RECREATIONAL fishers are invited to have their say on what NSW waterways they would like their favourite freshwater fish species to be stocked into by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
DPIRD Aquaculture Director Ian Lyall said there are numerous impoundments and reservoirs across NSW suitable for freshwater fish stocking, including Tumut River and Blowering Dam, resulting in many excellent recreational fisheries being established.
“DPIRD works with fishers and communities to release key sportfishing species such as Murray Cod, Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout into public impoundments each year during the stocking season,” Mr Lyall said.
“DPIRD has developed a new plan for recreational stocking of reservoirs for the 2025-2026 season and would like feedback on what is proposed.
“This is a great opportunity for recreational fishers to recommend where they would like fish stockings to take place over coming seasons.
“They can also nominate new dams for stocking, which can be considered if there is practical public access and fishing is permitted.”
Mr Lyall said all fish stockings in NSW are managed for sustainability via a Fisheries Management Strategy (FMS) and associated Environmental Impact Statement and all proposals will be reviewed to ensure that stocking is consistent with the FMS.
“The 2023-24 stocking season saw more than 5.9 million fish released into NSW waters and this year is on track to be just as impressive, with more than 4.4 million fish already stocked across regional NSW so far”, Mr Lyall said.
“Recreational fishing in NSW is a multi-billion-dollar industry and fish stockings plans an important role in building our inland recreational fisheries to provide exciting recreational fishing opportunities, contributing to regional economies and helping boost our fishing assets.
“DPIRD have native fish hatcheries located throughout NSW that produce freshwater fish species for stocking, including Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Grafton Aquaculture Centre, as well as Dutton and Gaden trout hatcheries.
“These freshwater fish stockings are another great example of recreational fishing license fees at work.”
Recreational fishers are encouraged to email their feedback on the draft plan to [email protected] 30 April 2025.
To view the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan and for more information visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/enhanced-fish-production
A map of fish stocking locations in NSW can be found on the DPIRD website – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking
