QLD DPI&F
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) employs over 3000 staff in over 150 locations across the State. The department supports the profitability and sustainability of
Queensland's fisheries through a variety of services including educating and protecting the community, issuing
fishing licences and
permits, enforcement, and research and surveying.
TIP |
Please use this article as a guide only and take the time to find out more about recreational fishing rules and regulations in Queensland. |
Recreational Fishing in QLD
The government of
Queensland has focused strongly on its freshwater and tidal water
fishing rules and regulations, protected
fish species as well as the prevention and control of noxious
fish species. Recreational anglers do not require a license to fish in
Queensland, except if
fishing in some stocked impoundments.
Protected Species
There are many aquatic species that are protected throughout
Queensland and are prohibited from being in anyone’s possession without a permit. Some of these include: female mud and blue swimmer crabs, black teatfish, and certain lobster and clam species. There are also aquatic species that are totally prohibited and if accidently caught, must be immediately and carefully returned to the water. Some of these include: Bloomfield River Cod, Lungfish, River blackfish,
Barramundi cod, Potato Cod, Red bass,
Queensland grouper, Paddletail and Chinaman fish.
Fishing Closures
There are two types of closures for freshwater and saltwater
fishing and these are seasonal closures and area closures. Closed seasons prevent people from
fishing at certain times of the year. It is needed to protect species during spawning which is a vulnerable time in their life cycle. Two species that are most vulnerable and therefore protected from seasonal closures is the Australian bass and the
Barramundi. Area closures on the other hand are needed to prevent people from
fishing in a certain area. Closure may be enforced in areas where a population of endangered or threatened species live, where fish go during spawning and/or the area is part of a protected marine park to name a few. For a comprehensive list, click
Closed waters - freshwater areas (Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries or
Closed waters - tidal waters (Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries
Noxious fish
Non-indigenous fish and other aquatic species that are introduced into
Queensland’s waterways can pose a significant threat to native species. Noxious or non-indigenous fish may compete with native species, reduce their numbers and affect their habitat. People must not possess a declared noxious fish, sell, breed, keep or place in any container. If a declared noxious fish is caught, the fish must be immediately killed and must not be returned back into the water, live or dead or used as bait. The three most top banned noxious species include Tilapia, carp and gambusia. For a full list, click
Noxious fish
WA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Western Australia.
[Feature Story]
Fishing Spots in WA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Western Australia and provides some helpful tips.
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Fishing
Our Fishing index page includes Favourite Catches, tips for River & Estuary Fishing, Beach Fishing and Offshore fishing, as well as Fishing Rules and Regulations for every state of Australia. Next time you're off on a trip with the rods and reels, check out this page for the latest tips & information.
Fishing Spots in QLD
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Queensland and provides some helpful tips.
Offshore Fishing
Ever wondered why some offshore boat anglers catch more quality fish than others? The main key to success lies with knowledge, experience, and of course - plenty of practice!! Like anything, developing good knowledge and habits earlier on - makes better practice. This article will give you a brief heads up on offshore fishing techniques - including rigs, technology and much more.
NSW Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in New South Wales.
VIC Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Victoria.
SA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in South Australia.
NT Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in the Northern Territory.
TAS Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Tasmania.
Fishing Spots in SA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in South Australia and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in NT
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in the Northern Territory and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in TAS
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Tasmania and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in NSW & ACT
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in New South Wales (including ACT) and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in VIC
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Victoria and provides some helpful tips.
Inland Fishing
Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent with 70% receiving between 100 and 350mm of rainfall annually. So with such little rainfall, you may wonder whether Australia has a good freshwater fishery. This article explores Australia's inland fishing possibilities and includes a general overview of what to catch, where and how.
Beach Fishing
Put on your wet weather overalls, berley up the water and cast a 70 plus metre line to get past the breakers - this is the typical lifestyle of the dedicated beach angler. With around 7000 beaches to choose from, Australia offers plenty of opportunities to target coastal fish such as tailor, salmon and mulloway.
