Fishing in the Armidale and New England Region

The following page contains information about the local streams, creeks and rivers to fish and the species that may be caught, how you can get to them and who can take you. Unless it's the one that got away.......

The Secrets out! The New England District offers fisherman of all ages the greatest range of freshwater fish. There is plenty of excellent fishing to be had within one hours drive of Armidale. Fisherman (and woman) can find Rainbow and Brown Trout in the colder mountain rivers and streams to Murray Cod, Golden Pearch, Catfish, Redfin and Black Bream in the warmer rivers, streams and dams to the West of Armidale. The waterways in the New England District are stocked annually by NSW Department of Primary Industries to ensure adequate fish populations for fishermen and for the natural breeding stock.

Licences: Every fisherman must carry a NSW Freshwater Fishing Licence unless they are legally exempt. Fishing licences are available from any NSW Fisheries Inland Office, World of Hire (on the corner of Beardy and Markham Streets), K-Mart in the Armidale Plaza, Boots Great Outdoors in the Viaduct Centre, Armidale Outdoors (Beardy Street opposite Struddies Sports), by calling: 1300 369 365 or purchase your ticket online by clicking here.
Fishing Licences cost $6 for 3 days, $12 for a month, $30 for a year and $75 for 3 years.

Fishing: Fishermen can go fishing on their own in the New England District or they can take advantage of one of several fully guided fishing tours offered by local expert anglers. Each season, keen fishermen come from all parts of Australia and overseas to try their luck at catching fish and you can join in the fun. The whole family can enjoy a day out fishing. With some basic fishing gear and a little patience, you could be hauling in a nice size fish for dinner. Nothing tastes better than fresh fish off the barbecue, sprinkled with herbs & lemon juice! There is also nothing better than sitting on a river bank with a line in the water and simply relaxing!

Accommodation: Around the district there are many cottages situated close to waterways that can be hired. Some accommodation that the Armidale Visitor Information can assist you with are available below:

Riverview

Other types of accommodation are also available upon request.

Trout Season: The trout season opens every year on the Saturday before the Labour day holiday in October and closes on the Monday of the Queens birthday weekend. Stiff penalties are imposed on those who break the law.

Bait and tackle: For trout fishing, flies and lures are used. For other fish, worms, yabbies and prawns can be used.

Rules to follow: Take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Permission must be sought before entering private land. If going through private land, leave gates as you find them. Check the rules and regulations for legal lengths of fish you can keep and line restritions.

Dumaersq dam: Located 10km west of Armidale, a small location with good fishing potential. The dam hosts a lage population of Redfin, rainbow trout, silver perch and eels. Shore based fishing is a little restricted due to large weed beds but you can find small breaks and a good clearing around the boat ramp. A canoe or small boat would be ideal for exploring the waterway and there are also Camping, Toilet and BBQ facilities avaliable. NO SHOWERS

Lake Copeton: Famous for being one of the largest freshwater waterways in NSW and for its native fish, the lake is located approximately 120km west of Armidale (close to a township of Bundarra and Inverell) The area is suited for camping. Small boats are better suited for this area.

Roadside crossings: At most road bridges that cross streams in the area there is a small streatch of river that is accessible before you cross into private property. This is where most of the anglers get their first taste of trout fishing, and you would not be the first person to land a nice fish next to a major road. In the evenings you will often see fish rising to insects as you drive past. If you wish to go further along the stream then it is most desireable to go and seek proper permission.

Note: Whilst you can use your legal right to walk up some river banks this is generally not a good idea, some property owners can get a little upset when anglers invade their personal space. Please seek the owner's permission before entering the land.

Access for Recreational Fishing: Many recreational fishers ask about rights of access, particularly for fresh waters where many rivers and streams run through private property.

The Fisheries Management Act 1994 states that a person has the right to fish in rivers and creeks despite the fact that the bed of those waters is not Crown land, provided that the person is in a boat on these waters or is on the bed of the river or creek, which is alternitively covered and left bare  with an increase or decrease in the supply of water (other than during floods).  Private property title is very strong, and there is on Crown reserve or easement along the banks of a river or creek for public access without the approval of the landowner. Therefore, you must have the owners permission to cross private land to get to a river or creek or to walk along the bank of a river or creek that runs through private property.

Possession of a Recreational Freshwater Fishing Licence does not give you the right to demand entry onto private property, However many land owners are willing to allow responsible fishers onto their property when approached in a polite and friendly manner to ask for access.

A responsible fisher is one who respects their surroundings, leave gates as you find them wither opened or closed, does not interfere with or damage property, does not litter and respects the privacy of landowners and does do not light fires on any property without the approval of the owner.

Making an effort to forge relationships with property owners will go a long way to help your fishing and for other responsible anglers who follow.

Legal lengths of trout is 25cm (10inches) with a bag limit of 5 per day.

As of the 1st of July 1998 it is compulsory to hold a current Freshwater Fishing Licence.

The trout season opens the long weekend of October and closes on the June long weekend.