GONE Fishing Day is back in 2026, expanding to a two-day Gone Fishing Weekend on 17 and 18 October.
The weekend will celebrate recreational fishing across NSW. It aims to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to get outside, connect with family and friends, and enjoy fishing in the state.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is hosting 8 free fishing events for the community across the state. Activities will include:
- Fishing sessions
- casting practice
- expert advice
- educational displays, and
- family-friendly experiences that encourage more people to get involved in fishing.
Events will be held at Lake Illawarra, Grafton, Lake Oberon, Lake Windamere, Lake Wallace (Lithgow), Mudgee, Lake Macquarie and Sydney’s Mort Bay.
Several events will feature well-known fishing personalities, including Steve “Starlo” Starling at Lake Illawarra, Al McGlashan at Lake Macquarie, and Shroom at Sydney’s Mort Bay, alongside the DPIRD Fishcare team.
DPIRD will also partner with the Wallerawang Central Acclimatisation Society for an inaugural “Tigers on the loose at Lake Wallace(Lithgow)” event. This great community event will see anglers from across NSW gather for a day of friendly competition, fishing, and fantastic prizes targeting some bumper tiger trout in the Lake.
Registrations are now open for the fishing sessions at key events.Get in quick as places are limited.
For DPIRD event details and booking information, visit the DPIRD website.
In addition, more than 67 fishing clubs and community groups across NSW will also host local Gone Fishing Weekend events, supported by DPIRD fishing packages provided to help deliver activities in their communities.
Gone Fishing Weekend is supported by DPIRD using funding from recreational fishing licence fees. The event is delivered in partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation.
