Anglers are reminded that the June long weekend is their last opportunity to catch a trout before the traditional fishing season closes for designated rivers and streams across NSW over the winter months.
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NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said the closure allows brown, rainbow and brook trout to breed during their annual spawning run, while also permitting trout fishers to fish during both the June and October long weekends.
“The annual closure will start on Tuesday, June 12 and re-open in time for the October long weekend at midnight on Friday, September 28,” Mr Westaway said.
“There are a number of trout dams across the State that anglers can continue to fish for trout during the closed season, many of these have been stocked as part of the NSW DPI fish stocking program.
“DPI, in conjunction with local acclimatisation societies, has been stocking trout dams and rivers in NSW for many years; this allows anglers to fish for trout during the closed season without breaking the rules.
“Popular winter fishing spots include Lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Tantangara and Talbingo Dams near Tumut and Lake Wallace and Thompson’s Creek Dam near Lithgow.
“Nearly three million trout and salmon were stocked across NSW during the 2017/18 stocking season.”
NSW DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully, said fisheries officers will be patrolling waterways across the State to ensure that fishers are adhering to the closure.
“Anyone found fishing for trout in rivers and streams during the closed season risks an on-the-spot fine of over $500,” Mr Tully said.
“Fishing in trout dams during the closed season is permitted however anglers are reminded that they are still required to have a current NSW recreational fishing licence receipt on them at all times while fishing.
“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.”
For more information on trout fishing rules and regulations can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.
The NSW DPI FishSmart app provides recreational fishers 24/7 smartphone access to essential information they need to know to fish in NSW. It is available in the App Store or on Google Play.
Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.
