Trout season opens on October long weekend

Trout enthusiasts can prepare their fishing gear and set their alarms for the day they have been waiting for – the opening of the NSW trout season on Saturday 29 September.

The opening of NSW notified trout waters on the October Labour Day long weekend marks the end of the annual spawning period which began on the Monday of the June long weekend.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Compliance Director, Glenn Tritton, said the four month annual closure allows trout to travel up rivers and streams to breed uninterrupted.

"Each year many anglers take the opportunity to cast a line as soon as the season opens, but in their enthusiasm some neglect to follow the rules," Mr Tritton said.

"I remind all fishers that they must hold a NSW Recreational Fishing Fee Receipt commonly known as a fishing licence, and it must be carried with them when fishing.

"In addition to having a current licence, fishers must make sure they comply with a range of fish size, bag and possession limits.

"Only one fishing rod and line can be used in trout rivers and streams whilst two attended fishing rods and lines can be used in general trout dams. Some rivers are restricted to flies or lures only and anglers should check the rules before fishing.

"These regulations have been put in place to safeguard our fish stocks for present and future generations.

"Fisheries officers will be out across the State during the October long weekend ensuring fishers are following the rules."

Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said the extensive DPI fish stocking program, coupled with a series of good wet years, should ensure a great opening weekend with productive fishing opportunities during the open fishing season.

"Fishers are expected to flock to their favourite fishing spots in the Snowy Mountains and the southern, central and northern NSW tablelands," Mr Westaway said.

"Last season more than 2.8 million rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon were stocked into rivers, streams and impoundments throughout the mountains and tableland areas.

"This is great news for anglers looking for a catch of trout this fishing season."

NSW Recreational Fishing Licenses can be purchased from local DPI offices, at fishing licence agents, by calling
1300 369 365 or online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au.

Information on NSW fishing rules can be found in the Recreational Fishing Guides available online and from DPI Fisheries offices, fishing licence agents and bait and tackle shops.

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