The NSW 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 into public waters to benefit recreational fishers.
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.
• 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 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/CNFS