New South Wales Council of Freshwater Anglers
Fostering a sustainable freshwater fishery
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NSW CFA Region 5
Fishing Guide to South West

The south west corner of NSW covers some of Australia's greatest rivers and most rewarding fisheries. Even in dry years our drought-adapted native species provide great sport for anyone fishing with bait or lures. Fishing, boating and camping are popular recreational activities and there are numerous access spots. The region is strongly supported by numerous fishing clubs. This is primarily a river fishing area, with few impoundments, although Lake Hume, Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala, on the Murray River, offer superb fishing...the latter in particular is one of the best Murray cod fisheries in NSW. Unfortunately some rivers, such as the Lachlan, are badly infested with European carp.

Types of fishing
Bait fishing and lure fishing are the most popular and successful methods, with fly-fishing being less popular in these slow moving and coloured waterways. Fishing is possible from boats and from the banks in most areas. Experienced anglers make extensive use of echo sounders to find productive snags that are likely to hold big fish.

Fish to catch
Murray cod, trout cod, golden and silver perch, catfish, redfin, brown trout and European carp. Crayfish and yabbies can be caught with traps but check about seasons and trap regulations at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/freshwater before you try.

Places to fish
Although a highly regulated river, the Murray is a prime fishery and easily accessed along most of its length. It's never far from the road and public access points are easily found. Other key rivers are the Edwards, Wakool, Niemur, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee. Impoundments include Lake Hume, Yarrawonga Weir, Lake Mulwala, Lake Talbot (near Narranderra), Lake Jerilderie and Urana Lake...all of which are stocked with native fish.

Camping sites and caravan parks are numerous, particularly in the river towns, as are public camping reserves...just ask at a service station or tackle shop for directions.


Murray cod

Tips for visitors
1. Always ask permission to enter private property. Most streams and impoundments are public waters but the land around them is often private property. If in doubt, politely ask permission.
2. Fish safely on Inland rivers. There are more freshwater drowings than ocean drownings in Australia every year. Be careful in boats, look out carefully for snags, logs, rock bars, swimmers and waterskiiers and wear a PFD. Keep an eye on your kids.
3. There are many seasonal regulations to protect the breeding season for fish and crayfish in this part of the State. Make sure you check at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/freshwater if you're not certain.
4. The Narrandera Fisheries Centre is a research and breeding facility operated by the NSW government. It produces golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch and trout cod and is open for group and individual visits. Click here for more information or to check the address and opening hours.

Weather information
Click here for a direct link to Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for this region.

Safe fishing guide
Click here to link to www.safefishing.com.au, from the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW

 

 
Useful info and links

NSW Department of Industry and Investment (Fisheries)

Freshwater fishing guide
Click here for NSW DII's guide to freshwater fishing in NSW

An angling licence is required for all these waters
Click here for recreational angling licence information from NSW DII

Fishing regulations apply
Click here for information from NSW DII on fishing seasons, closures, gear regulations and species size and catch regulations.

Tackle shops and boating

Got any info that should be added here? Click here to email us and let us know.

Accommodation

Albury Wodonga Gateway Visitor Information Centre
Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
Ph: (02) 6051 3750
Ph: 1300 796 222

Balranald Visitor Information Centre
80 Market Street, Balranald, New South Wales 2715
Ph: (03) 5020 1599
Ph: 1800 444 403

Cootamundra Visitor Centre
Railway Station, Hovell Street, Cootamundra, New South Wales 2590
Ph: (02) 6942 4212

Corowa Visitor Information Centre
88 Sanger Street, Corowa, New South Wales 2646
Ph: (02) 6033 3221
Ph: 1800 814 054

Deniliquin Visitor Information Centre
George Street, Deniliquin, New South Wales 2710
Ph: 1800 650 712 / Ph: (03) 5898 3120

Golden Rivers Country Visitor
Information Centre
15 Murray Street, Barham, New South Wales 2732
Ph: (03) 5453 3100 / 1800 621 882

Griffith Visitors Centre
Cnr Banna & Jondaryan Avenues, Griffith, New South Wales 2680
Ph: (02) 6962 4145

Gundagai Tourist Information Centre
249 Sheridan Street, Gundagai, New South Wales 2722
Ph: (02) 6944 0250

Hay Visitor Information Centre
407 Moppett Street, Hay, New South Wales 2711
Ph: (07) 6993 4045

Hillston Visitor Information Centre
High Street, Hillston, New South Wales 2675
Ph: (02) 6967 2555

Holbrook Visitor Information Centre
15 Wallace Street, Holbrook, New South Wales 2644
Ph: (02) 6036 0100

Leeton Visitor Information Centre
10 Yanco Avenue, Leeton, New South Wales 2705
Ph: (02) 6953 6481

Mathoura Visitor Information Centre
23 Moama Street, Mathoura, New South Wales 2710
Ph: (03) 5884 3730 Merriwagga Visitor Centre
1 Charny Street, Merriwagga, New South Wales 2652
Ph: (02) 6965 4444

Narrandera Tourist Information Centre
Newell Highway, Narrandera, New South Wales 2700
Ph: (02) 6959 1766

Narrandera Visitor Information Centre
Newell Highway, Narrandera, New South Wales 2700
Ph: (02) 6959 1766
Ph: 1800 672 392

Temora Information Centre
NRCC House, 294 - 296 Hoskins Street ,Temora, New South Wales 2666
Ph: (02) 6977 1511

Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre
41 Deniliquin Street, Tocumwal, New South Wales 2714
Ph: (03) 6874 2517

Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre
Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2650
Ph: (02) 6926 9621

Wentworth Tourist Association
66 Darling Street, Wentworth, New South Wales 2648
Ph: (03) 5027 3624

West Wyalong Visitor Information Centre
89-91 Main Street, West Wyalong, New South Wales 2671
Ph: (02) 6972 3645
Google map

View Larger Map
You can join a NSW CFA affiliated fishing club in this region

Professional Fishing Instructors & Guides Association
Contact Steve Williamson
swtrout@airlan.com.au

South West Anglers Association
This Association includes dozens of local fishing clubs.
Contact Chris Beale
bealecj@harboursat.com.au

We appreciate all feedback and any extra information. Click here to send your comments.


The NSW will soon provide a complete guide to freshwater fishing in NSW...the first sections are already available:



CFA Region 1: North Coast and Ranges

CFA Region 2: Sydney and Central

CFA Region 3 and 4:Southern Highlands and South Coast, ACT, Monaro and Snowy Mountains

CFA Region 5: Central West

CFA Region 6: South West

 
 
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