Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
From August 1 – October 31, the Mann River and its tributaries upstream of its junction with the Clarence River including the Nymboida River and its tributaries from its junction with the Mann River upstream to its junction with Wild Cattle Creek are closed to ALL fishing activity.
The annual fishing closure prohibits all forms of fishing, as well as the possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters, is in place to provide an increased level of protection to Eastern freshwater cod, an endangered species, during their breeding season.
Eastern freshwater cod are an apex predator of the freshwater streams of the Clarence River catchment in North-Eastern NSW. Found only in the Clarence, Mann and Richmond River catchments, their distribution and abundance has reduced significantly over the years. Eastern freshwater cod are a protected species, with this closure period allowing the species to breed.
Fisheries officers will be monitoring illegal fishing activity and unlawful damage to fish habitat during the three-month fishing closure in these areas.
Penalties of up to $22,000 apply for illegal fishing activity. Penalties of up to $110,000 for unlawful damage to fish habitat including actions such as; snag removal, dredging and reclamation can be incurred.
Please report suspect illegal fishing activity or damage to fish habitat to Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or via the online form
You can also report a threatened species via the online reporting tool here
