News

Native catfish make local splash

By Ryan Bellingham

Apr 2, 2025

Local waterways recently saw a boost in freshwater catfish populations. Photo by Supplied

Hundreds of native freshwater catfish have been relocated to local waterways as part of species recovery efforts.

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The catfish were given new homes recently in the Campaspe River near Elmore, with 163 introduced, while Phyland Lagoon in Gunbower got 181 new residents.

A fisheries staff member at Phyland Lagoon, Gunbower, relocating catfish. Photo by Supplied

Over 25,000 catfish will be relocated to the state’s north by the Victorian Fisheries Authority to restore populations in the coming years.

Chief executive Travis Dowling said recent transfers came from a private dam near Lancefield and lakes in Hopetoun and Woomelang.

“Relocations like these can help fast-track the recovery of wild populations, which means creating more recreational fishing opportunities in years to come,” he said.

“This effort follows three relocations of catfish in 2023 and 2024 from the Glenelg River in south-west Victoria.”

An adult catfish finding a new home at Phyland Lagoon. Photo by Supplied

Fisheries managers assess catfish populations’ genetics and select those that are well suited to a change of scenery.

A further 23,000 fish were salvaged from Lake Lascelles at Hopetoun at the end of March and taken to the Arcadia hatchery near Shepparton for genetic testing.

“We’ll explore opportunities to produce catfish in years to come at our Arcadia hatchery, which is being tripled in size thanks to a $15 million Victorian Government investment,” Mr Dowling said.

Freshwater catfish can only be taken by anglers from waters of the Wimmera Basin with a minimum size of 30 centimetres and a bag limit of two.

For more information on catch limits, pick up a free recreational fishing guide from tackle stores, or download the VicFishing app.