The annual trout season in NSW will close in streams and rivers at midnight on Monday, June 8 to allow brown, rainbow and brook trout a chance to breed on their annual spawning run.
NSW Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, said “Designated trout streams will be closed to recreational fishing after the June long weekend and will reopen on the October long weekend on Saturday, October 3, enabling trout fishers to fish during both long weekends.”
All trout dams remain open to fishing, which will allow fishers to continue their sport throughout the year.”
Macdonald said NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in conjunction with the acclimatisation societies has been stocking trout dams and rivers for many years.
“During the previous 12 months, about three million trout have been stocked into our waterways,” he said.
Trout fishing currently injects around $70 million into the local economies of the Snowy Mountains region, and supports 700 jobs.
NSW DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer at Albury, Peter Tilbrook, said any rain in the mountain areas would assist with the natural breeding of trout and warned that Murray crayfish cannot be taken from trout waters at any time.
“People found fishing in notified trout waters during the closed season can be issued with on the spot penalties of $500,” Tilbrook said.
Detailed information on trout fishing rules can be found in the NSW DPI Freshwater Fishing Guide, NSW DPI fisheries offices, the website
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/regulations and most bait and tackle stores.
All anglers should check they have a current NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, available from more than 1000 agents including bait and tackle stores, online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 369 365.
