General News
31 August, 2023
Lakes see big release
FISHING enthusiasts will soon be able to catch more thanks to a recent fish release at Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri.
FISHING enthusiasts will soon be able to catch more thanks to a recent fish release at Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri.
The Victorian Fishing Authority (VFA) released Chinook salmon at the lakes on Monday and Tuesday, releasing fingerlings from their fish hatchery at Snobs Creek.
Angling clubs for Purrumbete and Camperdown assisted in the release, with 60,000 released into Lake Purrumbete and 80,000 released into Lake Bullen Merri.
The release at Lake Purrumbete is significantly more than the 16,300 Chinook salmon that have been released this year, and stocks of brown and rainbow trout are expected in both lakes in the coming months.
Purrumbete Angling Club president Steven Hill said fish releases have been happening at Lake Purrumbete for 50 to 60 years, with between seven and eight happening each year.
“To get the fingerlings in this amount is a bit more than normal, so it’s good to see so many fish going in the lake,” he said.
“It brings people to the area; people chase the chinook salmon because they grow up to 20 pounds.
“To help put the fish in the lake’s just good for the general area because it brings in tourists and fishermen and people interested in fishing.
“We’ve built up a working relationship with the VFA over the last 50 years, and they’re very good to work with.”
Camperdown Angling Club president Gary Cronin said the releases help to keep Lake Bullen Merri active.
“If it wasn’t for the volunteers, none of this would happen,” he said.
“It’s what it’s all about; team event, club event, and for the future of fishing.
“It’s excellent. It gives everyone a great opportunity to catch more fish.
“We’re all getting fingerlings now, and they’ll grow into really good fish up to four to five kilo.”
A VFA spokesperson said Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri are the only two places in Australia where fishers can catch Chinook salmon and tiger trout, which is a “real tourist drawcard”.
“The lakes are also stocked with brown and rainbow trout as part of our record-breaking fish stocking program,” they said.
Mr Hill said the fishing at Lakes Purrumbete and Bullen Merri has been “very good” so far.
“There’s been lots of redfin being caught, (as well as) chinook salmon, and tiger trout, and a few brown trout as well,” he said.