The Tocumwal Angling Club has returned to Finley Lake with another fresh batch of fingerlings.
Last week’s release continued an annual program for the group, member Colin Drury said.
“I have been doing the releases for close to 50 years, I’d say. I got the angling club involved in the last couple of years,” he said.
“I have been getting the fingerlings from fisheries and the hatchery in Narrandera pretty much the whole time.”
Club members released 2500 cod fingerlings last week, delivered to Finley by NSW Fisheries Centre assistant hatchery manager Shannon Jess.
The release is not only good for the health of the lake, but for tourism and local recreation too.
Mr Drury said fishing in the lake is particularly more accessible for older residents, compared to rivers.
“As well pensioner aged anglers, there are also consistent numbers of local school groups who fish from the lake for different outdoor education classes,” he said.
This year’s cod release follows the introduction of 2000 golden perch fingerlings at Finley Lake by the group last year.
Mr Drury warns however, it might take some time before they will take your line.
He said the condition of Finley Lake due to carp numbers may impact on their development.
“It is absolutely filthy in the lake from the carp,” Mr Drury said.
“The carp, they dig holes in the mud and stir up the dirt. The water quality can’t be great, which wouldn’t be any good for these new fingerlings.”