The Andrews Labor Government will celebrate the opening of the trout season with a free fishing festival on the banks of Lake Wendouree in Ballarat next Saturday, 1 September.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the family-friendly event would have something fun for everyone from 10:00am until 4:00pm north of Windmill Drive on Lake Wendouree.
The Festival is funded by the Labor Government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.
The festival will include a free tour of the nearby Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society’s trout hatchery and free fishing lesson for the kids with Fishcare, where all bait and tackle is provided.
Expert anglers will also be on deck teaching the basics of fishing for trout and redfin, and there will be fly tying demonstrations from Mick Hall and Dale Flenley, prize draws and raffles, and free children’s activities including a jumping castle, face painting and photo booth.
Food lovers can watch seafood cooking demonstrations making smoked trout, trout ceviche, pan fried fillets and smoked trout mousse, then enjoy tasting each of the dishes.
There will be free sausages and freshly made coffee will be available for purchase from a mobile vendor.
Victorian rivers and streams officially open to trout fishing at midnight on Friday 31 August, 2018. All lakes, including Wendouree, are open to trout fishing year-round.
For more information, including event schedules for the day, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/ballaratfishfest.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“I can’t wait to open trout season and see the next generation of keen anglers casting a line and enjoying the fun at this wonderful free festival.”
“There is something for everyone – from food lovers to anglers trying their luck for the first time – so make sure you get amongst it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“This will be another event to lock into your calendar and get together with family and friends and enjoy the very best of our great outdoors in a fun and entertaining way.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020