The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is the government agency responsible for managing South Australia’s fish stocks on behalf of the government and community.
PIRSA manages the fishing activities of an estimated 356,000 recreational fishers.
Use the search function to see the daily size, bag, and boat limits that apply for each species.
Fishing closures may be permanent, seasonal or temporary. Find out which fishing restrictions apply in SA waters.
There are rules for using fishing gear, including gear combinations, and approved bait and berley.
Some fish species are protected and must not be taken if caught. Aquatic pests need to be reported and not returned to SA waters.
There are catch limits for commercial charter boat fishing in SA marine waters, which vary from limits for recreational fishers.
Fishing is permitted in many reservoirs in South Australia. You need to buy a permit and follow the conditions of access.
Selling your catch without a commercial fishing licence is illegal, and there are significant consequences to both the fisher and buyer.
The free SA fishing app is a must-have guide with all the information you need to fish in South Australia. Access the recreational fishing rules on the go, or on the water.
About recreational fishing rules
Recreational fishers must follow rules and restrictions in state waters relating to:
- fish size, bag and boat limits, and possession limits
- the correct types of fishing gear, including registering and marking your gear
- temporal and spatial fishing closures
- the complete protection of some species
- responsible fish handling and reporting, including aquatic pests.
You do not need a licence for recreational fishing in South Australia. However, you will need a permit when fishing in certain reservoirs.
Fishwatch Hotline
Call the Fishwatch Hotline for information about:
- rules and regulations
- licensing and registration
- reporting shark sightings