Manly Dam: 5000 Australian baby Bass fingerlings released into popular waterway

Five thousand Australian Bass fingerlings have been released in Manly Dam as part of the State Government’s annual Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan.

Some of 50,000 baby Australian Bass that were released by NSW Fisheries into Sydney's waterways this week as part of the NSW Government’s annual Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan. Picture: NSW Department of Primary Industries

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Calling all anglers!

About five thousand Australian Bass fingerlings have just been released in Manly Dam as part of the State Government’s annual Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan.

The baby Bass, released into the popular waterway on Thursday, are part of more than 50,000 fingerlings released into waterways across the state this week as part of the Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan.

State Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin (right) helps put about 5000 Australian Bass fingerlings in Manly Dam this week. Picture: NSW Department of Primary Industries

In a few years many of the fingerlings will have matured into great sport fish, weighing up to 4 kgs and measuring up to 65cm long.

Manly state MP James Griffin said the release of the fingerlings was great news for keen fishers eager to cast a line in Manly Dam.

“The Australian Bass is an iconic fish species and it gives me great pleasure to see its numbers boosted in the Manly area,” he said.

The fingerlings could go on to measure 65cm and weight 4 kgs. Picture: NSW Department of Primary Industries

“While these ones might be small now, they can grow up to 65cm long and weigh in at 4kg, so local anglers will be licking their lips at the chance to reel in such a prized catch.

“These fingerlings come from the State Government’s hatcheries as part of its commitment to ensure that our waterways are full of healthy fish.

What they look like when the baby Bass grow up. Picture: News Corp.

“Initiatives such as the Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan are important for the recreational fishing community because of the critical role they play in conservation, tourism and added economic benefits.

In years to come these baby Bass will become great sport fish for local anglers. Picture: NSW Department of Primary Industries

“The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) does an excellent job in making sure our state’s recreational fishers have the chance to do what they love by breeding and releasing such mammoth numbers of fish stocks.

“DPI has chosen Manly Dam because the expert team has deemed it to be among the best waterways in NSW to see these fingerlings flourish.

An Australian Bass fingerling. Picture: Bruce/Long

“While it is Australian Bass being released today, the Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan also sees Murray cod, Golden Perch and other species stocked into rivers, lakes and dams across the State.”

Mr Griffin said the State Government would be releasing more fingerlings around the state this season.