Fishing in Camden

Fishing is a popular form of recreation in our waterways. It is important to consider your impact on our waterways when fishing, and the potential impact of water quality on your health.

Before fishing in our waterways, please consider:

Blue-green algae alerts

Council undertakes routine blue-green algae monitoring at a number of local waterbodies, including the Nepean River. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may be damaging to humans and domestic animals. Blooms tend to be more common in the warmer months due to high levels of sunlight, low rainfall and high nutrients in waterways. The community is advised to avoid fishing and interacting with our waterways when conditions are at an amber or red alert for blue-green algae.

To find out more and view current blue-green algae alerts, please visit Council’s Water Quality Monitoring webpage.

Holding a valid Recreational Fishing Licence

When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, you are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and carry a receipt showing the payment of the fee. Payment of the Recreational Fishing Fee can be made online at Service NSW.

Any freshwater bag and size limits

Bag limits, size limits and gear restrictions apply with fishing. You should familiarise yourself with these rules before fishing. Information is available from your local fisheries office, many bait and tackle stores, or NSW Department of Primary Industries. 

For freshwater bag and size limits, visit the Department of Primary Industries website.

Please note, some fishing gear is prohibited for use in inland waters, including closed-top yabby traps. For the full list of permitted and prohibited freshwater fishing methods, visit the Department of Primary Industries website.

Minimising your impact on our waterways

Ensure that no fishing tackle, fishing line and litter is left behind. Fishing line can be a hazard to aquatic and land-based animals and birds, causing entanglements which can cause serious harm and even death. Keeping our waterways litter free, means better fish and waterway health and better recreational fishing.

Humanely dispatching European Carp

Carp, including colourful koi carp, are a large invasive freshwater fish that have been introduced to south-eastern Australian waterways and are known for degrading our natural aquatic environment. Carp also outcompete native fish, reducing their numbers.

To keep our waterways free of carp, remember to never release carp into waterways or feed them. If you catch a carp while fishing, you should humanely kill the animal and appropriately dispose of it, rather than returning it to the water. For more information, please refer to the Carp in Camden’s waterways information card or the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

How does Camden Council support fishing?

Camden Council is committed to improving the water quality of the Nepean River and investigating ways to support safe and responsible recreation with the river.

Please visit the Waterway Projects webpage to view the list of upcoming and completed projects improving the health of our waterways.

Here are some of the ways Council supports fish health and the fishing community: