More waters for boating and fishing in central Victoria

Four more lakes in central Victoria are now open to recreational fishers in canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors, thanks to the Victorian Government’s plan to get more people fishing, more often.

Victorian Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford joined fishers, paddlers and small boat owners near Kyneton to open on-water access for the first time to Upper Coliban, Malmsbury and Lauriston reservoirs, and Hepburn Lagoon.

The opening of these four waters by Coliban Water and Goulburn Murray Water complements similar on-water access expansion at Barkers Creek and Tullaroop reservoirs in April and May 2019.

For decades, Hepburn Lagoon and the three Kyneton reservoirs have been stocked with trout for freshwater fishers, supported by their fishing licence fees. Fishers can now get on the water with fly, bait or lure, to make the very most of these scenic fisheries from small watercraft.

All three Kyneton reservoirs were stocked with nearly 110,000 native fish fingerlings last summer to encourage more people to get out and cast a line.

Upper Coliban Reservoir received 25,000 golden perch fingerlings and Malmsbury 30,000 last summer, in addition to annual releases of trout grown at Fisheries’ Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.

Lauriston Reservoir received 25,000 golden perch and nearly 30,000 Murray cod whilst Hepburn Lagoon will remain a stocked trout fishery given its fantastic reputation as a productive cool-water destination.

Plans are also underway to build boat ramps at Upper Coliban and Lauriston reservoirs over the next 12 months, making it even easier to enjoy a great day on the water.

Source: Vic Government