Successful Close to School Holidays with VicFish Kids Event at Lillydale Lake

Lillydale Lake was buzzing with excitement as Fishcare Victoria, in collaboration with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and their Events Team, hosted a remarkable day of fishing clinics to round off the school holidays. The event, held yesterday, featured 11 action-packed fishing clinics led by celebrity angler Lee Rayner alongside our dedicated Fishcare Victoria volunteers—Kerry, Ivan, Alan, Yolande, Tanja, and Michael—with invaluable support from the Yarra Valley Fly Fishers.

The day was made even more special thanks to Julian from the VFA’s Snobs Creek Hatchery, who was a hit among participants as he regularly released Rainbow Trout into the lake, much to the delight of the young anglers. Julian’s demonstrations provided a fantastic, hands-on learning experience about local fish species and the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

With 140 eager young participants plus their parents and carers, the event was a flurry of activity. Participants learned the basics of fishing, the importance of conservation, and the joy of spending time outdoors. The clinics proved to be a huge success, with plenty of fish caught and most being released back into the lake, reinforcing lessons in responsible angling.

Fishcare Victoria is proud to have wrapped up the school holidays with such a high-energy and educational event. The enthusiasm and involvement from all the families made the day not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, partners, and especially the participants, for making this event a memorable one.

As we continue to foster a love for fishing and conservation among Victoria’s youth, Fishcare Victoria looks forward to more such events that connect our community with the great outdoors and promote sustainable practices. Here’s to many more successful outings by the water!