Fishing in NSW
Diving into the waters of New South Wales
New South Wales (NSW) boasts some of Australia's most diverse and abundant fishing opportunities. With its pristine coastline, rivers, lakes, dams and estuaries, NSW offers anglers a rich array of fishing experiences.
From the excitement of reeling in a prized catch to the tranquility of casting a line amidst stunning natural landscapes, fishing in NSW is a favourite pasttime for locals and visitors alike.
What fish can you expect?
NSW waters teem with a wide variety of fish species, providing anglers with endless possibilities. Common catches include the iconic Australian bass, bream, flathead, snapper, tailor, whiting, and the prized Murray cod. For those seeking a more challenging pursuit, game fish such as marlin, tuna, and kingfish frequent the offshore waters, offering thrilling battles for seasoned anglers.
Coastal casting in New South Wales
Picture yourself on golden shores, casting your line into the sparkling waters, and waiting for the big one to bite. Along the NSW coast, are an array of fish just waiting to be hooked.
First up, let's talk about the classics. Aussie favourites like bream, flathead, and whiting are abundant along the coastline. These beauties love to hang out around rocky outcrops, sandy beaches, and estuaries, making them prime targets for beach and rock anglers alike.
But it doesn't stop there. If you're after a bit more action, keep an eye out for tailor and salmon cruising the surf. These feisty fighters will give you a run for your money and make for a thrilling catch.
For those with a taste for something bigger, venture out into deeper waters and you might just hook into snapper, kingfish, or even a mighty mulloway. These larger predators lurk around reefs, drop-offs, and underwater structures, ready to pounce on your bait.
And let's not forget the thrill of chasing down species like tuna and mackerel. When they're running, you can bet the adrenaline will be pumping as you battle these speedsters from the boat or the shore.
Lake and Dam Fishing
When it comes to lake and dam fishing in NSW, you're in for a real treat. These serene inland waters offer a different kind of angling experience, with their calm surfaces hiding a bounty of freshwater treasures just waiting to be discovered.
First off, let's talk about the iconic Australian bass. These feisty fighters are the kings of the freshwater scene, thriving in the tranquil waters of lakes and dams across NSW. Cast your line near submerged structure, rocky banks, or weed beds, and you might just hook into one of these beauties.
But bass aren't the only game in town. NSW lakes and dams are also home to a variety of other species, including golden perch, silver perch, and Murray cod. These hefty fish provide plenty of excitement for anglers of all levels, with their powerful strikes and spirited fights.
If you're after a more relaxed angling experience, why not try your luck with some trout fishing? Many lakes and dams in NSW are stocked with rainbow and brown trout, offering a tranquil setting for fly fishing or bait casting.
Baiting the Hook: Top Bait Choices
Selecting the right bait can make all the difference between a successful fishing outing and coming up empty-handed. In NSW, popular bait options include:
- Live bait such as prawns, yabbies, and beachworms for enticing a wide range of species.
- Fresh or frozen bait including pilchards, squid, and mullet, which appeal to predatory fish like snapper and tailor.
- Artificial lures such as soft plastics, hard-bodied lures, and flies, ideal for enticing game fish like kingfish and tuna.
NSW Fishing Comps
Hit Copeton Waters this November for all the fishing action this November.
Reflections Lake Keepit plays host to the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Comp in May 2025
Enter the Lake Burrinjuck Ssutainable Fishing Comp at Reflections Burrinjuck Waters in March 2025
Raising funds for brain cancer since 2015, this annual fishing comp at Burrinjuck Waters packs out the park each year, as the best fishers compete for the biggest fish. This fishing comp honours the memory of Greg Whitehead, firm friend and local, who passed away from brain cancer in 2014
With a prize pool value over $100K, the annual Trophy Hunter Snapper Bash in Coffs Harbour is sure to pull the most competitive fishos...
Head to Reflections Grabine Lakeside for the annual hit comp The Grabine Freshwater Fishing Tournament - always one to draw a crowd!
Get inspired
Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch here.
Before casting your line in NSW waters, please make sure you adhere to the government fishing regulations and licensing requirements:
- Obtain a recreational fishing license from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for both freshwater and saltwater fishing activities.
- Make sure you fish sustainably - check out the size and bag limits, seasonal closures, and any specific regulations for the area you intend to fish here.
- Find more about catch and release advice here
Oooh this particular topic is a minefiled. Some die-hard fisherman feel that shore fishing is the ultimate test of skill, although if the waters calm and shallow near the shore, you may have a greater chance of getting in a big haul.
Boat fishing has the advantage of being more agile and going where the fish go.
At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Different seasons offer a plethroa of different fish, for example summer and early autumn are good for Whiting, Perch and Travalla, while winter is a good time for Pink Snapper. Murray Cod and Bass can be fished around their breeding season, but not suring.
Our top parks for coastal beach and estuary fishing
Top spots for dam and lake fishing in Country NSW
