Make the trip to Arcadia for the open day. Pictured is VFA's Reb Olden explaining fish production.
Families can experience a full day of fishing fun at Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery’s open day on Sunday, April 6.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The school holiday event will see the hatchery open for people to explore the Arcadia Visitor’s Centre, adventure playground, picnic areas and fish-out pond stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive officer Travis Dowling said, following the success of last year’s event, the hatchery will once again be open for all.
“The open day is a great reason to plan a weekend in the Goulburn Valley, enjoy the many things the region has to offer and spend time in the great outdoors wetting a line and learning about all things fishing,” he said.
“Free learn-to-fish clinics for kids will be a feature, with expert guidance to teach youngsters, who will take home a free rod and reel to continue their fishing journey.
“Experienced fishers can also try their luck at the fish-out pond, which has recently had access to the bank improved to make it more accessible for everyone.
“Our fish production experts will also provide tours of the hatchery, showcasing how Murray cod and golden perch are grown and how an ongoing expansion of the site will triple production capacity to a whopping six million fish per year.”
There will be plenty of activities available, like hatchery tours like the one VFA's Jarryd McGowan is hosting here. Photo: Supplied.
The aquaculture hub will explain how Murray cod are grown for seafood lovers with samples of smoked cod, while Aquna Sustainable Murray cod will have a pop-up stall with sales and tasting of their products.
Learn how you can make the most out of the fish with fileting and cooking demonstrations, and grab a bite to eat with fish burgers, fish and chips, a sausage sizzle and a coffee van on offer on the day.
The Fisheries education team will have kids entertained with plenty of activities, scientists will be dissecting and discussing the anatomy of Murry cod, and lots of staff will be there to answer any burning questions visitors may have.
North-east fishing guru and YouTuber Robbie Alexander will also make an appearance, as well as live music, a fishing simulator and more.
The Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery open day will be held on Sunday, April 6, from 9am to 4pm, and is located at 200 Ross Rd, Arcadia.