Rescue fish revive Edward River

Coordinator Andrew Jefferies described the cod as “rescue fish”, noting they were originally destined for the restaurant trade before being redirected to the river.

These mature fish are active breeders, with Mr Jefferies stating, “this time next year, the females will be carrying 30,000 eggs”.

The intention is a continuing healthy population in the Edward River.

The measuring and weighing took place at Willoughby’s Beach and the boat ramp near Big 4 Holiday Park, with sponsors and community members gathering to watch.

Adopt-a-Cod sponsors could then go to their chosen spot to release the fish, between Twin Rivers and the Deniliquin Boat Club.

“So many kids and families got involved, it was brilliant.”

While some sponsors were caught in the rain, the weather cleared in time for the fish to be carried from the tanks to the river, measured, and released.

Rotary volunteers, themselves sponsors of the challenge, provided a sausage sizzle before the release, adding to the atmosphere.

The Adopt-a-Cod initiative is seen as a positive step for the river and future generations of anglers, with the fish having a 95 per cent survival rate.

You can become a 2026 sponsor of the program by purchasing an Adopt-a-Cod ticket in the 2026 Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge, which will be hosted in Deniliquin from February 6-8.

But any ticket you buy helps the Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group look after the health of local waterways and supports restocking.

The next fish release from the group is planned for Tuesday, January 20, when 18,000 in yellowbelly fingerlings will be released.

For more about the fishing challenge, or to buy your tickets, go to www.edwardfishingchallenge.com.au or scan the QR code on page 33.