Trout season kicks off October 1

30 Sep 2022

The State’s annual trout fishing season will start this Saturday 1 October, with conditions primed for a great season.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Sean Sloan said as the weather warms up, we expect great fishing for local anglers as the annual trout season opens this Saturday.

“Consistent rain over the key trout spawning periods in late autumn and early winter has hopefully resulted in good natural recruitment, which also bodes well for the next few seasons,” Mr Sloan said.

“These trout and salmon are an incredibly popular freshwater sportfish in our general trout streams and artificial fly and lure streams and create fantastic opportunities for fishers.”

Mr Sloan said there were many popular trout fishing locations across NSW, including a range of productive streams in the New England area, the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst.

“Both the Gaden and Dutton trout hatcheries have completed their breeding programs and we are working with local clubs and societies to organise stocking of trout fry and fingerlings,” Mr Sloan said.

“The wet conditions over the last few years have given a great boost to trout fishing and we look set for a bumper season right across the State.

“It is important that all anglers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence. It’s also a good idea that anglers take the opportunity to remind themselves about the fishing rules, to ensure the trout fishery remains viable into the future.”

A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW DPI offices, fishing fee agents or online.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or report illegal activity online.

Media contact: DPI media 02 6391 3686