New South Wales

New South Wales diversity of climate from alpine and temperate in the far south to sub-tropical further north, is reflected in the wide range of fly fishing opportunities available. Trout on fly is the most popular species to target, with the streams, rivers and lakes of the Snowy Mountains and Monaro regions drawing the most attention. Thredbo River, Eucumbene River, Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene are the jewels in the crown of the Snowies, along with a host of smaller high-country streams. Many of the Monaro streams around Cooma, Bombala, Nimmitabel and Delegate have been classified as ‘Blue Ribbon Trout Streams’ and include some catch and release sections.
Further south, tributaries of the upper Murray River such as Swampy Plain, Geehi and the Indi Rivers provide very productive options for trout on fly.
Closer to Sydney the Blue Mountains provides some quality trout waters, including a significant winter fishery for rainbows in tributaries of Warragamba Dam. The Oberon District is also highly regarded.
To the north, the New England district near the Queensland border defines the limit of worthwhile trout fishing.
Murray cod have become a popular target on fly, with explosive surface eats being the pinnacle experience. Inland New South Wales provides the best options in Australia for cod and fly across a range of rivers and impoundments.
Warmer northern and inland systems provide fly fishing for native perch, cod and introduced carp.
Australian bass are a prime fly fishing target in the coastal rivers and impoundments of New South Wales, providing exciting opportunities to fish for natives.
In saltwater, Sydney harbour is highly celebrated for its range of species including Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish, especially for those who have access to a boat. The bread and butter species of bream, flathead, whiting, tailor and luderick are also popular targets all along the estuaries and shorelines of eastern New South Wales.