Fishing opportunities at Wyangala Dam received another boost last week with the release of 78,000 Golden Perch fingerlings.
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The fingerlings join over 272,000 fingerlings which have been stocked in the dam by the Department of Primary Industries over the past five years.
Narrandera Fisheries Centre Assistant Hatchery Technician, Lachie Jess, said the restocking increased opportunities for anglers and the health of our waterways.
“The fish may not be re-siting that well naturally in the dam so we stock to increase the numbers and allow a better opportunity for anglers to come out and catch a fish,” he said.
“Angling is a great way to spend your time, the family can bring the kids out, and Wyangala provides a great opportunity for that nice and close to town.
“We stock Wyangala every year with Golden Perch, as well as Murray Cod, so we come here twice a year every year.
“The restocking is really important,
“Carp and Red Fin really thrive in dam situations like this, so the restocking of natives helps keep those numbers down,” he said.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, was on hand to give the fingerlings a parliamentary welcome.
Ms Cooke said getting the balance of recreational fishing and environmental conservation right, was important to the NSW Government.
“It’s important that we make sure we keep our native fish stocks high,
“we really support the conservation efforts and support recreational fishers at the same time,” she said.
“We take that very seriously and getting that balance right between conservation, tourism and economic growth is really important.
“We recognise that and that’s why we invest in programs like this one, not just for Wyangala but across all our inland waterways.
Ms Cooke said the restock would continue to attract tourists to the Cowra region.
“This is such an important place that families love to come to from all the state,” she said.
“It’s really important that we keep investing in this facility and we make it a beautiful part of nature where people can come, make those memories for years to come.
“Seeing that repeat tourism here, it brings money to Cowra and the surrounds as well as jobs and growth and that’s what we want to see,” she said.
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Be sure to check out the Grenfell Record web version of this article “Luring fisherman to Wyangla dam with release of 78,000 fish” for photos and a video at www.grenfellrecord.com.au
