TROUT anglers in NSW are reminded that the June long weekend is their last opportunity to fish in designated trout streams and rivers across the state, as the fishing season closes in these waters over winter.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer, Peter Tilbrook said the annual closure starts on Tuesday 9 June 2015.
“This closure allows brown and rainbow trout to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run, while also allowing trout fishers to drop in a line over the June long weekend,” Mr Tilbrook said.
“Anglers can continue fishing at any of the NSW trout dams without breaching the rules during the annual closure.
“Popular winter fishing spots include Lake Jindabyne, Lake Eucumbene, Oberon Dam, Tantangara Dam, Talbingo Dam, Lake Wallace and Thompson’s Creek Dam.”
During the 2014-15 season, approximately 2.9 million trout and salmon were stocked in NSW waterways as part of the renowned DPI fish stocking program, including approximately two million rainbow trout, 600,000 brown trout and 150,000 Atlantic salmon.
Mr Tilbrook reminded fishers that it is an offence to fish in trout rivers and streams during the closed season for any species of fish.
“Fisheries officers will be patrolling NSW waterways to ensure that fishers are adhering to the trout closure,” Mr Tilbrook said.
“Any persons found fishing or in possession of fishing gear adjacent to trout rivers and streams can be issued with on-the spot fines of $500.
“Recreational fishers heading to one of the State’s trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to have a current NSW recreational fishing fee receipt on them at all times while fishing.”
The NSW trout season will re-open on Saturday 3 October 2015 for the October long weekend.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to use the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide, available from DPI Fisheries Offices, most tackle shops or online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone with information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline on free call 1800 043 536 or online at www.dpi.gov.au/fisheries/compliance.
