General News
24 September, 2025
Cast a line these school holidays
COBDEN hosts one of the Victorian lakes which has shared in the release of thousands of Rainbow Trout as part of a State Government initiative to encourage kids to get outside and cast a line over the school holidays.
Local lakes which were restocked with rainbow trout ahead of the school holidays include Cobden Lake (300), the Simpson Recreation Reserve Lake (300), Jubilee Lake (Skipton), Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool (450) and Mortlake’s Tea Tree Lake (300).
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said Victoria was proud to stock more than 35,000 catchable-size fish in time for the break – more than every other state and territory combined.
“We’re making it easier for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature – stocking thousands of rainbow trout across Victoria so kids can cast a line these school holidays,” he said.
“Our nation-leading fish stocking program ensures families can have a fun, free and healthy day out.”
The release of rainbow trout is part of the Labor Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan and the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees.
The rainbow trout are among 10 million fish being stocked annually into lakes and rivers to improve fishing opportunities.
Many of the family-friendly locations which host the releases feature fishing platforms, walking tracks, playgrounds, barbecue facilities and toilets to ensure parents, kids and angling enthusiasts can enjoy a great day out together.
All the trout stocked were delivered by the team at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Snobs Creek hatchery and weigh approximately 180 grams each – an ideal size for newcomers casting a line these school holidays.
Rainbow trout can be caught in a variety of ways ranging from low-cost baits to lures which are cast and retrieved from the shore.
One of the big advantages to this species is people don’t need fancy gear to get in on the fun.
Common garden worms, Tassie Devil lures or spinners, will do the trick when rigged on a small spinning outfit.
Anglers are reminded a daily bag limit of five trout applies, of which only two can exceed 35 centimetres.
More information about bag and size limits, permitted equipment and licensing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from bait and tackle shops, at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free ‘Vic Fishing’ mobile app.
Read More: Cobden