Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery lures thousands to its open day

By Taylah Baker

Apr 10, 2025

Forget Bigfoot, that’s a big fish that Austin Ladgrove, 8, Jack Vandenborn, 4, Harvey Vandenborn, 3, and Nixon Ladgrove, 6, are perched on. Photo by Megan Fisher

There was something fishy going on at Arcadia recently.

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On Sunday, April 6, 3000 visitors attended the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery’s annual open day, instantly hooked by the entertainment.

“From the free fishing clinics to Murray cod aquaculture and biology, families were educated and kept entertained by a range of fishy activities,” Victorian Fisheries Authority director of fisheries management Luke O’Sullivan said.

“It was great to see about 3000 people through the gates as we showcased all things native fish and ongoing construction that is tripling the size of the Arcadia hatchery.”

The hatchery has produced more than one million Murray cod this year, with plans to expand to six million annually, supported by the Victorian Government’s Go Fishing and Boating Plan.

It’s impressive — as was the discovery of some naturally talented fisher-minis.

During the event, children could test the waters by wetting a line in the fish-out pond filled with ready-to-catch Murray cod.

“Events like this help spark a love of fishing among the next generation of anglers and build stewardship among fishers, whether they’re already a die-hard or just getting into our great pastime,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“A big thanks to everyone who came along and to organisations like VRFish for their continued support of our hatcheries and fish stocking program.”