KARKAROOK PARK

Parks Victoria has transformed what was abandoned sand quarries in Moorabbin into a recreational park and lake. The 40 acre site consists of a 15 hectare lake with a capacity of 660 mega litres, 3 hectares of wetlands which helps to maintain the lakes water quality and is the habitat for a variety of wildlife, picnic areas with barbeques and toilets, and walking/riding trails with interpretive signage.

After extensive feasibility and environmental studies carried out by Fisheries Department officer David Cass, Karkarook Lake was stocked with trout. Fishing is allowed by licensed anglers from specific zones around the lake edge in accordance with fishing license conditions. The fishing zone is located around the western end of the lake and all types of angling is permitted with a bag limit of 5 fish per licensed angler per day. Use of unpowered water craft is allowed, however wading and fishing from floating devices is not allowed.

SOUTHERN AT KARKAROOK

Following discussions with David Cass at Fisheries and the Parks Ranger for Karkarook, Southern has been fortunate enough to be given some involvement in assisting in the management of the fish stocks in Karkarook Lake. In essence, this means that we are to take the responsibility of providing Parks and Fisheries with the following information on an on-going basis to assist in the fish stocks being well managed and maintained:

1. Advice as to the maintenance of fish stocks and restocking in the lake
2. Maintaining a record of information including fish size and condition, and estimated numbers.
3. Advice as to the setting of allowable fishing zones around the lake.

Some five thousand yearling (mostly rainbow trout) were released in the lake on the 31 October 2005 by Parks and Fisheries with the assistance of number of Southern members. The release was attended by the local Member of Parliament, Rob Hudson MP, who also participated in releasing fish, and a journalist from Leader Press. A subsequent article was published in the Leader Newspaper.

 

The yearlings were supplied by MAFRI at Snobs Creek Hatchery and transported to Karkarook on two trucks fitted with specialised fish transport tanks. Apart from one of the boats shearing a propeller locating pin requiring some running repairs, it was a smooth operation. The fish were manually transferred from the tanks by bucket to the boats and then distributed in the lake at varying locations in an attempt to disperse the populations as best possible. This followed by a photo opportunity or two and a cuppa, and the job was done.

Parks have installed signs around the perimeter of the lake indicating fishing and non fishing zones and have set a bag limit of 5 fish per person. Further discussions with Parks are proposed to determine a number of issues such as re-stocking and policing of fishing regulations at the lake.

Karkarook Lake is located on the east side of Warrigal Road near the end of South Road. The entrance to the park is off Fairchild Street opposite Bunnings Hardware – Melways map reference 78 D7

Please adhere to the lake fishing regulations and zones when fishing at Karkarook as non-compliance reflects badly on the club. Members are also encouraged to report any unacceptable fishing activities to Fisheries on their hotline 133474.