Burrinjuck Waters ready to set the hook for next round of sustainable fishing contest

Recreational fishers are set to cast their lines in the Riverina as part of Australia’s new sustainable fishing tournament.

Burrinjuck Waters is set to host the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series’ second event, in March. This series will allow recreational fishers to compete for a $25,000 prize pool, brush up on their sustainable fishing practices, and haul in a new personal-best catch.

Burrinjuck Waters is famous for offering fishers the chance to catch Murray cod, golden and silver perch, brown and rainbow trout, and crayfish.

Australia’s largest holiday group, Reflections, and the only fishing conservation charity in the country, OzFish, launched the fishing series in 2024 at Copeton Dam and will conclude it at Lake Keepit in May 2025.

OzFish CEO Cass Price told Region that Burrinjuck Waters was chosen as one of three locations for the series because of its popularity among recreational fishers.

“Reflections has some fantastic places to fish, and our recreational fishers love the holiday locations,” Ms Price said.

“Copeton Dam was a great starting point, and so is Burrinjuck. It is fantastic.

“It was important to us to share the series around the state and at the different Reflections parks.”

Ms Price said the inspiration behind OzFish and Reflections creating the sustainable fishing events was to establish a competition with a unique approach.

“Our inspiration was to create fishing competitions that ran a little differently – more relaxed, family-friendly, and appealing to environmentally conscious anglers,” she said.

“We wanted to offer a way for people to enjoy fishing competitions while coming together with the environment in mind.

“Reflections has the same ethos in managing its parks, prioritising environmental care. While it hosts great fishing competitions, it remains committed to sustainability. That was the inspiration – to create something different that everyone could enjoy.”

Ms Price said the first event, at Copeton Dam, was a huge success, with more than 330 fish caught and released by 130 keen fishers.

“Competitors hooked tons of prizes across the weekend, including kayaks, rods, trolling motors, and fish finders,” she said.

“We also had diverse prize categories for adults, juniors, and littlies – including mystery size of the day, bonus-hour prizes, and prizes for litter collection and recycling old fishing gear.

“This will all be repeated at Burrinjuck. So, whether you want to fish from the bank or boat, chase your kids’ first fish catch or a new personal best, there are ways to win for everyone.”

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the series was a great opportunity for anglers to learn more about sustainable fishing practices and connect with friends and family in nature.

“We believe that life is better outside, and our Sustainable Fishing Series is designed to showcase some of our most beautiful inland parks, which are renowned for their fishing, and give people an opportunity to get together with their loved ones and share the experience,” Mr Baker said.

“We thank our partners, OzFish, for sharing their knowledge and passion for sustainable fishing with our park guests and the broader community.”

The second Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series, at Burrinjuck Waters, will run from Friday, 21 March, to Sunday, 23 March.

Tickets are now on sale for the Burrinjuck Waters competition. Entrants in the series will notice a few changes to the regular fishing competition format.

Fish health will be at the forefront, with a catch-and-release photo system for entries. Entrants will also receive advice on the correct way to handle fish.

The series also aims to minimise plastic and waste, with each Reflections Holidays location having an OzFish TackleLoop bin for safely depositing old fishing tackle and broken gear.

OzFish members receive a 25 per cent discount on tickets to the Burrinjuck and Keepit Series competitions. Any money raised is channelled into fish habitat restoration in NSW.