As of 1 September, NSW recreational fishers can now target Australian Bass and Estuary Perch in NSW waters, as the annual three-month closed season ends.
A zero-bag limit is put in place each year in estuaries and rivers below impoundments between 1 June and 31 August, to allow the fish to form schools and migrate to parts of estuaries with the correct salinity to trigger spawning.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Program Leader Fish Stocking and Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell said the annual fishing closure is important to protect these native species for future generations.
"These popular native sportfish have now completed their annual spawning and migration, which occurs each year over late autumn and early winter," Mr Harnwell said.
"From Sunday 1 September, fishers can take both Australian Bass and Estuary Perch, however they are reminded that strict bag limits do apply."
A bag limit of two and possession limit of four applies to Australian Bass and Estuary Perch, either for a single species or a combination of both species.
Fishers are reminded when fishing in rivers that only one fish is permitted to be over 35cm in length.
"In spring, most fish will have moved higher up in the catchment, allowing for great 'wilderness' style fishing opportunities in small creeks and tributaries," Mr Harnwell said.
"After the spawning season, we are expecting it to be a great fishing season for both species, so we encourage fishers to wet a line this spring and summer."
NSW DPIRD will also commence the stocking of Australian Bass during October in impoundments across the State.
Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found on the Fishsmart app or online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing. Fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for our future generations.
Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app, the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form https://fal.cn/3gJWh.
