Charles Sturt Council backs fishing at Freshwater Lake on Delfin Island, West Lakes

The local council has made a decision around fishing rules at a popular lake in Adelaide’s west after a group of adults clashed with teens in April.

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Fishing will continue at a popular freshwater lake in Adelaide’s west after elected members voted against a ban on angling at the site.

The recreational activity at Freshwater Lake at Delfin Island has been the subject of controversy, with some residents lobbying Charles Sturt Council to ban fishing at the site due to concerns for the safety of wildlife, littering and other unwanted behaviour.

The issue gained further attention this month after a video showing several adults threatening and intimidating a group of young, teenage boys fishing at the West Lakes pond went viral.

The incident sparked a flood of support for the teenagers, with many calling for fishing to remain at the lake.

Young fishos Kiron Roberts, Bailey Garland, Alexander Brolese, Matthew Brennan, Emilio Visentin and Fraser Ellis are gifted fishing gear from Recfish SA CEO Asher Dezsery at Delphin Island. Picture: Emma Brasier

Under the current by-law, fishing at the artificial lake is allowed as long as anglers keep at least six metres away from private property. Elected members voted against a total ban on fishing at the lake on Monday night.

Recfish SA CEO Asher Dezsery, who gave a deputation in favour of fishing at the lake, said recreational fishing had “a profound impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing”.

“A large portion of recreational fishers purchased property in West Lakes for the lifestyle and fishing opportunities and this is important for the (council) to focus on when making important decisions on fishing access in the area,” he said.

He added that there was a plethora of methods to mitigate any potential litter generated from recreational fishing.

“Banning fishing should be an absolute last resort and shouldn’t be considered until the other methods have been trialled,” he said.

Council has received more than 45 concerns about issues including the safety of wildlife, littering and damage to vegetation from 17 people since 2023.

A sign asking people to not fish within 6m of property. Picture: Kelly Barnes

But council staff recommended against a ban, stating that enforcing the change would be challenging and would unlikely to have an impact on issues raised by residents.

Furthermore, the council said it would not be able to expiate children under the age of 16 and the majority of concerns involved minors.

“Recreational fishing also provides many benefits to the community, and especially youth, in terms of building and improving skills, fostering connections with others, developing a sense of responsibility and independence for self and the environment,” council documents said.

Instead, staff suggested residents’ concerns could be addressed in other ways, including by increasing education around responsible use of the lake and erecting fencing at certain locations.

Originally published as Charles Sturt Council backs fishing at Freshwater Lake on Delfin Island, West Lakes