The release was part of a decade of fish stocking by the government to give Victorian fishers more chances to reel in a fin-tastic catch.
“We want Victorians to get out and enjoy our great outdoors and there’s no better time to wet a line, with 66 million fish stocked in the last decade — more than all other Australian states and territories combined,” Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
That includes 22 million Murray cod released at dozens of locations around the state over the past 10 years, according to the government.
Other fish released include golden perch, Australian bass, estuary perch, trout, salmon and dusky flathead.
Another 10 million fish are expected to be stocked by mid-year this year.
“There are 10 million reasons Victorian families should get out and drop a line this year — with dozens of lakes and rivers stocked across the state,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The fingerlings released this week were produced at the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, which is being upgraded to triple its size.
The upgrade will see the hatchery produce up to six million native fish each year, part of a $15 million investment.
Several Victorian lakes are open year-round for fishers, including Lake Eppalock, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Eildon.
To find out more about some of the state’s top fishing locations, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingdestinations
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