A free fishing festival that celebrates the opening of trout season will return to Ballarat next month.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said the BallaratFishing Festival will be held on Saturday 3 September from 9am to 3pm at Lake Wendouree, north of Windmill Drive.

The festival comes as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often.

It’ll see experienced fishers on hand to teach newcomers about fishing and the basics of hooking in trout and redfin. There will also be expert fly tiers in action, prize draws and raffles, and children’s activities – including fishing games and a paint your own lure workshop.

Families can register their kids into a free fishing clinic with Fishcare and staff from the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), with all bait and tackle provided.

Kids that have been registered will be able to take home a free fishing rod so they can continue to practice what they have learnt on the day at home or return to Lake Wendouree to try their luck on another occasion.

Food lovers can watch seafood cooking demonstrations featuring trout and redfin.

A highlight of the day will also be the opportunity for kids to stock hundreds of live trout into Lake Wendouree that were grown at the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery.

For more information, including event schedules for the day, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ballaratfishfest

Victorian rivers and streams officially open to trout fishing on Saturday 3 September 2022. All lakes, including Wendouree, are open to trout fishing year-round.

Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny

“It’s great to have this fishing festival return to Ballarat – providing a wonderful opportunity for keen anglers and kids to try their luck landing their first ever fish with experts on hand and all the gear and bait they need.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The Ballarat Fishing Festival gives families and kids a great day out in the area, with the chance to try fishing and catching some trout, as well as enjoying the activities on offer.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This festival provides a huge benefit to the region – giving families, friends and kids the opportunity to learn all about fishing and even try catching their own fish.”