CHRISTMAS came early for recreational fishers in the local region with more than 26,000 estuary perch being released in the Rocklands Reservoir near the Grampians earlier this month.

Balmoral and District Angling Club president, Neil Vaughan, said it was great to see the Rocklands Reservoir swimming with plenty of fish including the new perch species.

“It’s great … since February 2018, they’ve released 3.2 million Murray cod and yellowbelly into Rocklands and now they’ve put some estuary perch in there,” he told The Spectator.

“The estuary perch is a different species (new to Rocklands) which broadens the catching target, it’s just enormous and the Murray cod are growing phenomenally.”

This is part of a State Government initiative that has seen more than 560,000 Australian bass and estuary perch stocked into nearly 30 lakes and rivers.

Up to 10 million fish were released this year in a state-wide program run by the Victorian Fisheries Authority.

Vaughan said it was great for the anglers and fisherman in the region with the regular restocks spreading them out through the reservoir.

“Especially if the (restocks) are in big numbers, we get a few boats and people take them out and spread them around the lake a fair bit, that’s probably why we are catching so many different fish in different areas,” he said.

“(I want to mention) how much it has changed the region, there is people coming up from everywhere talking about catching fish.

“Facebook makes a big difference when people post the catches and everyone sees it and wants to come here, with how many there is out there, you can sort of just come out and catch fish.”

Outdoor recreation minister, Sonya Kilkenny, said the restocking of waterways was important for local fishing and recreational activities.

“We’re stocking more fish than any other state or territory in Australia because we know it makes a difference and improves fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skills levels,” she said.

“Recreational fishing is a healthy pastime that gets people into Victoria’s great outdoors with friends and family, keeping regional communities connected and supporting small businesses that depend on tourism.”