Trout fishing season winter closure reminder

Anglers have just under two weeks to fish in trout streams and rivers before the winter closure.

Trout streams will be closed to recreational fishing after the June long weekend, from June 15, and reopen on October 1.

This annual closure gives brown, rainbow and brook trout a chance to breed, but anglers can still fish in designated trout dams all year round.

These closures are an important way of ensuring the valuable recreational fishing industry is sustainable and can continue to benefit rural and regional NSW.

The recreational fishing industry is a major part of many local economies - 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 Dam near Tumut, Talbingo Dam in the Snowy Mountains and Lake Wallace and Thompson's Creek near Lithgow.

The Murray crayfish is another popular inland winter catch. Some key native fish such as the Murray cod, golden perch and yellow belly remain largely dormant in the colder months.

NSW Fisheries officers will be out in force over the long weekend (June 12-14) to advise anglers, enforce size and bag limits and ensure NSW fishing rules are being obeyed.

Anglers should check they have a current NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, available from more than 1100 agents including bait and tackle stores, K-Mart, Coles and Shell Touch machines, online 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.

Detailed information on trout fishing rules can be found in the NSW Fisheries Freshwater Fishing Guide, NSW Fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.