Fishing in Kalyarr National Park

Kalyarr National Park sits on the Hay Plains in far western New South Wales, about 30 kilometres west of Hay. It's flat, open country — red river gums and river cooba lining the banks, open plains stretching beyond.

The water here is slow and seasonal, shaped by the rhythms of an inland river system rather than reliable rainfall. The Lachlan River is the park's main fishing water.

It runs through the park and anchors the Lachlan River campground, where you can fish directly from the bank.

The campground is the practical base for anyone coming to fish — it has toilets and barbecue facilities, and you can drive in with a caravan or camper trailer.

Autumn and spring are the recommended times to visit: the days are manageable, the nights are cool, and the river is more likely to be in fishable condition.

Summer heat on the Hay Plains is serious, and roads into the park — unsealed throughout — become impassable after even light rain. A 4WD is required near the rivers and ephemeral creeks.

Lake Ita sits close to the campground and is mentioned as another spot worth exploring during a stay, though the Lachlan River is the clear focus for fishing.

One alert worth knowing before you go: the park's own notices state that people should not fish when an algal scum is present on the water. Blue-green algae is a real risk on slow inland waterways in this part of NSW, and conditions can change.

Check current alerts through NSW National Parks before heading out. A standard NSW fishing licence applies. The roads and the remoteness are the real variables here — plan around the weather, not just the fish.