Fish back on the menu at Goulburn

For the first time in several years Pejar Dam near Goulburn will be stocked with thousands of trout fingerlings.

The dam, which is situated about half way between Goulburn and Crookwell, had a long history of producing trophy-sized trout but has not been stocked in recent years because of the drought.

The stocking will take place tomorrow - Wednesday 23rd January.

The good news for fishers is that with water levels now at more than 40 per cent DPI can go ahead and stock the dam with 10,000 rainbow trout fingerlings and 5000 brown trout fingerlings.

This particular stocking is part of the Department of Primary Industries’ larger two million trout stocking program.

The fingerlings are all produced at DPI’s Gaden Hatchery on the Thredbo River at Jindabyne. The Gaden Hatchery is one of Australia's main centres for breeding and rearing of cold water sport fish.

NSW DPI Senior Fisheries manager (inland) Cameron Westaway said the stocking is being carried out in conjunction with Trout Acclimatisation Societies, which assist DPI stocking teams across the State.

"If dam levels continue to remain good, these trout should provide good sport for fishers within two years, and help get fishing back on the menu for tourists and locals," Mr Westaway said.

The fish stocking program is partly funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, and is another good example of fishing fees being put back into the water to improve recreational fishing in NSW.

The Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Cr Paul Stephenson, welcomed today’s announcement.

"This is really good news for the region and means that in the future we can look forward to hosting trout anglers from across the State."