this stocking will see its popularity continue
as keen anglers young and old head to the Lake to try their luck.”

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