The work is part of a project to improve water quality in the Canberra region and to release native fish into waterways.

The release comes after the Upper Stranger Pond, along with Isabella Pond, were drained in order to conduct major works on the weir and build two wetlands in April last year.

ACT government ecologist Mark Jekabsons said 2.6 tonnes carp were removed from Upper Stranger Pond during the draining.

Due to the vicious nature in which carp out-compete other species, no native fish had been found when the pond was drained.

"With construction work now at the point that water has returned to the pond, native fish were released which will be great news for local anglers," Mr Jekabsons said.

"As well as improving fishing opportunities, the Murray cod and golden perch will help restore the pond to a more balanced ecosystem which includes feeding on mosquito larvae while young. Other small native fish species will be stocked into the pond at a later date."

"Upper Stranger Pond will become a great recreational resource for the local anglers in Canberra."

At the time of release, the 2000 little fish were around about 5 centimetres long and it will take three to four years to reach maximum growth.

Mr Jekabsons said an approximate 21,000 Murray cod were also released today into Lake Ginninderra. The National Capital Authority and Canberra Fisherman's Club have also funded the stocking of about 18,000 Murray cod into Lake Burley Griffin.

Peter Beutel, from the National Capital Authority, said that the stocking will help the environment as it will improve biodiversity in the ecosystem while also helping local fishermen.

"There is a silent majority of lake users on Lake Burley Griffin, and they are the fishermen. There are lots of rowers, sailers, and dragon boaters, but there are several thousand fishermen who use the lake regularly."

More than one million fingerlings have been released into Canberra lakes and ponds since 2000.