Stocking private freshwater dams

Freshwater fish stocking in Queensland is the process of releasing young fish (fingerlings) into dams, weirs and rivers to enhance and maintain fisheries and help threatened freshwater fish species recover.

You can only stock private non-tidal waters (such as a constructed farm dam) with approved local species. You cannot stock a waterway (such as a creek or stream) even if it is on private land.

Fish stocking is managed under the Policy for fish stocking in Queensland (PDF, 3 MB).

Identify your drainage division

Queensland is divided into 5 drainage divisions. The drainage division and river or catchment you belong to determines which species of fish you should stock in your private dam.

To find your drainage division:

1. Go to QLD Globe.
2. Add the drainage divisions data layer:
   1. Click 'Layers' from the left-hand menu
   2. Click 'Add layers', then 'Inland waters', then 'Drainage boundaries', then 'Drainage basin sub-area'.
3. Click 'Search' in the left-hand menu, and search for your location using one of the options listed.

Native fish and mosquito control species

Only introduce local fish

If you are planning on introducing fingerlings into your dam, you must only introduce a species that already occurs naturally within the region.

The reasons behind this are:

• a permit is not required to stock private waters with species local to your region
• if local fish escape during a flood there will be few impacts on other local species and their habitat
• local fish can survive local conditions
• local fish are available through hatcheries.

A few local fish species are highly effective with assisting in mosquito control. These fish eat mosquito larvae and control the algae that usually provide protection to larvae. Make sure you select a species that is appropriate for your drainage division.