Fishing in the Snowy Mountains

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.

Highlights

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Man enjoying a day of fly fishing in Swampy Plains River, Kosciuszko National Park.

Swampy Plain River, Kosciuszko National Park

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.

River fishing

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 fishing

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.

Friends enjoying a fly fishing lessons with guide Dave Ducker on the Goobarragandra River, Tumut

Fly Fishing, Tumut

Fishing tours

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.
 

Fishing festivals

A calendar highlight is the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival, a week-long competition held in spring and open to all anglers.
 

Fishing gear, tackle & licences

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.

Fishing Safety Widget

Fishing safety

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:

  • Choose a safe place where there are no hazards
  • Be very careful when walking on rocks as they can be slippery, and rogue waves can be unpredictable.
  • Never fish alone and always watch the waves
  • Be aware of the tides and weather
  • Wear appropriate footwear, clothing and head protection.
  • Carry a float and line to help anyone washed in

Follow these additional safety tips at all times when rock fishing:

  • Never turn your back on the sea or ocean
  • Tell family or friends of your plans
  • Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and scan for changing conditions.
  • Check tides, swell and weather conditions before setting out and never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas.
  • Carry safety gear such as ropes, a float and torches.
  • Note the location of and access to life buoys where they are present
  • Plan an escape route in case you're washed in
  • Don't put yourself at risk if someone else is washed into the water
  • Carry a mobile phone

Visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW website for more information on staying safe while fishing.

Fishing & nature in The Snowy Mountains

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