The Andrews Labor Government today announced new measures to help make Blue Rock Lake one of Victoria’s premier Australian Bass fisheries.
Recreational anglers will now have better access to the Lake, near Moe, thanks to changed rules that change horsepower and boat length rules.
The changes deliver on a key commitment in the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan, which aims to get more Victorians fishing, more often.
A great family pastime, recreational fishing currently contributes $2.3 billion to our social and economic well-being.
Fishing boats of any length and any engine size may now operate on Blue Rock Lake. Water skiing and jet skis will continue to be deterred via the 15 knot speed limit. These changes follow community consultation and are in place for a 12 month trial period.
The change of rules is great news for freshwater anglers in Gippsland and Melbourne’s east who have been keen to access the Australian Bass fishery at Blue Rock from sport-fishing and trailer boats.
Since 2002, more than 160,000 Australian bass fingerlings have been stocked into Blue Rock, which has rapidly become one of Victoria’s premier destinations for the popular native fish.
The Lake is also home to a stocked population of brown trout and rainbow trout, along with a self-sustaining populations of redfin, which are a great table fish.
To help promote this fantastic Bass fishery, some larger Bass were released that if caught, will earn a lucky fisher a fishing voucher at the local tackle store or fishing gear.
Improving fishing opportunities and access is a key component of the Target One Million plan, which will grow participation to one million anglers by 2020, boost fish stocking from three to five million per annum and strengthen angling club membership.
For more information about the Target One Million plan visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“Blue Rock Lake supplies water for power stations, environmental flows, irrigation and households, and will now also become a great recreational asset for the local community and visitors.”
“We are working with our water corporations to promote shared benefits from our water resources – and this is a great example of boosting recreational, social and economic activities in the Gippsland region.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We want to keep Blue Rock Lake a great place to wet a line – that’s why we’re improving boating access and delivering on our key Target One Million commitments.”
“By improving fishing opportunities we will increase the number of recreational fishers to one million, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening our rural and regional communities.”
Quote attributable to Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Recreational fishing brings great economic and social benefits to our community – these changes will see more and more people travelling to our region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020