Fingerling release to boost Cressbrook Dam's fish stocks
THE Toowoomba region's future fish stocks received a new-year boost this week with the release of 45,000 fingerlings into Cressbrook Dam.
The Toowoomba Fish Stocking Association released 25,000 bass and 20,000 golden perch (yellowbelly) on Wednesday.
The latest injection of fish to the dam follows the restocking of 30,000 bass and 20,000 yellowbelly last summer.
Association president Peter Taylor said the two latest releases helps mark a turnaround in stock numbers which were previously depleted by drought.
"The stocking today will back-up the release last summer following the long drought when stocking was kept to the bare minimum in the years when the water levels were too low to restock," he said.
"Cressbrook has been a very good fishery for local anglers with the dam close to Toowoomba.
"It also attracts plenty of anglers from out of town including Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
"Western Downs anglers also help make it an important cog in the tourist industry for our region."
Taylor said fish released this week will begin reaching a legal catch size in about 12 months.
"With the excellent water levels in our dams at present and the healthy food chain these fingerlings should be a reasonable size in 12 to 18 months," he said.
Taylor said Cooby Dam is next in line for restocking.
"We will be restocking Cooby in the next few weeks with Murray cod and golden perch to give it a boost as well," he said.
