Anglers looking to catch a trout are reminded that the June long weekend is their last opportunity to fish in trout streams and rivers across NSW, as the fishing season closes in these waters over winter.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Fisheries, Sean Sloan said that fishing is prohibited in trout rivers and streams after the June long weekend until the start of the October long weekend.
"The annual closure will start on Tuesday 14 June and will re-open in time for the October long weekend on Saturday 1 October 2022," Mr Sloan said.
"This closure allows salmonid species to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run ensuring we protect our fishing assets for future seasons.
"The good news for fishers is they can continue fishing during the annual closure, without breaking the rules, at any of the trout dams across the state.
"Popular winter trout fishing spots include lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Tantangara and Talbingo Dams near Tumut, Malpas Dam near Armidale and Lake Wallace and Thompsons Creek Dam at Lithgow."
Fisheries Officers will be out and about patrolling the state's waterways to ensure that fishers are doing the right thing.
Mr Sloan said it is an offence to fish in trout streams during the closed season.
"Fishers heading to one of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to have a current NSW recreational fishing fee receipt (fishing licence) on them at all times while fishing," Mr Sloan said.
"A combined bag limit of five and a size limit of 25cm applies for trout or salmon in all trout dams except Thompsons Creek Dam and Black Lake where the bag limit is two."
Detailed information on the fishing rules can be found on the DPI website or in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide which is available from DPI Fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.
Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.
