Freshwater fishing with Mat Cameron

Reflections Holidays ambassador and professional fisherman Mat Cameron has spent a lifetime chasing fish across Australia’s rivers and lakes. When it comes to the great debate of FRESH vs SALT fishing, Mat’s passion for inland waters runs deep. We asked him what makes freshwater fishing in NSW so special, and why every angler should give it a go.

Your guide to freshwater fishing in NSW

If you’re looking for a way to switch off and reconnect with nature, freshwater fishing might be just the thing. It’s quiet water, crisp air, and a slower pace — with more birds than boats and more trees than buildings. Whether you’re chasing your first fish or your next personal best, there’s a real sense of adventure in following a winding river or exploring a hidden dam where the fish bite hard and the world feels far away.

Freshwater fishing across inland NSW offers plenty of variety, from chasing Murray cod in the rivers to reeling in golden perch or bass in the dams. It’s about the moments between the casts as much as the catch itself.

Where to go freshwater fishing

Rivers

Rivers are the heartbeat of inland NSW communities, and they’re often the best place to start a freshwater adventure. Most country towns have a river running through or nearby, with easy access via jetties, ramps, or local reserves. These spots are perfect for launching a kayak or finding a shaded bank to cast from.

A good rule for river fishing is “do the miles, get the smiles.” The further you wander from busy access points, the better your chances. Less-fished stretches often hold more active, less wary fish.

For a great example, Reflections Tumut River offers some of the state’s most picturesque freshwater fishing, think crystal-clear water, mountain views, and the chance to hook trout, bass, or cod.

Dams

Inland dams are another hotspot for anglers. Built to store water, these manmade lakes also happen to hold some of the biggest native fish around. NSW is home to standout freshwater dams like Glenbawn, Copeton, and Wyangala.

Because dams don’t have natural tides, fish respond to subtle environmental changes instead, shifts in light, temperature, or pressure. Dawn and dusk are classic bite windows, but even a cloud passing over on a bright day can trigger a quick feeding period. Keep an eye on wind direction and weather changes too; they can make all the difference.

Best baits for freshwater fishing

The old saying “match the hatch” still rings true. Choosing bait that mirrors what fish are naturally feeding on will always improve your chances.

Some of the best baits for freshwater fishing include:

• Freshwater yabbies
• Shrimp
• Bardi grubs
• Crickets and grasshoppers
• Garden worms (easy and reliable)
• Cheese (a classic for Murray cod)

Fresh bait is always best, it smells right, moves naturally, and can make all the difference in getting that bite.

Top lures for freshwater fishing

Lure fishing has been part of freshwater angling in Australia for generations, and for good reason. It’s active, engaging, and effective. From handcrafted timber divers for cod to small jerkbaits for trout and cicada lures for bass, there’s a lure for every fish and waterway.

Here are a few reliable options:

• Hardbody divers for Murray cod
• Cicada and topwater lures for Australian bass
• Metal blades for golden perch
• Flies and small jerkbaits for trout

The benefit of lure fishing is that it’s clean, durable, and often more sustainable — most lure-caught fish are hooked in the mouth, making for easier releases. If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your local tackle shop or park kiosk. They’ll point you toward the best lure for your target species and local conditions, and usually share a few handy tips in the process.

Make it a Reflections fishing getaway

There’s something special about freshwater fishing in the NSW heartland. Whether it’s casting from the riverbank at Tumut River, watching the sunset over Copeton Dam, or launching the boat at Wyangala, our Country Reflections parks are the perfect places to unwind between casts.

Pack the rods, hit the road, and discover the magic of freshwater fishing.