Fishing in the Snowy Mountains
Man enjoying a day of fly fishing in Nimbo Creek in Killimicat, Snowy Valleys
Fishing in the pristine waters of the spectacular NSW Snowy Mountains is an unforgettable experience. With Australia’s highest peaks creating a beautiful backdrop, the lakes, rivers and water catchments are great fishing spots for recreational anglers.
Fishing in most rivers and streams is permitted from October to the June long weekend. Melting snow flows each spring into crystal-clear waterways, teeming with trout and native fish such as Murray cod and golden perch.
Thredbo River meanders from Thredbo to Lake Jindabyne and is a fly fishing haven. Near Bullocks Hut, at the junction of Thredbo River and Little Thredbo River, is a lovely fishing spot. Along the Tumut, Goobarragandra, Tuross, Snowy and Bombala rivers are plenty of relaxing fishing areas.
Lake Eucumbene is a popular fishing spot, and is well stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Eucumbene Trout Farm has its own lake, where you can fish for trout and then cook it afterwards on the barbecue. Lake Jindabyne, Khancoban Pondage and Talbingo Dam are also great for fishing.
Fishing tours are available for all levels and include Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing in Cooma, and Fly Fishing Tumut in Tumut. You can learn the basics of trout fishing in the two-hour Lure Casting School at Lake Crackenback Resort.
A calendar highlight is the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival, a week-long competition held in spring and open to all anglers.
You’ll find fishing tackle shops in many towns across the region, including Tumut, Tumbarumba, Cooma, Jindabyne and Adaminaby, the home of the Big Trout, one of Australia’s ‘iconic big things’. You can hire rods, boats and other equipment as well for your fishing adventure in the high country.
Before you go fishing, you’ll need a NSW recreational fishing licence and carry the receipt with you. They’re available from service stations, tackle shops, or online at Service NSW. You can keep up to date with all bag and sizing limits, and closure zones at the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing page.
By law, you are required to wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest while rock fishing in some areas of NSW, and it is recommended that you wear a buoyancy vest for lake, river and sea fishing. Please see the Water Safety NSW website for more details.
Please consider the following safety tips when fishing:
Follow these additional safety tips at all times when rock fishing:
Visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW website for more information on staying safe while fishing.
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