Trout treat

PLENTY MORE FISH IN THE GOULBURN RIVER SOON They say there is always plenty more fish in the sea. It seems from next week, there is also going to be plenty more fish in the Goulburn River. Victorias biggest ever trout season is being spruiked, with 2000 big trout being released at sites near Eildon. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the combined weight of the rainbow trout would be seven tonnes, making the release the biggest ever 24-hour stocking event. The Goulburn River, between Molesworth and the Eildon pondage, will receive 1500 trout, with 500 of the goliaths to be released into the Eildon pondage itself, Ms Symes said. Half the trout will be released next Friday, with the other half released the next day. The opening will be complemented by the free Goulburn Fishing Festival, part of the Victorian Governments Target One Million plan. The festival promotes fishing in country Victoria and there will be family activities from 10 am to 4 pm. Free activities include fishing clinics from experts, fly-fishing lessons tailored for women, prizes and raff les and trout releases into the pondage. For information, including a map of the 11 stocking sites, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ goulburnfishfest Victorian rivers and streams are officially open for trout fishing at midnight on Friday, August 31. All lakes, including Lake Eildon and the Eildon pondage, are open for trout fishing year-round.