ALL NSW rivers and streams are now closed for trout fishing until the start of the October long weekend.
The annual closure applies from the end of the June long weekend until the start of the October long weekend on Saturday, 3 October.
The annual closure is designed to protect trout and other species during their breeding season and help maintain healthy fish populations for future generations of anglers.
Fishing in these waters during this period carries a standard $500 on-the-spot fine, with maximum penalties potentially reaching $22,000.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director of Aquaculture and Industry Development Ian Lyall said the seasonal closure remained an important conservation measure.
“Each year, the winter closure plays an essential role in safeguarding our trout fisheries,” Mr Lyall said.
“By temporarily closing trout streams and rivers during the spawning season, we help ensure strong, healthy fish populations for recreational anglers to enjoy well into the future.”
While trout streams and rivers closed for the winter period, anglers are still able to fish in the state’s trout dams.
Mr Lyall reminded fishers that they must carry a current NSW recreational fishing fee receipt when fishing in trout dams during winter.
“A combined bag limit of five fish and a minimum size limit of 25 centimetres apply to trout or salmon in trout dams, except artificial fly and lure-only dams where the bag limit is two,” he said.
NSW DPIRD advised that Fisheries Officers would patrol inland waterways throughout the closure period to ensure fishers complied with regulations.
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