11 Sep 2018 Country News insert, Shepparton VIC (General News) The Goulburn River has received a batch of 2000 monster rainbow trout weighing up to 4 kg each seven tonnes in combined weight as part of the biggest 24-hour stocking event in Victorias history. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes joined key stakeholders and local anglers to release the fish near Molesworth Caravan Park. The mega trout-stocking event complemented the free Goulburn Fishing Festival that was to be held on the same day as the official opening of the riverine trout season, on September 1. The record stocking and festival is a fantastic opportunity for families to reel in the catch of a lifetime, Ms Symes said. The Goulburn is one of our most iconic rivers and always draws a crowd of excited fishers to celebrate the start of the trout season. She said this year the excitement was taken to the next level by giving families the chance to tangle with a trophy-sized fish. The fishing festival included fishing clinics with angling legend Rex Hunt, fly-fishing lessons tailored for women, prizes and raffles and trout releases into the pondage, as well as cooking demonstrations, fishing tackle displays, a jumping castle, face painting, an education trailer and free guided tours of the Snobs Creek hatchery, which grows trout and native fish for the statewide stocking program. For more information, including a map of the 11 stocking sites, visit: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest