Rural
3 October, 2025
Reel in big prize on QLD-wide fi shing comp
Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a statewide fishing competition, putting local anglers in Somerset and Moreton Bay at the heart of the action.
Running from September 20 to October 6, the SIPS 25 Fishing Competition offers more than $27,000 in prizes across all 61 participating dams and weirs. Local favourites include Somerset Dam, Lake Wivenhoe, Baroon Pocket Dam, Ewen Maddock Dam, and Borumba Dam, all known for bass, golden perch, and cod.
The competition, hosted by the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ), Infofish, and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), features categories for the most fish caught across regions, longest ‘hero’ fish, and the Australian Bass Challenge for bass over 50cm. A photo contest, Charlie’s Pick, offers competitors a chance to win a free year of SIPS permits.
Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said the event provides families with a chance to enjoy the outdoors while supporting local economies.
“This is sure to be some fantastic school holiday fun for kids and adults alike,” Mr Powell said.
“The SIPS scheme supports recreational fishing, tourism, and regional economies while encouraging sustainable use of Queensland’s fisheries resources.”
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett added that the SIPS 25 competition is a family-friendly way to support Queensland’s recreational fishing industry and put money back into local communities.
“The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme is a major contributor to our $2.5 billion recreational fishing industry and the lifestyle we all enjoy in Queensland,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to get out these school holidays to support volunteer stocking groups and try to reel in a winner.”
To enter, anglers need to purchase a SIPS permit, register via the SIPS 25 competition app, and start fishing. Funds from permit sales support the management of the scheme, stocking of impoundments, and regional aquaculture businesses supplying fingerlings. Volunteer fish-stocking groups maintain SIPS impoundments across Queensland, ensuring year-round recreational fishing opportunities.
More information is available at https://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news-media/news/sips-fishing2025text.
