Fishing the Murrumbidgee: Best Spots, Species & Tips
If you’re chasing classic inland river fishing, you’ll want to be in Narrandera — big bends, big gums, and bloody good fishing. This reach of the Murrumbidgee winds its way through the longest continuous stretch of river red gum forest in the world, and it’s as much a part of the experience as what’s on the end of your line. Cast beneath towering gums, watch the current slide past snags, and don’t be surprised if a koala is watching you from above. The shaded banks, fallen timber, and deep bends create the perfect habitat for native fish (and platypus, if you’re lucky). This part of the river isn’t impacted by blue-green algal blooms, making it a reliable option across much of the year.
Boat Ramps & River Access
Getting on the water around Narrandera is straightforward, with easy access for boat and bank anglers. Whether you’re launching a boat, dropping in a kayak, or fishing from the bank, there are multiple access points that make it easy to get on the water without a long drive or difficult terrain.
For boat access, our top two picks are:
Buckingbong Reserve boat ramp: Well-used by locals, there’s easy access to fishable stretches and stunning scenery with red-dirt riverbanks and sandy beaches. There’s also free camping available at Buckingbong Reserve.
Brewery Flat boat ramp: A popular launch point close to town, with access to deeper bends and plenty of structure nearby. There’s free camping available at Brewery Flat Reserve, with picnic areas, barbecues and toilet facilities. Keep an eye out for platypus and the 100cm Murray Cod that’s said to live by the boat ramp.
For land-based anglers, there’s no shortage of places to wet a line:
Numerous access points through the Flora and Fauna Reserve, where the river winds beneath river red gums and you’re almost certain to see wild koalas.
Extensive access throughout the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, including camping areas with direct river frontage.
There’s also the Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park. It’s dog-friendly with plenty of riverside camping available. We recommend entering via Maclays Road, just outside of town.
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
Anyone fishing the Murrumbidgee requires a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, unless exempt.
Licences can be purchased online via NSW DPI.
Bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures apply, particularly for native species like Murray Cod. Always check current regulations before heading out.
Fish Species & Best Times to Catch Them
The Narrandera Stretch of the Murrumbidgee supports a solid mix of native fish, making it popular with both locals and travelling anglers. Before targeting any species, it’s important to be across current bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures, particularly for protected native species. These rules can help ensure the long-term health of the river and its fish population. Up-to-date freshwater bag and size limits can be found here.
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Best time: December - August
Legal length: 55-75cm
Daily limit: 2
Cod are the main target in Narrandera, holding around deep holes, timber, and undercut banks. Early mornings, late afternoons and overcast days tend to fish best.
There’s a long-running local rumour of a 100+cm cod near the boat ramp at Brewery Flat.
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Best time: Spring and Summer but open fishing season extends all year.
Legal length: 30cm
Daily limit: 5
Often active around structure and during periods of flow. They prefer warm, slow moving, turbid streams. Will happily take both bait and lures.
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Best time: June to August
Legal length: 10-12cm
Daily limit: 2
The world’s second biggest crayfish, Murray Crayfish are present throughout the Murrumbidgee but strictly regulated.
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Best time: February-April but able to be caught year-round.
Daily limit: 200
Yabbies are good for eating and bait, especially for Murray Cod. Similar to Murray Crays, yabbies carrying eggs must be returned to the water.
Top Tips from Locals
Bring A Beacon: Mobile reception isn’t guaranteed along all sections of the river. If you’re heading away from town access points, or fishing solo, a PLB or satellite device is a good idea.
Start at Bobbie’s Bait Shop: Local advice matters. Bobbie’s (Bait, Balls & Bullets on 17 Midgeon St, Narrandera) is the place to check what’s biting, grab bait, and get pointed in the right direction
Rocky Waterholes: Located off Lake Talbot, Rocky Waterholes is a calm, scenic stretch of water. The fish here can be a little too well fed at times, but it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed session, especially if you’re happy to enjoy the setting as much as the fishing.