The most significant stocking of Australian Bass in two years has commenced with the NSW Government stocking up to 150,000 of the native sportsfish fry into NSW dams, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said today.

“These fish stockings are great news for anglers and will help ensure future stocks of this popular fish are maintained for future generations,” Mr Westaway said.

“70,000 bass have already been released into Glenbawn Dam in the Upper Hunter, which is traditionally regarded as one of the State's premier bass fisheries and regularly plays host to bass fishing tournaments and to anglers from throughout NSW.

“Dams in the Lithgow region will also receive a boost with Lake Lyell set to receive 10,000 bass and Lake Wallace 5,000 bass this week, for the enjoyment of anglers in future years.

“While these high altitude dams have traditionally been regarded as trout fisheries, anglers have reaped the rewards of past stocking events with exceptional bass fishing experienced in the last three summers.”

Tallowa Dam near Kangaroo Valley and Glennies Creek Dam near Singleton are next in line to receive bass within the fortnight.

The Australian bass fry have been produced at the NSW Government's Port Stephens Fisheries Institute.  Bass cannot spawn in dams so it is essential that they are stocked to maintain these popular recreational fisheries.

The native fish stocking program is funded in part by money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and placed into the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

Additional bass stockings will occur throughout eastern NSW in the coming months through the community based dollar-for-dollar stocking program, also supported with funds from the Recreational Fishing Fee.

During the 2010/11 season, more than 4 million trout, salmon and native fish were stocked by NSW Government hatcheries in freshwater areas across the State under the NSW Government’s fish stocking programs.

Fish stocking figures:

• Glenbawn Dam  - 70,000 bass
• Lake Lyell - 10,000 bass
• Lake Wallace - 5,000 bass