Recreational Fishing Havens

Thirty Recreational Fishing Havens, areas largely free of commercial fishing, were created along the NSW coast to provide better angling opportunities for recreational fishers. Money raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee enabled a $20 million buyout to create the areas. These havens also promote tourism and create employment in the local area.

AreaNotes

Tweed River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Boyd's Bay Bridge and from south of Rocky Point east to Fingal Road. Wommin Lake, Wommin Lagoon and six canal estates beyond that area are also recreational fishing only (ie. Seagulls Canal, Tweed West Canals, Blue Water Canals, Crystal Waters Canal, Endless Summer Canal Estate, Oxley Cove). See the Tweed River map.

Richmond River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from a line drawn east across the Richmond River from the south eastern corner of portion 21 which is the river end of Emigrant Point Lane beside the flood gate. Commercial netting is not permitted from Tatham bridge upstream to Norco weir at Casino. Crab trapping and eel trapping is permitted in the river and Emigrant creek upstream from the Burns Point ferry. Commercial sea mullet hauling is allowed within the Recreational Fishing Haven – adjacent to Shaws Bay below the Missingham Bridge – from 1 April to 31 July each year. See the Richmond River map.

Clarence River

The following areas are for recreational fishing only:

  1. Middle Wall - a 2 kilometre stretch at the Clarence River mouth near Yamba (commercial hauling during the mullet travelling season - April to August - will still be permitted in this area).
  2. Romiaka Bridge - waters adjacent to the Romiaka Channel Road Bridge, just outside Yamba.
  3. Oyster Channel Bridge - waters adjacent to Oyster Channel Road Bridge, near Yamba.
  4. Entrance of Saltwater Inlet - a 300 metre stretch of River on the eastern side of North Arm, between Arris Island and Saltwater Inlet, near Iluka. See the Clarence River map.

Camden Haven River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Dunbogan Bridge and North Haven Bridge (including Gogleys lagoon). See the Camden Haven River map.

Manning River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Ghinni Ghinni and Berady Creek (including Scotts Creek). See the Manning River map.

Botany Bay

Closed to commercial fishing with the exception of abalone gathering and rock lobster trapping.

The following locations are for recreational fishing only:

LocationLocation

Back Lake (Back Lagoon)

Bega River

Bellinger River (including Kalang River)

Bermagui River

Burrill Lake

Dalmeny Lake (also known as Mummaga Lake)

Deep Creek

Hastings River

Lake Brunderee

Lake Conjola

Lake Macquarie

Lake Tabourie

Little Lake (also known as Little Tilba Lake and Hoyers Lake)

Meroo Lake

Narrawallee Inlet

Nelson Lake (Nelson Lagoon)

Nullica River

Pambula River

St Georges Basin

Tomaga River

Towamba River (also known as Kiah River)

Tuross Lake (including Tuross River and Borang Lake)

Wonboyn Lake, River and Wonboyn Beach
(to 500 metres from mean high water level)

Yowaka River

Map of the NSW Recreational Fishing Havens

A map showing the location of NSW Recreational Fishing Havens

Notes: The areas established for recreational fishing only include all bays, tributaries, creeks, canals and artificial lakes within that area. This is a guide only, for information on the precise boundaries of these closures, contact your local Fisheries Office.