Stocking Programs

Above. Fish being loaded for delivery by bulk road tanker.

Above. Loaded with boxed fingerlings, Granite Belt Fish Hatcheries ready for the road.

A range of native fingerlings are available for use as recreation fishing, in both dams on privately owned land and public waters. For fingerling suppliers refer to members list on this web site.

To stock public waters a permit is required. These permits are issued by the Queensland Fisheries Service and are generally only issued to stocking groups. For detailed information contact the Queensland fisheries Service.

If required orders can be delivered by bulk transporter or foam boxes. The most common fish required are, Silver Perch, Sleepy Cod, Australian Bass Saratoga and Golden Perch. Jungle Perch and Mangrove Jack are also being developed as a future stocking species. Research projects are or will soon be undertaken by DPI Queensland to investigate to reproduction of these species.

Prices normally dependant on size of the order and other services that the individual customer may require. eg. Hand counted, graded etc. Fish for Private Dams are also available (subject to season) Fingerlings will be supplied strictly in accordance with translocation regulations. AAQ members follow an environmental code of practice. Only those species allowed in the catchment of the dam to be stocked can be supplied. To find out what fish you are allowed to stock in your dam contact the Queensland DPI Fisheries Service and ask for the brochure, "Stocking fish in farm dams and other waters on private land".

Saratoga

saratoga Picture ausyfish.com

A popular fish among fly fisherman, this species is also highly sort by the aquarium trade. This has resulted in a very high price for fingerlings. The fingerlings are also sort for stocking impoundments as their angling qualities are highly prized.

It is illegal to stock the wrong fish.

In Queensland unlawful stocking under section 90 of Fisheries Act 1994, can attract fines up to 2000 penalty units each unit is $75. If hatchery operator sells fish knowing that that they were going to be released into a water where they are not permitted, that can be investigated under section 7 of the criminal code.

Before stocking any dams you should check the regulations. In Queensland it is against the law to stock public waters without a permit. Stocking without a permit is a serious offence. If you wish to stock a private dam on private land, you must also follow the regulations regarding the species which may be stocked. Click here to go the the DPI web page with more information about species you may stock on private dams. www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/1261.html

A Below: Inserting catheter into female vent

B Below: Extracting egg sample

C Below: Checking male sperm

D Below: Injecting hormone

E Below: Almost ready to hatch, Silver Perch eggs under microscope

F Below: The end result, lots of fingerlings ready for stocking.

Above: Silver perch spawning. Silver perch are a popular angling species in a few dams in Queensland. They can be challenging to catch but once you have the "knack" they are great sport. Pictures ausyfish.com

Regulations currently apply to freshwater fish. Bag limits, size limits and and in some cases closed waters. Please check with your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office for bag limits, size limits and closed seasons. A helpful brochure is available from most tackle stores called "Guidelines for recreational fishing in Queensland Freshwater (non tidal) areas.

Picture ausyfish.com

Golden Perch. Queensland has three genetically distinct stocks of golden perch. The Murray-Darling stock has been introduced into south-east Queensland dams (other stocks are from the Lake Eyre, and Dawson systems) They prefer turbid, warmer, slow-flowing streams. Golden perch will rise readily to artificial lures, prawns, worms or small fish, and are excellent sport and table fish. Regulations apply to Golden perch as to bag limits and size.

Picture ausyfish.com
Murray Cod. This is Australia's largest fresh water fish. It has been successfully stocked in a number of dams in South East Queensland . They can grow up to 1.8 m and a weight of over 113 kg. This fish prefers sluggish, turbid waters, making it an ideal species to stock in impoundments. They are an ambush feeder and prefer to hide among snags and swoop on they prey from cover.

Barramundi occur naturally from the Mary River in south east Queensland to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and are stocked in selected impoundments within their natural range. Distinct genetic strains exist. The correct strain must be stocked in accordance with regulations. They are ravenous carnivores feeding mainly on smaller fish and crustaceans and are readily caught on lures. Barramundi are excellent sporting and eating fish. Regulations apply, there are size limits, including a maximum size, as well as bag limits.

Table fish

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Regulations currently apply to freshwater fish. Bag limits, size limits and and in some cases closed waters. Please check with your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office for bag limits, size limits and closed seasons. A helpful brochure is available from most tackle stores called "Guidelines for recreational fishing in Queensland Freshwater (non tidal) areas.		Picture ausyfish.com
	Golden Perch. Queensland has three genetically distinct stocks of golden perch. The Murray-Darling stock has been introduced into south-east Queensland dams (other stocks are from the Lake Eyre, and Dawson systems) They prefer turbid, warmer, slow-flowing streams. Golden perch will rise readily to artificial lures, prawns, worms or small fish, and are excellent sport and table fish. Regulations apply to Golden perch as to bag limits and size.
	Picture ausyfish.com Murray Cod. This is Australia's largest fresh water fish. It has been successfully stocked in a number of dams in South East Queensland . They can grow up to 1.8 m and a weight of over 113 kg. This fish prefers sluggish, turbid waters, making it an ideal species to stock in impoundments. They are an ambush feeder and prefer to hide among snags and swoop on they prey from cover.
	Barramundi occur naturally from the Mary River in south east Queensland to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and are stocked in selected impoundments within their natural range. Distinct genetic strains exist. The correct strain must be stocked in accordance with regulations. They are ravenous carnivores feeding mainly on smaller fish and crustaceans and are readily caught on lures. Barramundi are excellent sporting and eating fish. Regulations apply, there are size limits, including a maximum size, as well as bag limits.