Yabbying is one of the great uncomplicated outdoor pleasures — effective, accessible, and productive with minimal gear. Here is everything you need.
What You Need to Know About Yabbies
The common yabby (Cherax destructor) is found in freshwater systems across most of inland Australia — farm dams, irrigation channels, rivers, and wetlands. They are most active in warm water above 15°C, most abundant in still or slow-moving water with muddy substrate, and surprisingly tolerant of poor water quality.
Licensing
Yabby trapping requirements vary by state. In NSW, a recreational fishing licence is required and there are trap type and number restrictions. In Victoria, no licence is required for personal use but trap size limits apply. Check your state fisheries authority before using traps.
Gear
Opera House Traps: The classic yabby trap — a wire mesh cylinder with cone-shaped entrance tunnels at each end. Check them every 24 hours to prevent escaping. Some states restrict their use due to bycatch of turtles and other native species — check local regulations.
Drop Nets: A flat circular frame with a net centre baited in the middle. Dropped to the bottom and raised quickly. Requires more active involvement — lower bycatch risk.
Handline: A string with bait (raw meat, fish scraps) tied at the end. Lower in the water and wait for resistance, then lift slowly. Inefficient but satisfying for kids.
Bait
Raw liver, fish scraps, or commercial yabby bait. Yabbies are scavengers — strong smelling bait works best.
Best Times
Overnight trapping is most productive — yabbies are most active in darkness. Set traps at dusk, collect at dawn.
Finding Good Spots
Farm dams with clay substrate and minimal inflow are often overlooked and productive. Slow reaches of rivers in summer. Irrigation channels in the Riverina, Murray-Darling basin, and similar areas often hold exceptional numbers.
Make a day of it — pack the camping gear and browse our camping range for everything you need for an overnight yabby camp.
