From the Department of Primary Industries

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

FAMILY FISHING FUN HAD AT LAKE HYLAND

More than 80 families attended last Saturday’s Family Fishing Festival at Lake Hyland, Acting Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Mick Hodder, said today.

“Over 160 children participated in fishing related activities that ranged from workshops with Fisheries Officers to knot tying classes with Fishcare volunteers,” Mr Hodder said.

Rainbow trout were stocked prior to, and again on the day of the event. Enthusiastic children were delighted to see the fish released into the lake. Some of these fish from the Fisheries Victoria truck weighed more than 1 kg each.

“Children enjoyed the opportunity to try and catch the rainbow trout,” Mr Hodder said.

“There were certainly some happy faces on those who were successful at landing a fish.

“In addition the casting clinics, fishy balloons, Flathead Fred shows, face painting, a jumping castle, and cooking demonstrations proved popular.”

As a result of the day:

• 96 per cent of families surveyed said they planned to return to Lake Hyland sometime in the
next six months,
• Every family said they were more likely to go fishing in Victoria, and
• 94 per cent said their fishing knowledge had improved.

Nearly 700 trout stocked into Lake Hyland for Saturday’s event will offer great fishing opportunities for families over the coming months. More trout will be released prior to the June school holidays.

Lake Hyland is one of five Premier Lakes being developed across the State as part of the Government’s $3.2 million Go Fishing in Victoria investment in recreational fishing, which aims to increase participation in fishing, particularly amongst families.

Families going to Lake Hyland will be able to enjoy using a new BBQ facility and have improved fishing access with additional fishing platforms around the banks of the lake.

“I encourage families to make the most of Lake Hyland, now and into the future, as improvements are made and further fish stocking is undertaken,” Mr Hodder said.

Other Premier Lakes will host Family Fishing festivals soon. These include Eildon Pondage on May 17, Kennington Reservoir (Bendigo) on August 10, Lillydale Lake on September 20 and Jubilee Lake (Daylesford) on October 18.

For more information about the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.