State dams stocked to the brim

Anglers will enjoy an excellent fishing season with more than $720,000 worth of fingerlings soon to be stocked in Queensland dams.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the state’s Stock Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) dams would be brimming with fish in the coming months.

“With more than $90,000 in additional funding for fingerlings compared to 2011, this is the best year we have ever had,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This funding, coupled with the fact that most dams are currently at high capacity, means there will be more fish to catch than ever before.

“Fishers can catch big barramundi or sooty grunter in North Queensland, or a world-record size barra in central and southern Queensland.

“The south-east dams are home to some of the best Australian bass fishing in the country, and Murray cod fishing is outstanding in SIPS dams that are fed from the Murray Darling basin.

"Fishing at a SIPS dam means you will be helping to sustain native fish stocks, with 75 per cent of the funds from your permit going back into restocking the dams.

"Permit sales from the 2011-2012 financial year brought in $723,000 for fish stocking and was divided between all 32 dams on the scheme, based on angler preference and surface area."

SIPS funding allocation

To purchase a permit to fish at any of the 32 dams on the scheme visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

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[ENDS] 30 October 2102

Media contact: Louise Gillis – 0408 709 160