ANGLERS in the Snowy Mountains are reminded that the annual trout spawning season commences in the region from 1 May 2016.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said the annual trout spawning season fishing rules apply to the Thredbo River and its tributaries and the Eucumbene River and its tributaries (upstream of the Lake Eucumbene dam wall and including Providence Portal).
“The fishing can be fantastic which can attract large numbers of anglers,” Mr Westaway said.
“This is a great opportunity to catch large early spawning trout in the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers, with special rules to protect these fish.
“DPI, in conjunction with local acclimatisation societies, has been stocking trout dams and rivers in NSW for many years, however it is important to provide increased protection for brown and rainbow trout during their annual spawning runs which provide the majority of recruitment to Eucumbene and Jindabyne Dams.”
A minimum size limit of 50cm, daily bag limit of 1 and possession limit of 2 trout will apply to these rivers from 1 May to the end of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend on Monday 8 June.
“Anglers can use 1 attended rod and line with up to 2 hooks with artificial flies or lures and up to 3 treble hooks attached to any lure is permitted, while any fishing gear rigged for bait fishing is prohibited.,” Mr Westaway said.
“The restrictions provide fishers with the opportunity to catch a trophy sized trout – in particular the Eucumbene River has provided excellent fishing for large brown trout over the past few years.”
Fisheries officers will be patrolling the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers to ensure that fishers are abiding by these rules.
DPI is also working with stakeholders to assess whether a car park can be installed near the Denison camp area to reduce damage to access tracks and problems with vehicles adjacent to the river. Fishers are reminded not to damage roads, to respect the environment, to fish safely, to be courteous to other fishers and to take any rubbish home.
The annual closure on fishing in trout streams for the rest of NSW will be in place from Tuesday 9 June 2015, allowing brown and rainbow trout to breed uninterrupted until the trout fishing season re-opens on the October long weekend on Saturday 3 October 2015.Trout dams remain open to fishing throughout the year.
Detailed information on fishing rules is also on the NSW DPI website and at DPI fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.
If you’re heading to the Snowy Mountains to fish the spawn run be sure to grab the latest Fishing World magazine for Ben Caddaye’s article on spawn run trout. May edition on newsstands now!
