There’s a reason anglers keep coming back to this stretch of the Murray. Deep pools, abundant snags, and healthy populations of native fish make the Barham area one of the best freshwater fishing destinations in the country. Whether you’re chasing the mighty Murray cod or filling the esky with golden perch, the fishing here rarely disappoints.
Murray cod are the big drawcard – Australia’s largest freshwater fish, and they grow to serious sizes around here. Fish over 30kg are caught regularly in this section of the river.
Golden perch (yellowbelly) are abundant and make excellent sport on lighter tackle. They’re also fantastic eating. Redfin are common too, particularly during warmer months.
A few species must be released if caught: silver perch, freshwater catfish, and trout cod are all protected in the Murray.
The Murray at Barham is NSW water, so you’ll need a NSW recreational fishing licence. Pick one up online through Service NSW or from tackle shops – a three-day licence costs $7, or $35 for a year.
Murray cod have a slot limit of 55-75cm (fish outside this range must be released) with a bag limit of two per day. There’s a closed season from September through November when cod are spawning. Golden perch have a 30cm minimum and a bag limit of five per day, with no closed season.
You don’t need to travel far. The Murray itself offers countless spots – look for structure like submerged logs, fallen trees, and undercut banks where fish shelter. Bank fishing works well, especially at dawn and dusk.
If you’ve got a boat, there’s a ramp at the Koondrook waterfront just across the bridge. Having a boat lets you access midwater snags and troll the deeper stretches.
Gunbower Creek, which meets the Murray at Koondrook, is another excellent option with good populations of cod and yellowbelly. Campbells Island near Murrabit (about 25 minutes away) is also well regarded for fishing.
For Murray cod, medium to heavy baitcaster outfits work best. Large surface lures, spinnerbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits cast at snags are effective, as are yabbies or scrub worms fished on the bottom.
Golden perch respond to lighter tackle – a 2-4kg spin rod is ideal. Lipless crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits all work, along with traditional baits like yabbies and worms. Get your lure to the bottom and work it slowly.
BIG4 Barham Holiday Parks puts you right on the Murray’s doorstep, with easy access to some of Australia’s best freshwater fishing. Pack the rods, grab your licence, and come see why this stretch of river has been drawing anglers for generations.
Big4 Barham Holiday Park is located in the friendly riverside town of Barham , in the heart of New South Wales’ Riverina region.
Barham is a quiet, welcoming town — perfect for holidaymakers looking to unwind, slow down, and reconnect with nature.
With plenty of things to see and do nearby, including swimming, kayaking, cycling along the Murray River, exploring national parks, and sampling local wines and gourmet produce, Barham offers a relaxing yet enriching escape.
