Anglers across Yarra Ranges can reel in some big thrills with huge rainbow trout ─ weighing up to four kilograms each ─ being stocked across 17 metropolitan lakes, thanks to the Victorian government.
The annual stocking of 1000 rainbow trout is supported through the government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture, with Victoria stocking more fish than all other states and territories combined.
The initiative provides fishers around Melbourne with access to the same ‘stonker’ trout that are stocked into the Eildon Pondage and Goulburn River each September to celebrate the opening of the trout fishing season.
These ripping rainbows take a variety of baits and are released into local lakes – many of which feature shore-based access, walking tracks and nearby facilities like playgrounds and barbecues, making for a great family day out.
The 1000 huge rainbow trout are being stocked currently into the following 17 waterways.
The locations in Yarra Ranges are Don Lake in Healesville (30 stonker rainbow trout), Emerald Lake (30), Lilydale Lake (130), and Quarry Lake in Ferntree Gully (60)