On any given day, a fisherman will swear there are no fish in the water almost as frequently he will mention the big one that got away.
Thanks to the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), hundreds of fish including some decent sized Murray Cod up to 95cm that have been peacefully living in the irrigation channels near Cobram, have been re-located into streams and lakes closer to Shepparton ready for local anglers to catch again.
The channels are being emptied by Goulburn Murray Water to conduct de-silting and weed spray programs that could have fatal consequences on the fish, bringing to bear some of the funds raised from recreational fishing licences , the VFA have engaged teams to help catch the fish in the lowered ponds using electro-fishing.
The fish likely originated from the Murray River and Lake Mulwala before finding their way into the irrigation network via the Yarrawonga Main Channel offtake at Yarrawonga.
Some of the bigger fish are being retained to help stock the soon to be constructed fish hatchery near Arcadia.
VFA chief executive officer, Travis Dowling said. “This is a great chance to save some big cod and give them a new home. Cod fishing has never been better in Victoria, so get your favourite Spinnerbait or Stumpjumper out and get ready.”
The VFA is working with local fishing clubs in Benalla, Nathalia and Shepparton to take part in the fish releases.
