Eucumbene and Jindabyne dams are two of Australia’s most iconic trout fisheries.

“While DPI stocks both dams with rainbow trout as well as Atlantic salmon and brook trout into lake Jindabyne, it is important to provide increased protection for brown trout during their annual spawning runs which provide all the recruitment to Eucumbene and Jindabyne Dams for this species,” Mr Barilaro said.

“While this is a great opportunity to catch large early spawning brown trout in the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers, there are some special rules in place to protect these iconic fish.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said annual trout spawning season fishing rules apply to the Thredbo River and its tributaries and the Eucumbene River and its tributaries (upstream of the Lake Eucumbene dam wall and including Providence Portal).

“A minimum size limit of 50cm, daily bag limit of 1 and possession limit of 2 trout will apply to these rivers from May 1 to the end of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend on Monday, June 12,” Mr Westaway said.

“Anglers can use one attended rod and line with up to 2 hooks with artificial flies or lures and up to 3 treble hooks attached to any lure is permitted, while any fishing gear rigged for bait fishing is prohibited. 

“Fisheries Officers will be patrolling the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers to ensure that fishers are abiding by these rules.”

Access for those with limited ability may be arranged through obtaining a vehicle permit.  Eligible people will be able to obtain a key and permit with two weeks’ notice from NSW DPI Fisheries after confirming eligibility. Download application here: https://goo.gl/OgjF5b

The annual closure on fishing in trout streams for the rest of NSW will be in place from Tuesday, June 13, allowing brown and rainbow trout to breed uninterrupted until the trout fishing season re-opens on the October long weekend at 12am on Saturday, September 30. Trout dams remain open to fishing throughout the year.