The 2025 Nyngan Carp Muster took place over the weekend with 320 people lining the banks of the Bogan River to catch a fish in the hope of scoring the big one.

Over 855 carp were counted for the day with Brett Grant reeling in the biggest catch at a whopping 76.5cm. Using cheese as bait, Brett took home $1500 in prize money. 

Winner of the biggest carp Brett Grant (middle) with President Jake McClelland and Committee member Colin Piper - Image Nyngan RSL Fishing Club.

President of Nyngan RSL Fishing Club Jake McClelland said the event was a fantastic day out and the committee were thrilled with its success.

“The day went great. We kicked off at 7am on Saturday morning and finished around 3pm that afternoon, where everyone headed to the RSL for the presentations and some yabby races.

“We had five heats of yabbies with each runner of the head going into the final where the winner took all. Locals Bill Berwick and Cameron Bourke won the final yabby race taking home $4650 for their prize.

Taking home the yabby prize Cameron Bourke and Bill Berwick - Image Nyngan RSL Fishing Club.

“It was interesting to see a fair few fish caught were around the winning size, so it was certainly a close competition,” said Mr McClelland.

“It was also interesting to note that in 2024 the event had 240 entries and caught 2510 carp, so the low carp numbers this year suggest that the carp muster is doing something for our river system, and we are very happy about that,” he said.

Fallon McClelland Having a great catch day at the Nyngan Carp Muster - Image Nyngan RSL Fishing Club.

Seigrid Peters of Cobar and her family love the Nyngan Carp Muster making it an annual date on their calendar.

“Our boys were fired up to reclaim their 2024 Nyngan Carp Muster title, rods in hand and confidence high.

“But after hours of intense focus (and very few bites), the Peters boys made a tactical retreat to the sandpit.

“They occasionally threw a line in between castle construction, but let’s be honest mum and dad were the real MVPs, keeping the family fish tally alive,” laughed Mrs Peters.

Peters Family having a splash at the Nyngan Carp Muster - Image Seigrid Peters.

“Three turtles later and with an hour to go, we accepted our fate – no grand comeback this year, but with plenty of sunshine, cold drinks, and riverside chaos, we still reeled in a cracking day.

"We had a group of ten attend this year's Carp Muster and it was our third year of taking part," said Nyngan local Deanne Walsh.

"It's such a great fun, family day out, we are already looking forward to next year. It just gets bigger and better every year," Mrs Walsh said.

Sophie Walsh of Nyngan with her catch on the weekend - Image Deanne Walsh.

“On behalf of the committee we wish to thank all those who donated to our event and to the community for supporting us, we certainly couldn’t do it without you,” said Club President McClelland.

Winner of mega raffle Mark Cashion - Image supplied Nyngan RSL Fishing Club.

The winners as follows:

Open section

Biggest carp: Brett Grant 76.5cm

Biggest carp: Cath McLaughlin 75.5cm

Runner up:  Isac Drady 74.5cm

Most carp:     Jacob Gibbs 35 carp

Runner up:  Liam Richardson 32 carp

Lucky draw $100 cash: Philip Gerber

Lucky draw $100 voucher: Isaac Drady

13-17 Years

Biggest carp: Myles Lynch 66cm

Runners up:  Tate Sinclair 47cm

Most carp:     Dustin Wiseman 19 carp

Runner up:  Bianca Cuthbert 17 carp

Lucky draw $100 cash: Bianca Cuthbert

Lucky draw $100 voucher: Myles Lynch

Under 12’S

Biggest carp: Ella Kilmartin 75cm

Runners up:  Tyne Dorrington 74cm

Most carp:     Angus Johnson 26 carp

Runner up:  Kostya Franklin 23 carp

Lucky draw kayak: Rigby Peters

Lucky $100 voucher: Mason Hicks