The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating the start of the trout and other freshwater fishing season with the Ballarat Fishing Festival.

The free and family-friendly event will have something for everyone and will run from 10am until 4pm on 7 September at Lake Wendouree, north of Windmill Drive.

Festival goers can take a free tour of the nearby Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society’s trout hatchery or get the kids into a free fishing lesson with Fishcare, where all bait and tackle is provided.

Festival goers will hear from experienced anglers about the basics of fishing for trout and redfin, watch expert fly tiers in action, enter prize draws and raffles, and enjoy free children’s activities including a jumping castle, face painting and photo booth.

There will be displays from the Australian Trout Foundation, Maritime Safety, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s education trailer.

Food lovers can watch seafood cooking demonstrations making smoked trout, trout ceviche, pan fried fillets and smoked trout mousse, then enjoy tasting each of the dishes.

Kids can help stock hundreds of live trout from Fisheries’ Snobs Creek hatchery into Lake Wendouree.

The Festival is funded by phase two of the Labor Government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing $35 million to get more people fishing, more often, in more places.

For more information visit vfa.vic.gov.au/ballaratfishfest

Quotes attributable to Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford

“We know there are people keen to learn more about fishing but don’t know where to start – the Ballarat Fishing Festival is the perfect place to give it a go.”

“Target One Million is all about getting more people fishing, more often, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time together in the great outdoors.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The Ballarat Fishing Festival will be fun for the whole family and I encourage anglers old and new to head to Lake Wendouree and wet a line.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This festival is a celebration of the start of the fishing season right here in Ballarat and encouraging more people to get fishing, more often.”