Anglers looking to catch a trout are reminded that the June long weekend is their last opportunity to fish in streams and rivers across NSW, as the fishing season closes in these waters over winter.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Program Leader Stocking and Fisheries Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell said that fishing is prohibited in rivers and streams after the June long weekend until the start of the October long weekend.
The annual closure will start on Tuesday 15 June and re-open in time for the October long weekend on Saturday 2 October.
“This closure allows brown, rainbow and brook trout to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run ensuring we protect our natural fishing assets for future seasons,” Mr Harnwell said.
“The good news for fishers is they can continue fishing for trout during the annual closure, without breaking the rules, at any of the trout dams across the state.
“Popular winter fishing spots include Lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Tantangara and Talbingo Dams near Tumut, and Lake Wallace and Thompsons Creek Dam near Lithgow.
Fisheries officers will be out and about patrolling the state’s waterways to ensure that fishers are doing the right thing.
DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Dr Andrew Moriarty said it is an offence to fish in trout streams during the closed season.
“Fishers heading to one of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to have a current NSW recreational fishing licence receipt on them at all times while fishing,” Dr Moriarty said.
“A combined bag limit of five and a size limit of 25cm applies for trout or salmon in all trout dams except Thompsons Creek Dam and Black Lake where the bag limit is two.”
Detailed information on the fishing rules can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide which is available from DPI Fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.
