A variety of permits and regulations apply for boating and fishing. It is also is important to have these permits before you undertake these activities.
Fishing permits and regulations
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) (incorporating Department of Primary Industries and Fishing) (DPI&F) controls the rules and regulations regarding fishing. DPI&F and administers the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).
To fish at any location under the SIP scheme requires a permit.
For more information about SIPS or to purchase permits, visit http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/28_12990_ENA_HTML.htm.
For an organised event involving on-water aquatic activities, an application for an Aquatic Event Permit must be submitted to Maritime Safety Queensland www.msq.qld.gov.au.
Hinze Dam is not part of the SIPS. The fishing permit system for Hinze Dam is administered by the local fish stocking association.
Fishing permits are available from the following local outlets:
- Doug Burt's Tackle World Gold Coast
15 Nind St Southport QLD 4215
(07) 5531 0755 - Southport Fishing & Dive Centre
95 Gold Coast Hwy, Southport, QLD 4215
(07) 5531 2333 - Oxenford Bait and Tackle
147 Old Pacific Hwy
(07) 55806851 - Sporty's Warehouse Fishing
32 Strathaird Rd, Bundall QLD 4217
(07) 5526 2786 - Go Fishing
10 Spencer Rd, Nerang QLD 4211
(07) 5596 4434
Fishing access
Fishing is a permitted activity at several lakes. To fish from a boat, you may need both a fishing permit and a boating permit, where required.
At Cooloolabin and Kurwongbah, fishing is allowed from the shore only.
Shore-based fishing can be carried out from appropriate sections of the designated recreation areas. Other areas of the shoreline may be private land or may be subject to re-vegetation projects, and access to that land is not permitted.
You can contribute to the health of our waterways by following some simple precautions when fishing. We have more information about undesirable weeds at the Protect our waterways page.
Protected and no-take species restrictions
Fish and other aquatic species, as well as wetland habitats, are a finite resource and require protection or regulation if future generations are to enjoy them. Some species are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and require more strict regulation or protection. Please check the DPI&F Protected and no-take species web page for details on protected fish.