New permit trial to improve supply of bait freshwater yabbies
17 August 2026
A new two-year permit trial to improve the supply of bait freshwater yabbies for recreational fishing will commence from 1 September 2026, with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) now inviting applications to participate in the permit-based fishery.
Following consultation with recreational fishers, aquaculture producers, and the seafood industry, the VFA is progressing a two-year trial that will allow permit holders to collect and supply freshwater yabbies to bait and tackle stores and recreational fishers throughout Victoria.
VFA CEO Travis Dowling said permit holders will be authorised to collect live freshwater yabbies (Cherax destructor) to fulfill the demand for bait freshwater yabbies from recreational anglers. Under the trial anyone can apply for a permit, including people under the age of 18.
“We want people in the bush and kids to be able to earn some spare pocket money by fishing for freshwater yabbies and selling them for bait. It’s a great way to earn a few dollars and it will provide extra natural bait for Victoria’s recreational fishers,” Mr Dowling said.
Live freshwater yabbies are prime bait for targeting native freshwater species such as Murray cod and golden perch.
“We are now stocking record numbers of native fish who love eating a freshwater yabby – so this is a win-win all round,” Mr Dowling said.
Permit holders will be able to sell freshwater yabbies to tackle shops or directly to fishers, providing they are live and clearly labelled as bait and not for human consumption. All sales must be accompanied by a sales receipt for each transaction.
Under the trial, the daily catch limit for permit holders will be 250 freshwater yabbies per day and the total possession limit at any given time will be 500 freshwater yabbies. Daily catches must also be entered into a commercial permit logbook and submitted to the VFA to monitor the take of freshwater yabbies and inform the trial’s broader evaluation.
Specific waters, and limits on the type and amount of equipment that the permit holder is authorised to operate will be defined on each permit, ensuring the sustainability of freshwater yabby stocks in waterways across the state.
Female with eggs (in berry) or with young attached must not be sold or possessed, and must be returned to the water immediately and without further harm.
With the trial commencing on 1 September 2026, those interested in obtaining a permit are invited to apply to participate in the permit-based fishery via the VFA’s online Licensing and Quota Management System (LQMS) portal. Successful applicants will be issued with permits to commence operations from 11 September 2026.
Each permit will be issued for a period of 12 months only, with an annual fee of $171.46. Applicants under the age of 18 will be provided with a permit free of charge. Applicants wishing to participate in the second year of the trial will be required to re-apply for a permit at the conclusion of their initial permit.
The two-year trial will be evaluated after its completion in September 2028, before a decision is made on the program’s continuation or otherwise.
Find out more about the trial and apply for a permit here: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/baityabbies