Hooking a carp is usually a booby prize when you’re throwing a line in. But on Sunday March 19, catching a carp could win you some actual bounty.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Native Fish Recovery Program is holding a family Catch-a-Carp event on the Loddon River at Kerang on March 19.

There will be heaps of prizes based on the size and number of carp caught, as well as waterbug activities, colouring competitions, native fish displays, and a barbecue lunch.

“This is a great family day out, and it’s also a great opportunity to raise awareness about carp and the damage they can do to our waterways and get rid of a few carp at the same time” North Central CMA Project Manager Peter Rose said.

“We saw after the 2022 floods how fast carp can breed, and they have bred right across the Basin.

“During floods or high-river flows there isn’t a lot authorities can do to manage carp, other than providing the right conditions for native fish.

“That’s what we’re doing with the Native Fish Recovery Plan and our water for environment program. Providing the right habitat and flow regimes for our native fish to thrive is the best weapon we currently have against carp.”

Kerang Catch a Carp is free and runs form 10.30am to 1pm at the Kerang Regional Park in Wyndham Street.

Bait is provided and you can register on the day.