Spavin Drive Lake will be stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout for the September school holidays, helping more Sunbury families to get outdoors and wet a line.

Member for Sunbury Josh Bull joined local fishers and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) to release 600 catchable-size rainbow trout into Spavin Dr Lake today.

Rainbow trout are a fantastic species for inexperienced fishers as they are easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures. They also taste great, meaning families can take home a few for the dinner table.

Spavin Drive Lake, and nearby Kismet Creek Linear Reserve, will be stocked for the first time this coming summer with ready to catch silver perch and golden perch.

The combination of stocked trout, which bite best in the cooler months, and native fish like golden perch that bite best in the warmer months, will mean Spavin Drive Lake becomes a year-round fishery and destination for beginners to try their hand at fishing.

Some of the other waters to be stocked with catchable size trout for these school holidays include Albert Park Lake, Lilydale Lake, Casey Fields Lake, Emerald Lake, Pakenham Lake and Ferntree Gully Quarry.

Most of these waters feature improved access with access platforms, walking tracks, picnic areas and other family-friendly facilities, creating a safe and convenient environment for people to wet a line.

The stocking is funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the Andrews Labor Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often.

A daily bag limit of 5 trout applies to family fishing lakes, of which only 2 trout can exceed 35cm. For the full state-wide list of stocked waters visit vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull

“Hundreds of children will get the chance to catch their first ever fish these school holidays thanks to these stockings.”

“The creation of a year-round fishery at Spavin Drive Lake will be terrific for Sunbury kids,
encouraging them to get outside with their mates and enjoy the great outdoors.”