News

Tackle Tales with Eamon Kurta

By Eamon Kurta

May 7, 2026

John Creenaune and Dr John Conallin during a local fish release last year. Photo by Rowan Frazer

NSW fishos are being asked to help shape next year’s freshwater stocking program, with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development opening feedback on its draft 2026-27 plan.

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The state’s dams and impoundments are stocked each year with popular sportfish such as Murray cod, golden perch, Australian bass and trout, helping maintain some of NSW’s best inland fisheries.

The new draft outlines proposed stocking sites for the coming season, and recreational anglers are being encouraged to weigh in, or even nominate new dams, as long as there’s public access and fishing is permitted.

More than 5.2 million fish were released across NSW last season, with another 3.7 million already stocked for 2025-26.

The program is supported by a network of hatcheries, including nearby hatcheries at Narrandera, and is funded through recreational fishing licence fees.

Fishers can submit feedback on the draft plan by emailing fish.stocking@dpird.nsw.gov.au before May 22.

• Had a good catch lately or another fishing related yarn to spin? Send your pic and details to eamon.kurta@denipt.com.au.