The Minns Labor Government has announced that funding for fishing clubs and native fish stocking groups is now available for restocking regional rivers and dams with iconic native fish such as Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod.
These fish are also appreciated as highly sought after angling fish that support recreational fishing and local tourism.
The NSW Government is committed to delivering for recreational fishers and the NSW regional environment to preserve the many locations and lifestyles that are special for families and locals.
Two dollars in funding is provided from for every dollar raised by the community to purchase Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod from accredited commercial fish hatcheries for stocking into public waterways.
This program is part of the Government's commitment to recreational fishers and helps boost native fish stocks to deliver enhanced fishing opportunities into regional waterways where factors such as carp and drought may have hindered native fish stock levels.
The program also supports the regional aquaculture ventures which produce the high-quality fish stock that are released release into public waters to benefit recreational fishers. These ventures provide local jobs in the regions at hatcheries and breeding sites.
Last year 70 grants were approved under the program and delivered fish stocks for local fishing clubs to restock waterways in places like Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Walgett, Bermagui, Nowra, Goulburn, Tumut and Yass.
Australian bass live in coastal rivers along the east coast and downstream for breeding from may to August. Golden Perch occur throughout the Murray-darling river system and are migratory species following increases in water flow up stream during spring and summer.
Murray Cod encompass most of the Murray Darling Rivers and mature adults will travel long distances to spawn during spring and summer.
Fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed under a fish stocking fishery management strategy to ensure sustainability to ensure the activity is conducted with appropriate environmental controls and generates quality recreational fishing outcomes.
Groups interested in applying for the grants, can apply online before the closing dates for the Community Native Fish Stocking (CNFS) 2025/26 grants program. Fish stocking is expected to take place between November 2025 and April 2026.
A minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 per application per group is required. Only one application per group may be submitted.
Applications to stock Australian Bass close on 28 March 2025.
Applications to stock Golden Perch or Murray Cod close on 9 May 2025.
To apply https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/CNFS
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Our Government is focused on delivering great recreational fishing and environmental outcomes. This program delivers in every way for fishers by populating highly popular native sportfish in regional waterways.
"These fish stocking events will help diversify and enhance our valuable native fishery, increase fishing amenity and support local businesses.
"Millions of fish are produced and stocked by government and private sector hatcheries each year into rivers, streams and dams across the State to improve recreational fishing opportunities in NSW that create jobs for regional people.
"Native fish stocking provides many economic and social benefits, as well as positive environmental outcomes due to the importance of native fish in the landscape.
"This is another great example of your fishing licence fees at work. More information on fish stocking can be found online."
