2026 Murray Crayfish Season Opens on the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers
Winter on the Murrumbidgee means fireside camping, mist hanging low over the river, and the return of one of Australia’s largest native crayfish species: the Murray Crayfish. The 2026 Murray crayfish season officially opened today (1 June 2026), with fishing permitted along the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway Road Bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek, until 31 August.
Murray Crayfish Rules and Limits
Strict rules are in place to help protect Murray crayfish populations across NSW waterways.
The bag limit is two Murray crayfish per person.
Crayfish must measure between 10cm and 12cm in length (from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace, including the rib at the rear of the carapace).
A maximum of five nets may be used per person (each net float must be clearly marked with ‘HN’ for hoop nets or ‘PN’ for pyramid nets, and your name, year of birth and postcode).
Berried females must not be taken and should be returned to the water immediately.
It is illegal to remove or possess the heads, tails or claws of crayfish when you are in, on or adjacent to waters.
As always, whilst we endeavour to ensure the information above is up to date, fishing regulations can change, and we encourage you to check-in with the latest from the Department of Primary Industries before heading out. They’re the source of the most recent regulations, closures and licensing requirements.
Fishing at Berembed Weir
For anglers heading out this season, Berembed Weir is one of the most highly regarded shore-based fishing locations on the Murrumbidgee. Just west of Narrandera, the weir has long been a favourite for those chasing Murray cod, golden perch, and (of course) Murray crayfish. Easy river access, wide banks, toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities make Berembed Weir a popular place to spend a full day by the water. Framed by towering gums, it’s the kind of spot where seasoned fishers and first-time visitors all end up casting a line or setting a few cray nets.
A quick reminder: as with all weirs, fishing is prohibited within 100 metres upstream and 50 metres downstream of the weir face. Please refer to local signage and the map below before fishing.
Fishing the Murrumbidgee River
While Murray craysfish cannot be taken from local stretches around Narrandera, the region remains a favourite for freshwater fishing. Murray cod season also remains open until 31 August, with anglers regularly casting lines from riverbanks, kayaks and tinnies throughout the district.
Some of the region’s most popular river access points include:
Each offers easy access to the river, boat ramps and plenty of space to settle in for an afternoon on the water.
For land-based anglers, the Flora and Fauna Reserve and Murrumbidgee Valley National Park provide peaceful riverside fishing spots framed by the longest continuous stretch of river red gum forest in the world. It’s not unusual to spot kangaroos grazing nearby, rare birds drifting overhead, or even a koala tucked in the canopy while waiting for a bite.
Best Places to Camp on the Murrumbidgee
One the best parts about fishing is turning it into a weekend away. Riverside camping spots make it easy to stay close to the water and settle into the slower pace of winter on the river.
Buckingbong Reserve is a favourite free-camp for campers chasing easy river access with both a boat ramp and sandy-river beaches.
For those seeking something closer to town, Brewery Flat Reserve offers free camping right on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. With a boat ramp, picnic and BBQ facilities, toilets, and Narrandera’s main street just across the canal, it’s a convenient base.
Camping is also permitted in both the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park and Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park. If you’re travelling with pets, please note that pets are not permitted within the national park. They are, however, permitted at Buckingbong Reserve, Brewery Flat Reserve, and within the Regional Park.
It’s a winter season well worth the early alarm. Fishing in the Riverina isn’t about crowded boat ramps or racing for a spot on the bank. It’s early starts, a thermos of coffee, fog lifting off the river, and the quiet reward of spending a day on the water. Whether you’re chasing Murray crayfish or casting for cod closer to Narrandera, winter is one of the best times to experience the Murrumbidgee at its most scenic.