Let's open Prospect Reservoir to recreational fishing, says the RFA of NSW

Let's open Prospect Reservoir to recreational fishing, says the RFA of NSW © RFA of NSW

The NSW Government is conducting a feasibility study into recreational use of Prospect Reservoir, including recreational fishing.

Information about the study and public consultation process is at this link.

The RFA of NSW presented a position paper to the NSW government and met with the then Fisheries Minister, Niall Blair, in 2011....here we are 12 years later STILL talking about it. It's time to make this happen. Here are some of the points we made at the time:

1. It was anticipated that there would be support for recreational fishing activities at Prospect Reservoir years ago and in anticipation NSW Fisheries stocked the reservoir with freshwater fish.

2. It is possible that Prospect Reservoir could be a "Put-and-Take Fishery" where stocking is provided on a frequent basis and funded by recreational anglers through the Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Fund. Fish stocking was sold as a big benefit when the fishing licence was introduced.

3. The type of species, quantity and frequency of such stockings would require consultation and investigation by Fisheries. Examples of such successful locations are dams such as the Googong Reservoir in ACT and the Heinze and Tinaroo Dams in Queensland. Angler access has been permitted to these locations for many years and shows that controlled management allowing recreational fishing is very possible.

Apart from being an amenity for local fishing clubs and the community, Prospect, if regularly stocked would develop into a "one off" freshwater fishing gem.

Sydney has never had such a facility. This would be a first!

• The local community would have a freshwater facility to fish relatively close to home.

• Local fishing clubs could arrange outings and fishing competitions at the reservoir.

• Fishing from small boats, canoes and kayaks should be permitted. Considering the surface water of the reservoir is relative small it would be appropriate to impose a speed limit. Consultation would be needed with NSW Maritime.

• Local schools would have the option to introduce fishing into their sporting programs. Fisheries had advised at the time that suitable locations were difficult to identify as part of their "Get Hooked" fishing education schools program.

• Fishing clinics are frequently held by Fishcare Volunteers, Dept. Sport and Recreational and fishing clubs, normally at coastal or river locations. Prospect Reservoir would provide an excellent venue for such education.

• The reservoir has the potential to attract fresh water fishing guides expanding the guiding activities that currently exist at the Nepean River, Oberon, or Lake Lyell (Lithgow) and beyond, providing a service for those in the community with no fishing equipment or limited fishing skills.

• Opportunities would be available to explore holding the National Fly Championships at Prospect. In the past they have been held at Sydney (Centennial Park) as have the State Championships. This event has also been held at Canberra and in Victoria. State Championships have been held at Centennial Park, Penrith Lakes, and previous to that at Lake Canobolas (Orange). This would be a great initiative for the west areas of Sydney.