The event has grown into one of the district’s most powerful community drivers, boosting the local economy, drawing visitors into town, and delivering long-term environmental gains for the Edward River.
Tuesday, January 20, saw 30,000 golden perch fingerlings released into the river as part of the Challenge’s expanding restocking program - a community funded effort that has become one of the most significant native fish recovery initiatives in the region.
The release follows the December 18 Adopt-a-Cod, where 30 mature Murray cod, weighing between 4kg and 7kg, were introduced at multiple locations along the river.
Described as “rescue fish” originally destined for the restaurant trade, the cod are expected to deliver immediate breeding benefits, with each female capable of carrying up to 30,000 eggs by next season.
Since 2023, money raised through the Challenge has supported the release of 115,000 golden perch, 6500 eel-tailed catfish, and 540kg of Murray cod, with every dollar raised locally tripled through the NSW Fisheries Community Native Fish Stocking Grants Program.
All proceeds from the Fishing Challenge go directly back into the river and surrounding lagoons, funding restocking, habitat improvement, bank protection, revegetation and stabilisation works.
The Challenge has also become a major economic driver for Deniliquin, drawing visitors into town each February and injecting significant spending into accommodation, hospitality and retail.
With a prize pool exceeding $60,000, five meals included for entrants, and a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment, the event has grown into one of the district’s most valuable tourism weekends.
Local businesses have again rallied behind the Challenge, donating more than $10,700 in prizes for Friday’s Mega Raffle, including:
Merchandise sales also directly support restocking, with each item linked to the number of fish it funds, with roughly every $15 spent contributing a fish to local waterways.
With hats, singlets, fishing shorts, bumper stickers and stubby holders, as well as limited-edition handcrafted lures, there is bound to be something for everyone.
The Challenge will again be based at Memorial Park from February 6 to 8, featuring the Friday night Mega Raffle, charity auction, food trucks, bar, kids’ activities and the popular yabby races.
The major entry prize - a boat and motor package from Deniliquin Yamaha valued at more than $12,000 - remains a major drawcard, alongside the Sunday raffle offering a Sea Jay Nomad boat and a Yamaha YFZ50 kids quad bike.
If you are interested in registering for the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge or purchasing raffle tickets, visit www.edwardfishingchallenge.com.au.
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