New Victorian Yabby Permit Trial Could Improve Fresh Bait Supply for Murray Cod Anglers

 

If you've ever chased Murray cod or golden perch with a live yabby, you'll know just how effective natural bait can be.

Now, a new Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) trial could help improve the supply of freshwater yabbies available as recreational fishing bait across Victoria.

The two-year freshwater yabby permit trial commences on 1 September 2026, allowing approved permit holders to collect live freshwater yabbies (Cherax destructor) specifically to supply recreational anglers and bait and tackle stores.

For anglers across Albury-Wodonga, the Murray River and North East Victoria, it's an interesting development- particularly for those who like to fish with fresh, locally sourced bait.

Fresh yabbies for Murray cod and golden perch

Freshwater yabbies are a proven natural bait for native freshwater species, particularly Murray cod and golden perch.

Under the new trial, permit holders will be able to sell live freshwater yabbies directly to recreational fishers or to bait and tackle stores throughout Victoria.

At Bluey's Outdoors in Albury-Wodonga, we already stock live yabbies and other live bait for anglers heading out after local species.

The new trial could potentially provide another source of supply for bait shops across Victoria, helping meet demand for one of the most popular natural baits used by freshwater anglers.

How many yabbies can permit holders collect?

The VFA has introduced specific limits as part of the trial to help monitor yabby numbers and support sustainable management of the fishery.

Permit holders will be able to collect:

• 250 freshwater yabbies per day

• 500 freshwater yabbies in possession at any one time

Daily catches must be recorded in a commercial permit logbook and submitted to the VFA.

Each permit will also specify the waterways where collection is permitted, along with limits on the type and amount of equipment that can be used.

Important rules around selling yabbies

Yabbies collected under the permit trial must be:

• Live when sold

• Clearly labelled as bait

• Clearly labelled as not for human consumption

• Sold with a sales receipt for each transaction

There are also important protections for breeding females.

Female yabbies carrying eggs or young attached to them cannot be sold or possessed. They must be returned to the water immediately and without further harm.

Who can apply for a permit?

The trial is open to anyone who meets the requirements, including people under 18.

The VFA says the trial could provide an opportunity for people in regional and rural areas, including kids, to earn some extra pocket money by collecting freshwater yabbies and supplying them as fishing bait.

For applicants aged 18 and over, the permit costs $171.46 for 12 months.

Applicants under 18 can receive a permit free of charge.

Permits will be issued for 12 months, and anyone wanting to participate in the second year of the trial will need to apply again.

When does the yabby permit trial start?

The trial officially begins on:

1 September 2026

Successful applicants will be able to commence operations from:

11 September 2026

The program will run for two years before being evaluated in September 2028. The results of that evaluation will help determine whether the permit-based fishery continues beyond the trial.

What does this mean for local anglers?

For anglers chasing Murray cod and golden perch, the trial could mean better access to fresh yabby bait through local bait and tackle stores.

Fresh yabbies are a popular choice for a reason; they're a natural food source for many native freshwater species and can be a great option when you're targeting fish in the Murray and surrounding waterways.

At Bluey's Outdoors, we're proud to support local anglers and already stock live yabbies and other live bait, alongside the fishing tackle and gear you need to get out on the water.

If you're heading out chasing a cod, golden perch or other native species, call in and see what's available in-store before you head out.

Want to learn more about the new yabby permit trial?

The VFA is now accepting applications through its Licensing and Quota Management System (LQMS).

For the latest permit requirements, rules and application information, visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority's Bait Yabbies information page.

Looking for live bait in Albury-Wodonga? Call into Bluey's Outdoors and check out our current range of live bait and fishing tackle.

Click here read the official media release from Victorian Fishing Association 

Information current as of 27 August 2026. Rules and permit requirements are subject to the Victorian Fisheries Authority's current regulations.