Anglers across Ballarat and surrounds are in for a treat with 16,000 fish being released into Lake Wendouree.

10,000 brown trout were released last week and 6,000 rainbow trout will be added on August 3.

This is in addition to 90,000 trout released into the Lake in November of last year.

Ballarat City Councillor Judy Verlin said the fish had all been sourced from the Snobs Creek state hatchery and would be big enough to eat in 12 months time.

“The fish are only small at this stage but this is a good move towards ensuring we keep enough fish in the lake for recreational fishing into the future”.

They will be transported to Ballarat from the hatchery in specially designed trucks. Upon arrival, the fish will be released from boats to various locations around the lake.

Each of the fish weighs between 3 and 5 grams. As the trout mature they will provide an important predatory role in keeping other fish populations in balance in coming seasons.

Lake Wendouree is an internationally recognised venue for fly fishing, having previously hosted the Commonwealth Games Fly Fishing Championships.

Fishing on Lake Wendouree will reopen on Saturday 2 September following the mandatory closed season. The closed season allows protection for spawning fish, in turn ensuring the population is maintained.