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Recreational Fishing set to make a return to Lake Wyangan

OzFish Unlimited has teamed up with the OzFish MIA chapter, local recreational anglers and Armstrong plant hire to improve the long term fishing in Lake Wyangan.

The restoration project will be completed over three stages and help return the lake to its former fishing glory.

Working together towards a common goal

The local fishery has taken a big hit after a fish kill in May of 2020, with several large and small bodied native fish species dying including Bony Bream, Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Silver Perch.

Now, Armstrong plant hire in conjunction with OzFish MIA, OzFish Unlimited and local recreational anglers are planning on stocking large bodied native fish species, including Murray cod and Golden perch to enhance recreational fishing opportunities.

Did you know that our native fish need native trees?

The fish rely on riparian vegetation for a whole range of things including shade (which helps regulate water temperature), structure and habitat in the form of root balls and future snags, a source of food – think about all the insects and critters that live in the trees, plus a whole lot more!

Restocking the lake

The Lake Wyangan stocking will increase opportunities within the community keeping them closer to home for their leisure time. The project will also increase tourism in the area by improving the experience of those seeking nature-tourism opportunities, such as recreational fishing.

The community will have an opportunity to volunteer and actively be part of improving their local environment, provide harvesting native fish opportunities and increase cultural fishing opportunities.

Carp busting fishing events

Common carp have now taken over Lake Wyangan as they can handle extreme temperatures, have a rapid growth rate and a high reproductive capacity. Common carp can also modify habitats to their advantage by muddying the water and removing aquatic plants, which has severe impacts on our native fishery.

Leeton MIA OzFish and Griffith local recreational anglers want to secure the long-term viability of existing native fish populations, meet other likeminded individuals, and create opportunities where recreational anglers can enjoy their local waterways. In conjunction with local and state government organizations, two community catch a carp days over a six-month period will be ran at Lake Wyangan.

Underwater habitat restoration

The project will install up to 10 large woody habitats and rock reefs along a 500m stretch of waterway following relevant consultation with the local recreational anglers, associated land managers and authorities.

The reinstatement of these structures will provide valuable habitat, breeding grounds, and additional food sources for aquatic species.

LATEST NEWS

9 FEBRUARY 2022 | Fish Are Now Biting In Lake Wyangan As Native Species Are Restocked

OzFish Unlimited, alongside Griffith City Council, Armstrong Plant Hire and local recreational fishers took on the massive task of restocking fish into Lake Wyangan, Griffith, on the 10th of December 2021. The volunteers embarked on this special occasion by releasing fish at the shoreline and boating to several release locations throughout the lake. Due to several native fish species dying and an increase in common carp in the lake, fishing opportunities were becoming slim. Normally when restocking fish, sizes under 5cm are used, making this project one of the largest adult fish stockings to occur in New South Wales.

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