Anglers are reminded the June long weekend is their last opportunity in designated streams and rivers across NSW to catch a trout before the traditional fishing season closes for winter.
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NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) inland senior fisheries manager, Cameron Westaway, said this closure allows brown, rainbow and brook trout to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run, while also allowing trout fishers to fish during both the June and October long weekends.
“The annual closure will start on Tuesday, June 13, and reopen in time for the October long weekend at midnight Friday the 29th of September,” Mr Westaway said.
“Anglers can continue fishing for trout during the annual closure, without breaking the rules, at any of the trout dams across the state, many of which have been stocked as part of the NSW DPI fish stocking program.
“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.
“DPI, in conjunction with local acclimatisation societies, has been stocking trout dams and rivers in NSW for many years.
“During the 2016/17 season, around 2.8 million trout and salmon were stocked across NSW.”
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.
“It is an offence to fish in trout streams during the closed season,” Mr Tully said.
“Any fishers who do head to one of the trout dams this winter 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.”
Detailed information on the fishing rules can be found at or in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide which is available in hard copy from DPI Fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.
