The annual trout season in NSW will close at midnight on Monday 9 June to allow brown, rainbow and brook trout a chance to breed uninterrupted, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

"Designated trout streams will be closed to recreational fishing after the June long weekend and will reopen prior to the October long weekend at midnight on Friday 3 October, enabling trout fishers to fish during both long weekends.

"All trout dams remain open to fishing all year, which will allow fishers to continue their sport throughout the year," he said.

Mr Macdonald said NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in conjunction with the acclimatisation societies has been stocking our trout dams and rivers for many years.

"During the previous 12 months, about two-and-a-half-million trout have been stocked into our waterways.

"The recreational fishing industry is a major part of many local economies and in the Snowy Mountains region alone, it is estimated to inject $70 million a year into the local economy and support 700 jobs.

"Other renowned trout fishing centres include the New England region and the Central and Southern Highlands.

"Keen anglers will continue to flock to popular winter fishing spots such as Lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Tantangara and Talbingo Dams near Tumut and Lake Wallace and Thompson’s Creek Dam near Lithgow," he said.

NSW DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer South West Zone, Peter Tilbrook, said any rain in the mountain areas would assist with the natural breeding of brown, rainbow and brook trout. Murray crayfish cannot be taken from trout waters at any time.

"NSW DPI fisheries officers will be out in force during the June long weekend to advise anglers on the fishing laws, enforce size and bag limits and ensure NSW fishing rules were being obeyed," he said.

Anglers should check they have a current NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, available from more than 1100 agents including bait and tackle stores and K-Mart, online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee or on 1300 369 365.

People found without a licence can be issued with on-the-spot penalties of $200.

"Money raised from the recreational licence is placed in Trusts, overseen by angler representatives, and can only be used to create better recreational fishing opportunities," Mr 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.

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or O417 207 669