New floodlight at Yarrambat Lake fly casting pool

by Peter Sellars on 15 Mar 2012 Thanks to the construction of a new floodlight at the Yarrambat Lake fly casting pool Fly fishers in Melbourne’s northern suburbs can develop and improve their fly casting technique long into the night.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said fly fishing required hours of casting practice to hone techniques which were then used in targeting wild fish.

'Many people who enjoy the sport are restricted to practicing during daylight hours which can be difficult when they simply don’t have the time during the week,' Mr Hurst said.

'However, last year the Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club along with the Nillumbik Shire Council successfully applied for an $11,000 grant under the Recreational Fishing Initiative to buy and install a floodlight at Yarrambat Lake’s casting pool.

'The floodlight has now been installed and provides night time access to the fly casting pond, enabling keen fly fishers to practice their skills after the sun goes down.'

The fly casting pool at Yarrambat regularly hosts local and national competitions during the daylight saving months and the addition of the floodlight now provides the opportunity to host these events year round.

In addition the club also hosts regular ‘Come and Try’ days which introduce hundreds of interested kids to fly fishing.

Mr Hurst said the floodlighting project at Yarrambat Lake was one of scores of projects being funded by the Victorian Government’s $16.2 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

'Through the Recreational Fishing Initiative, we are working to provide better access and facilities, stocking more fish, installing fish cleaning tables, building recreational fishing reefs and strengthening fisheries compliance' Mr Hurst said.

'All of this work will benefit the 721,000 Victorians who go fishing annually and will ensure that Victoria remains a top fishing destination.'

If you have a great idea to improve recreational fishing access and infrastructure in your local area, please let us know by emailing your idea to DPI Victoria website