KONONGWOOTONG Reservoir, near Coleraine, has won a reprieve, in a great outcome for anglers in the southwest.
Last July, The Weekly Times reported anglers had feared the popular trout-fishing spot and main water supply for Coleraine, Casterton and local farms would be decommissioned.
One option raised was that the reservoir could be sold, taking it out of the public domain.
The concerns arose after rising salinity levels in the reservoir forced Wannon Water to find an alternative water supply.
The Weekly Times report quoted Wannon Water corporate communications manager Annette Cannon saying Wannon had no clear plans for the reservoir. She said a discussion paper had been put together and Wannon Water would begin a consultation process with anglers.
That is what happened. Wannon Water listened to anglers and the reservoir will remain as a fishery.
In its submission to Wannon Water, VRFish said there were few alternative trout fisheries in the district and executive officer Chris Collins said Konongwootong was a reliable, drought-proof trout fishery.
"Of the larger Victorian lakes, it is one of a minority to retain sufficient water and water quality to have been considered suitable for stocking every single year for the past few decades, including during drought years," he said.
Fisheries Victoria said Konongwootong was stocked regularly with brown and rainbow trout.
Konongwootong is widely considered to offer some of the best mayfly hatches (and related fly fishing) in Victoria and has been used for the past two Victorian Fly Fishing Championships.
Mr Collins said it was an excellent outcome and congratulated Wannon Water for recognising the value of recreational fishing to Victoria and the local community.
