Edward Wakool Angling Association

16/06/2026

Winter is here, and we are right in the midst of crayfish season! But what is so special about our spiky friend the Murray Cray?

The Murray Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) is found throughout the southern Murray Darling Basin, including right here in the Kolety/Edward River. It is an important social and ecological species, forming an essential part of the food chain. The second largest freshwater crayfish in the world, the Murray Cray prefers cool flowing water and places to burrow beneath timber and rocks. These crayfish have experienced population decline due to many factors including hypoxic blackwater events, river regulation such as weir pools, and sedimentation caused by bank erosion. Due to their status as a Vulnerable species, recreational fishing of Murray Crays has been prohibited in the Kolety/Edward River since 2010.

But good things are happening for the Murray Cray! Throughout the whole of the Murray Darling Basin people are paying more attention to the habitat needs of this beautiful spiky creature. Here in Deniliquin, EWAA is working with government and community groups to (1) determine the current population status in the Kolety/Edward River, (2) showcase them to the local community as an iconic and important species both culturally and ecologically, and (3) find ways to increase population numbers through the possibility of translocating crayfish from other areas with self-sustaining populations.

Last year EWAA helped to host an excellent community event learning all about the Murray Cray. This could not have happened without the support of Deniliquin High School (Official), Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group, Edward River Council, OzFish Unlimited, Primary Industries and Regional Development and NSW Fisheries. Community events like these are essential ways for us to come together, learn about the importance of these freshwater creatures, and work together to care for their habitat and rebuild their population.

Learn more about the Murray Crayfish here: https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/what-current/vulnerable-species2/murray-crayfish

30/04/2026

Last week Dan and John from EWAA were out in the lagoons in Deniliquin checking on the threatened native fish species who live there. Did you know there are four key species whose populations are being rehabilitated right in the middle of town?

You may know about the Eel-Tailed Catfish that have been released into the Kolety/Edward River thanks to community support, but there are also Olive Perchlet, Southern Pygmie Perch and Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeons. These species are all categorised as endangered in New South Wales, but thanks to the work of EWAA and the many people who support us, the lagoons have become a haven for these species to thrive.

Check out more information about these threatened species below:
➡️ https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/what-current/endangered-populations2/olive-perchlet
➡️ https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/fish-species/species-list/fw-catfish
➡️ https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/what-current/endangered-species2/purple-spotted-gudgeon
➡️ https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/what-current/endangered-species2/southern-pygmy-perch

17/11/2025

The Edward Wakool Angling Association (EWAA) AGM will be held on Friday 28 November at 6 pm at the Western Murray Land Improvement Groups office, 27 Thule St Barham. please RSVP by text to 0499782725.

30/01/2024

https://www.edwardfishingchallenge.com.au/
Still some places left in the fishing challenge. Already we have stocked 30,000 golfen perch and over 2000 catifsh with the money raised last year.

Deniliquin's annual Fishing Challenge hosted in February.

18/04/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100048856006003/posts/803522247952968/?mibextid=Nif5oz