The Pine Rivers Fish Management Association (PRFMA) has given southern anglers a Christmas present to remember – over 40,000 fingerlings released just before Christmas, with more following in January.

The fingerlings, comprising Australian bass, Mary River cod and golden perch, were released into the Lake Samsonvale (North Pine Dam) in December. Further consignments in January included a quantity of saratoga. These releases are part of the ongoing program of the PRFMA to build a sustainable fishery at the lake.

Stocking of Lake Samsonvale is carried by the PRFMA, under a license agreement with the owners, the South East Queensland Water Corporation (SEQWater).

The major source of funding for the PRFMA’s stocking program comes from boating access permits. The boating access scheme allows the issue of up to 300 permits, available to anyone over 16 years of age. Permits for the 2005/06 season will soon be available for $110 each, and will operate from Tuesday May 4, 2005, for a period of 12 months. The permit scheme allows access to a defined section of the lake, with approximately 8km of water available. This is about the maximum comfortable range for manual and electric propulsion systems (combustion outboards are not permitted).

Permit holders are issued with a key to access the site, a photo permit card and craft identification stickers. All holders are required to sign a Deed of Agreement that sets out the conditions of access. These conditions aren’t onerous; they simply ensure that anglers comply with the conditions imposed by SEQWater to maintain water quality, and respect the rights of lease holders around the lake and ensure safety on the site. The Association also asks permit holders to fill out catch cards to help with future stocking decisions.

Application forms and information papers will be available at bait and tackle stores from mid-February, or you can get them direct from the PRFMA at PO Box 131, Lawnton, QLD 4501. For more information call 0417 7420 23, email --e-mail address hidden-- or visit http://prfma.tripod.com .

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1) PRFMA member Ross Church releasing fingerlings into Lake Samsonvale. The PRFMA recently released over 40,000 more fingerlings into the lake, comprising bass, yellowbelly and saratoga.