Complete Guide to South Australia Fishing Licences

With thousands of kilometers of coastline, lakes, streams, and rivers, South Australia offers recreational anglers various choices in both target species and fishing locations. One of the most complex decisions you’ll be faced with in South Australia is what to fish for and where to go! However, before you drop bait or cast a lure, there are some essential things you need to take care of, and it’s one thing you can’t afford to skip.

That’s right, a fishing license. You can’t fish without the right type of fishing permit, but don’t worry. We’ve covered everything you need about South Australian fishing licenses.

In the following guide to South Australia fishing licenses, we’ll be focusing on:

With so much of it, picking one specific spot when you’re chasing bait fish in saltwater fishing can be a real challenge. What makes that spot better or worse than another spot? In How and Where to Catch Live Bait in Saltwater, we cover everything you need to know about getting the bait you need for your next fishing adventure.

The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to go fishing in South Australia, significantly increasing your chances of catching some big fish. It even has a lot of helpful information for Australian anglers about local hotspots and secret fishing locations, all contributed by other users.

Types of Fishing Licenses

With thousands of kilometers of pristine beaches, bays, and estuaries, not to mention easy access to the ocean for game fishing, South Australia truly is an angler’s paradise. Unlike many other states in Australia, you aren’t required to purchase a recreational fishing license to fish with a rod and reel in saltwater. However, there are some freshwater bodies where you will need to buy a special permit.

Specific reservoirs, dams, and freshwater areas that are managed by the SA Water or National Parks could require you to purchase a fishing permit if you’re planning on going fishing.

You will need a permit to fish in the following South Australian waters:

• Bundaleer;
• Happy Valley;
• Myponga;
• South Para;
• Warren Reservoir Reserves;
• Aroona Dam;
• Beetaloo Reservoir. 

The different types of permits include:

• 3-Day Permit; 
• 10-Day Permit;
• Annual Permit.

Children under the age of 16 can fish without a permit as long as they are fishing with someone who has purchased a fishing permit. To learn more about SA fishing permits, please visit the SA Water website here.

Cost of Fishing Licenses

To make fishing in South Australia as accessible and affordable as possible, SA Water offers several license types and discounts for concession card holders.

The different SA Water permits include:

• 3-Day Permit – $11.20 full price, $8.95 for concession card holders;
• 10-Day Permit – $22.40 full price, $17.90 for concession card holders;
• Annual Permit – $37.00 full price, $29.75 for concession card holders.

Please note most fish species in South Australia are regulated, and season, size, and bag limits apply to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of the fishery. For a complete recreational SA fishing guide, please visit the SA PIRSA website.

Age Requirements for Fishing License

Children under the age of 16 can fish without a permit as long as they are fishing with someone who has purchased a fishing permit. To learn more about SA fishing permits, please visit the SA Water website here.

Where to Obtain a Fishing License

If you plan on fishing in one of the special permit areas in South Australia that we mentioned above, you’ll need to purchase a permit online. You can purchase your fishing permit online using the convenient portal located here.

It’s important to note that fish species, including size, season, and bag limits, are controlled in South Australia to ensure the ongoing health of the fishery. So, before you drop a bait or cast a lure, visit the PIRSA Website to ensure you understand any restrictions.

Complete Guide to South Australia Fishing Licences | Conclusion

Now that you know what type of fishing license you need in South Australia, including how to buy one, how much a fishing license costs, and where you can get them, you’ll be out there reeling in some monster fish in no time at all.

By purchasing a South Australia fishing license and following all size, season, and bag limits, we can all do our part as responsible anglers to ensure that this fantastic fishery lasts many years.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.

If you have any questions about South Australia licenses, including how much or where to buy one, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found this article on South Australia fishing permits helpful, give it a share.