Victoria’s King River is seeing the return of many fish species, including River Blackfish and Murray Cod, on the back of a four-year fish habitat enhancement project. The project included the placement of more than 60 large granite boulders, creation of log jams, and planting of more than 250 hardwood trees and 750 native trees and shrubs.
The combination of log jams and rock seeding provide changes to water flows. As the King River is a fast moving river, the log jams allow for slower river flows and deeper channel development to assist fish in creating a feeding and breeding site, a refuge from predators and can also reduce erosion in the area. Over time, the build up of debris in the log jams will increase their effectiveness. The installation of rock seeding encourages holes to form behind the rocks provide a refuge and cool water for fish during high temperatures. This enhanced habitat is vital for fish to effectively spawn, rest, feed, hunt and hide.
Log jams were installed at Sheppard’s Bend in Edi and Miller’s Run in Cheshunt. Rock seeding was installed in the King River on either side of Gentle Annie Lane, Whitfield, Sheppard’s Bend and Miller’s Run. See the map at the end of this artcle for more detail on the the fishing hotspots or download the King River Project Fishing Access Sites to see where your favourite species are enjoying their new habitat in the King Valley area. You can also learn more about this great project by watching the video below.
Source: Newstreams #66 March 2019
More information here: Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body
