Victoria Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford

New Murray Cod Fishing Opportunities At Karkarook Lake

Victor P Taffa

Victorians will have more fishing opportunities after Karkarook Lake was stocked for the first time with Murray cod and golden perch, thanks to Andrews Government.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford joined school kids and anglers to release 50 Murray cod averaging 40 cm and 600 g, and 200 golden perch averaging 30 cm and weighing in at 450 g.

“Murray cod hold a special place in freshwater anglers’ hearts and we’ve acted on their calls to catch them in more accessible places.” Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford said.

“Target One Million is all about getting more people fishing, more often, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time together in the great outdoors.”

Stocking more native fish into urban lakes is a key Andrews Government election commitment and is part of the Target One Million plan to boost angling participation to One Million by 2020.

Karkarook Lake is the first of a series of urban waters to be stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.

Other urban lakes on the native fish stocking agenda include:

• Lilydale Lake,
• Melton Reservoir,
• Navan Park Lake,
• Rowville Lakes,
• Roxburgh Park Lakes.

“By stocking Karkarook Lake we’re ensuring the local community and keen anglers can get out on the water and reel in some fish.” Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak said.

These new native fish stockings will complement existing trout stockings that take place for the school holidays in June and September.

All waters selected for the new urban native fish stocking program have the right characteristics to support a mixed fishery and will provide accessible year-round angling opportunities for families.

Fisheries managers will monitor these waters to assess the performance of the stockings with the help of anglers and local fishing clubs.

Anglers are reminded that some of these stocked native fish need to reach minimum legal size before they can be considered for the dinner table.

Murray cod need to be a minimum of 55 cm and no more than 75 cm, while golden perch need to measure at 30 cm or more.