Fish and fishing in Campbelltown

Campbelltown is home to a large section of the Upper Georges River. This freshwater environment is home to an array of aquatic life including fish, yabbies and even platypus.

In fishing circles the river is recognised as hosting a healthy population of Australian bass, a popular native sport fish. Even more exciting the threatened Macquarie Perch was found in the river in 2011 for the first time in 100 years.

In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the River, Council recommends fishing sustainably by releasing your catch and using the following tips:

Do Don't
Do collect and dispose of all unwanted fishing line. Don't leave your line unattended.
Do cut unwanted fishing line into small pieces before disposed in appropriate bins. Don't use stainless steel hooks, they take years to break down.
Do use artificial lures and barbless or non-offset circle hooks to help prevent deep hooking of wildlife and to make removal easier. Don't use lead tackle. Lead is poisonous to wildlife and several non-poisonous alternatives are available.
Do call WIRES hotline on 1300 094 737 or Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300 if the animal is too deeply hooked and you cannot release it.

Visit our Natural areas page for suggested locations to access the river.

Yabby traps are illegal

Opera house yabby traps are illegal to use in the river. On the spot fines of $500 applies to the use of Opera house yabby traps with maximum penalties of $22,000 and 6 months imprisonment.

Home fish tanks

Some of the plant and fish species found in your home fish tank can become environmental monsters if they escape into our natural creeks and rivers.

What are the dangers

  • Most fish, snails, and plants you keep are not native to Australia, or to your local area. If released, they are difficult to eliminate and pose a serious threat to fragile ecosystems and important industries.
  • Setting fish free may mean they die from starvation or disease. Fish that survive and breed will compete with local native species for food and space. They may also spread disease and parasites, and damage natural habitats.
  • Unwanted plants from your aquarium or pond can choke waterways, displacing native plants and depleting oxygen and food for fish.
  • Water from your aquarium or pond may contain fish and snail eggs, larvae, plant fragments, or diseases. The same is true for rocks and gravel.

What can you do

  • Never dump fish, plants or snails into or near waterways, stormwater drains or the ocean. This is illegal and penalties apply.
  • Don't keep noxious species in your fish tank.
  • Don't buy fish, plants or 'live rock' from overseas on the internet - it's illegal. Use a reputable local dealer.
  • Take care cleaning tanks or ponds. Tip waste water on the garden. Place solid waste like plants or gravel in the bin, or bury them.
  • Design fishponds so that plants, snails, fish or eggs can't escape during heavy rains, and screen all overflow areas. Consider keeping species native to your local area.
  • Look out for new species in local waterways. Report suspected pests to NSW DPI's 24 hour hotline: 02 4916 3877

For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries.

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