Cooper Creek & Diamantina River
The Cooper Creek and Diamantina River systems are a unique oasis in the desert of north-eastern South Australia. Fed by a series of creeks and rivers originating in Queensland, the system is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
The Cooper Creek and Diamantina River systems are considered to be one of, if not the most variable river flows on earth. Waters of the system never flow to the sea but instead flow into Lake Eyre. Flows along the Cooper Creek are irregular events generated by highly variable seasonal and annual run-off. Many of the waters are only temporary, being replenished by monsoon dominated floods from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
With only a few permanent waterholes in the South Australian section of the Cooper Creek system, fish must survive droughts by colonising as many temporary waterholes as possible during floods. For many freshwater species, flood events are the biological trigger for spawning and without these regular events, many of these species would soon become extinct.
Historically, the species of callop (golden perch) found in the Cooper Creek system was thought to be the same as that found in the River Murray. Recent research has shown that the species in this system varies from callop in the Murray-Darling system.
Experience has shown that without some form of management control, fish stocks in areas like this are susceptible to over exploitation. For this reason, regulations have been put in place to ensure that the fish populations of this area are protected for future generations to enjoy.
These regulations include:
Carp free waters
Please help maintain this unique waterway by making sure that European carp are not introduced. Heavy penalties of up to $4000 fine and/or one year imprisonment apply.
Translocation of species
Different sub-species of both golden perch (callop) and yabbies exist in the Cooper Creek/ Diamantina River systems.
Introduction of these species from other systems, such as the Murray/ Darling River systems is prohibited. This includes using Murray/ Darling yabbies as bait.
Recreational fishers are not permitted to sell or trade their catch.
The Cooper Creek and Diamantina River systems are considered to be one of, if not the most variable river flows on earth. Waters of the system never flow to the sea but instead flow into Lake Eyre. Flows along the Cooper Creek are irregular events generated by highly variable seasonal and annual run-off. Many of the waters are only temporary, being replenished by monsoon dominated floods from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
With only a few permanent waterholes in the South Australian section of the Cooper Creek system, fish must survive droughts by colonising as many temporary waterholes as possible during floods. For many freshwater species, flood events are the biological trigger for spawning and without these regular events, many of these species would soon become extinct.
Historically, the species of callop (golden perch) found in the Cooper Creek system was thought to be the same as that found in the River Murray. Recent research has shown that the species in this system varies from callop in the Murray-Darling system.
Experience has shown that without some form of management control, fish stocks in areas like this are susceptible to over exploitation. For this reason, regulations have been put in place to ensure that the fish populations of this area are protected for future generations to enjoy.
These regulations include:
- types of fishing gear that can be used
- size, bag and boat limits.
Carp free waters
Please help maintain this unique waterway by making sure that European carp are not introduced. Heavy penalties of up to $4000 fine and/or one year imprisonment apply.
Translocation of species
Different sub-species of both golden perch (callop) and yabbies exist in the Cooper Creek/ Diamantina River systems.
Introduction of these species from other systems, such as the Murray/ Darling River systems is prohibited. This includes using Murray/ Darling yabbies as bait.
Recreational fishers are not permitted to sell or trade their catch.
- Page URL: http://outernode.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/cooper_creek_and_diamantina_river
- Page Last Modified: November 13, 2007