Trout spawning season starts 1 May
29 Apr 2019
Anglers in the Snowy Mountains are reminded that the annual trout spawning season commences in the region from Wednesday 1 May 2019.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said the annual trout spawning season fishing rules apply to the Thredbo River and its tributaries and the Eucumbene River and its tributaries (upstream of the Lake Eucumbene dam wall and including Providence Portal).
“Restrictions are in place to provide protection for early spawning brown trout,” Mr Westaway said.
“The restrictions also provide fishers with the opportunity to catch a trophy sized trout – in particular the Eucumbene River has provided excellent fishing for large brown trout over the past few years.”
A minimum size limit of 50cm, daily bag limit of one and possession limit of two trout will apply to these rivers from 1 May to the end of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend on Monday 10 June 2019.
“Anglers can use one attended rod and line with up to two hooks with artificial flies or lures and up to three treble hooks attached to any lure is permitted, while any fishing gear rigged for bait fishing is prohibited,” Mr Westaway said.
The annual closure on fishing in trout streams for the rest of NSW will be in place from Tuesday 11 June 2019, allowing brown and rainbow trout to breed uninterrupted until the trout fishing season re-opens on the October long weekend on Saturday 5 October 2019. Trout dams remain open to fishing throughout the year.
“When the season opens again in October, a minimum size limit of 25cm, daily bag limit of two and possession limit of four trout will again apply to the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers,” Mr Westaway said.
“DPI, in conjunction with local acclimatisation societies, has been stocking trout dams and rivers in NSW for many years, however it is important to provide increased protection for brown and rainbow trout during their annual spawning runs.”
Fisheries officers will be patrolling the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers to ensure that fishers are abiding by these rules.
More information
Detailed information on the fishing rules:
- Freshwater bag and size limits
- NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide (also available from DPI fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores)
Further reading
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Trout waters recreational fishing guide (PDF, 404.53 KB)
- Fish stocking
- Eco huts
Media contact: Sarah Wright 63913686
