Annual Trout fishing closure commences after June Long Weekend

5 Jun 2024

Recreational fishers are reminded that the annual fishing closure in trout streams and rivers across NSW is in place from Tuesday 11 June 2024.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager Fish Stocking and Enhancement, Matthew McLellan said the annual closure allows salmonid species to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run.

“The four-month closure ensures we protect our fishing assets for future seasons,” Mr McLellan said.

“During this time, recreational fishers can continue to wet a line at any of our popular trout dams across NSW such as Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Dam in the Snowy Mountains, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Talbingo Dam near Tumut and Malpas Dam near Armidale.

“Fishers also have the opportunity to enjoy quality angling in the Macquarie River (excluding tributaries above its junction with, and including, Lewis Ponds Creek) and the Turon River and tributaries (below the Upper Turon Road crossing).

“The fishing season for trout and salmon in trout rivers and streams will re-open from the start of the October long weekend, Saturday, 5 October 2024.”

Detailed information on trout fishing rules can be found on the DPI website, NSW DPI FishSMART app and the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide, which is available from NSW DPI Fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.

NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Dr Andrew Moriarty said it is an offence to fish in trout streams during the closed season.

“DPI Fisheries Officers will be out and about across the trout closure period patrolling the State’s inland waterways to ensure that fishers are doing the right thing,” Dr Moriarty said.

“Fishers heading to any of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to have a current NSW recreational fishing fee receipt (fishing licence) on them at all times while fishing,” Dr Moriarty said.

“A combined bag limit of five and a size limit of 25cm applies to trout or salmon in all trout dams except in artificial fly and lure dams where the bag limit is two.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the NSW DPI website.

Media contact: 02 6391 3686