Local and visiting recreational fishers across the Goulburn region will mark the opening of trout season at the free Goulburn Fishing Festival on Saturday 2 September.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny today announced the annual free festival will celebrate all that fishing in the Goulburn region has to offer, with free festival activities offering something for every angler no-matter their experience level.
The festival is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $96 million investment to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture over the next four years.
1,500 giant rainbow trout have also been stocked across 10 stocking sites between Eildon and Molsworth, with an extra 500 fish stocked at the Eildon Pondage.
Located at Lions Park on Riverside Drive, the festival features free activities for the whole family. A free fishing clinic will teach the next generation of anglers how to cast, bait up and net a fish, with free bait and tackle provided and experienced instructors on hand.
Fly casting lessons will also be on offer from the Australian Trout Foundation, giving more experienced fishers the opportunity to take their skills to the next level. There will also be face painting, plaster arts painting, market stalls, prizes and raffles – with fireworks over the pondage at 7pm.
Fisheries Officers and Better Boating staff will also be on deck to answer questions from anglers no-matter their experience level.
Tours of the VFA’s popular Snobs Creek hatchery will be on offer for the community to see first-hand how millions of trout and native fish are grown annually for the statewide stocking program. Youngsters will also be able to help with trout releases into the Eildon Pondage on the day.
For more information visit vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest.
Victorian rivers and streams officially open to trout fishing on Saturday 2 September 2023. All lakes, including Lake Eildon and Eildon Pondage, are open to trout fishing year-round.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
“The Goulburn Fishing Festival is a wonderful opportunity to visit regional Victoria, tour a fish hatchery and introduce the kids to fishing in a safe and supportive environment.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This festival will encourage more people to Eildon, the Goulburn River and surrounds and makes for a great day out – giving families and kids the chance to try fishing and learn from experts.”
