THIS October long weekend will mark the start of the annual NSW trout season for anglers across the State.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager Inland, Cameron Westaway, said the season for general trout streams and artificial lure and fly streams will open this Saturday (3 October 2015).
“Following the end of the spawning period, in which the four month annual closure allows trout to travel up rivers and streams to breed uninterrupted, the trout season will open,” Mr Westaway said.
“Our fish stocking program with a total of 2.9 million rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon released across NSW in 2014/2015, will increase the benefits for recreational fishers.
“This extra supply and the long weekend, will no doubt see a steady stream of fishers heading to our most popular fishing sites.
“This is a major boost for our regional areas with the recreational fishing industry providing many benefits to our local communities.”
DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully, encouraged anglers to be aware of the rules associated with recreational fishing to ensure they have an enjoyable experience.
“The size and bag limits for trout and salmon in general trout streams, general trout dams, artificial fly and lure streams and trout spawning streams have not changed this season,” Mr Tully said.
“Since November 2014, there has been a change to the daily limit for trout and salmon in all other inland waters, reduced from 10 to 5 and the possession limit reduced from 20 to 10, in line with the existing bag and possession limits for general trout streams and dams.
“Fisheries officers will be out and about this long weekend to ensure anglers are adhering to the rules, which are in place to protect our aquatic life and waterways for future generations.”
For more information on NSW Recreational Fishing Fees please visit: www.licence.nsw.gov.au
A summary of the rules and regulations is provided in the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at DPI offices or fishing fee agents or by visiting the website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
Anyone with information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 or online at www.dpi.gov.au/fisheries/compliance.
