Annual fishing closure for Murray Cod and Crayfish
Note: This content is stored on an archive website and may not be current or accurate. Contact us to clarify.
Anglers are reminded that from Thursday 1 September to the end of November the taking of Murray cod is prohibited.
This is an annual closure designed to protect Murray cod during their breeding season when the females attach eggs to solid objects, such as logs or rocks, and the males remain with the eggs, guarding them until they hatch.
During these same months the trout cod protection area in the Murray River from Yarrawonga Weir wall downstream to the Tocumwal Road bridge is closed to all forms of fishing to ensure the trout cod breeding season is not interrupted.
The trout cod, a close relative of the Murray cod, is endangered and remains totally protected all year round.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said the annual closures covered all waters in NSW.
Anglers are also reminded that from 1 September the Murray crayfish season also comes to a close, ending the annual four-month open season.
"The closure has been introduced to ensure that recreational fishing for crayfish in the Murray and Murrumbidgee River catchments remain sustainable," Mr Tritton said.
“Murray crayfish, the largest freshwater crayfish in NSW, are slow growing and take up to eight years to reach legal size.
“The taking of Murray crayfish from notified trout waters is banned at all times.”
Mr Tritton said it was illegal to catch Murray cod and Murray crayfish during these annual closures.
“Penalties range from on-the-spot fines of $500 to a maximum court fine of $22 000 or six month’s imprisonment or both,” he said.
Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found in the DPI freshwater fishing summary and guide available from NSW DPI Fisheries offices, most places where NSW recreational fishing licences are sold online.
NSW DPI is also seeking submissions on proposed changes to the current fishing laws as part of a review of freshwater and saltwater fishing rules.
A discussion paper is available from the DPI Fisheries website or your local NSW DPI Fisheries office or tackle outlet.
The discussion paper presents proposals and options for freshwater and saltwater bag and size limits and methods plus fishing competitions.
Public comment is invited until 30 September 2005 on the proposals and options in this paper.
For further information on the review and discussion paper, contact the fisheries info line: 1300 550 474.
MEDIA CONTACT: SARAH CHESTER ON (02) 6036 2110 OR 0417 207 669.