Students from Wallerawang Public School and the Met School participated in the release of 95 brood trout into Lake Wallace on Monday, October 8 in time for the annual Gone Fishing Day.
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The students got to hold the fish and set them free into the lake.
The department of primary industry delivered the ex brood stock from Dutton trout Hatchery.
“The fish are three years old and weigh between one and three kilograms, they are also cold water fish which is why they were picked and are good for recreational use,” manager of Dutton Hatchery Peter Selby said.
“The government love helping with this kind of thing because they see that the kids love it and get enjoyment from it.”
President of the Wallerawang Branch of the central acclimatisation society, Ben Lane said that brood trout were chosen because they were easily caught and they wanted members of the public to be able to make a catch on the weekend.
“This year we will have a trophy for whoever catches the biggest trout,” secretary of the central acclimatisation society Ray Tang said.
With over $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs on the day, the prizes come from local businesses and sponsors.
There will be a free fly casting clinic, free kids activities, lucky door prizes, raffle prizes and a barbecue lunch.
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There will also be a jumping castle, ice cream van and the fire brigade with their truck.
According to Mr Tang, the $5 entry fee covers the event for next year and they make no profit from the event.
“You pay your $5 and kids will get a rod and reel worth over $60, so it is worth it,” he said.
“You can fish off the bank or in a kayak, it’s up to you.”
The men wanted to make it clear that it is the only day you don’t need a fishing licence to fish.
Special guests on the day will include “Aussie Fly Fisher” Josh Hutchins and current official NSW overall champion and river fly fishing champion Emilio Caggiano.
The Gone Fishing Day will run from 7am-4.30pm on Sunday, October 14 at Lake Wallace.