Recreational fishers are advised to be aware of trout fishing regulations. Photo: NSW DPI.
Recreational fishers are reminded that the annual trout fishing spawning stream rules are now in operation in the Snowy Mountains region’s two declared spawning streams.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) deputy director-general Fisheries, Sean Sloan, said the annual trout-spawning stream fishing rules applied to the Thredbo River and its tributaries and the Eucumbene River and its tributaries (upstream of the backed-up waters of Lake Eucumbene and including Providence Portal).
“While this is a great opportunity to target trophy trout in the Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers, there are some special rules in place to provide protection for spawning trout,” Mr Sloan said.
“A minimum size limit of 50cm, daily bag limit of one and possession limit of two trout applies to the Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers from 1 May to the end of the King’s Birthday long weekend on Monday, June 12, 2023.
“Fishers can only use one rod and line at a time, rigged with up to two artificial flies or lures, and they can possess up to three rods rigged with artificial flies or lures; however, the use and possession of handlines is not permitted, and any fishing gear rigged for bait fishing is also prohibited.
“DPI Fisheries officers will be patrolling the Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers to ensure that fishers abide by the rules, and fishers are encouraged to respect each other and be sure to leave the area as pristine as it was found.”
Things change in a couple of weeks, when rivers close for winter.
Trout streams will be closed to recreational fishing after the June long weekend, from Tuesday, 13 June, and will reopen on the October long weekend.
This annual closure gives brown and rainbow 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 Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene and Tantangara dams in the Snowy Mountains, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Talbingo Dam near Tumut, and Lake Wallace and Thompson’s Creek near Lithgow.
NSW DPI Fisheries officers will be out in force over the long weekend (11-13 June) to advise anglers, enforce size and bag limits, and ensure NSW fishing rules are being followed
The public is urged to report illegal or suspected illegal fishing activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form.
For more information on fishing rules and bag limits, visit the DPI website.
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