Recreational fishers are reminded the Murray Cod fishing season in the ACT will close and fishing is prohibited for this species under the Fisheries Act 2000 from midnight 31 August to 1 December 2023 to protect them during their breeding season.

“Murray Cod are endemic to the Murray–Darling Basin and are nationally threatened,” said Mr Bren Burkevics, ACT Conservator Flora and Fauna.

“Male cod prepare nesting sites during breeding season and defend their nests constantly until the eggs hatch and the larval cod disperse. If male cod are caught or displaced from their nest, predators such as small fish, Carp, and shrimp quickly invade and consume the eggs.

To protect Murray Cod during the closed season, fishers are encouraged to match fishing gear to the season by using smaller lures and hooks, switching baits to options less attractive to cod such as worms or corn, and reducing line weight to minimise the chance of hooking Murray Cod.

“If you are fishing for other species like Carp during the closed season and accidently catch a Murray Cod, you must release the fish as soon as possible without removing it from the water. You should then change your fishing method or move to a new location to reduce the risk of catching a Murray Cod and damaging their breeding efforts.

“Native freshwater fish have declined in distribution and abundance in south-eastern Australia since the time of European settlement. Many factors have contributed to this decline including habitat degradation, introduction of exotic species, overfishing and disruption to natural water delivery.

“Canberra has an enthusiastic and active fishing community that actively support measures to protect native fish species. Closure periods and a comprehensive fish stocking schedule relieve pressure on fragile rivers and streams and threatened fish species to support recreational fishing into the future,” Mr Burkevics said.

For more information about recreational fishing in the ACT, visit the ACT Government Environment website.

Information about potentially illegal fishing can be reported to Access Canberra on telephone 13 22 81 or online at accesscanberra.act.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish Season ends in NSW

In NSW, the seasons for Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish come to a close on Friday 1 September. 

NSW DPI Fisheries Deputy Director General Sean Sloan said the Murray Cod fishery is subject to a three-month closure every year to protect these iconic native species. 

“Murray Cod cannot be taken in inland waters from September to November inclusive, which is their breeding season, except in Copeton and Blowering dams, which are year-round fisheries,” Mr Sloan said.  

“In Copeton and Blowering dams, DPI monitoring has confirmed that the majority of fish in those waters are stocked fish, meaning the breeding season closure would provide negligible benefit to Murray Cod. 

“Murray Cod are a prized target for fishers in NSW’s inland fishery and are native to the Murray-Darling Basin. 

“They are Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8m in length and weighing up to 50kg. 

“This three-month fishing closure is put into place to protect these iconic native freshwater fish for future generations.”  

Mr Sloan said in addition to the annual three-month Murray Cod fishing closure, there is also a closure in place for the fishing of Murray Crayfish. 

“The Murray Crayfish can only legally be taken in specified waters of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers from 1 June to 31 August,” Mr Sloan said.  

“The fishery is closed for the remainder of the year, to provide protection for this vulnerable species. 

“NSW recreational freshwater fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations. 
 
”Murray Crayfish are endemic to the southern tributaries of the Murray-Darling Basin and are the largest freshwater spiny crayfish in NSW, growing up to three kilograms in weight. 

Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found in the NSW Recreational Fishing Guide from DPI Fisheries offices, bait and tackle shops, fishing license agents or via our website https://bit.ly/3AWEPrp.  

Suspected illegal fishing should be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online form located on NSW DPI Fisheries website at https://bit.ly/38lU4OB.  

Get local, national and world news, plus sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.