TROUT SEASON STARTS THIS WEEKEND

With a hint of summer in the air and the official opening of the annual NSW trout season tomorrow, fishers are in for a great Labour Day long weekend on the water. 

Industry & Investment NSW manager fisheries fompliance, Glenn Tritton said this Saturday, October 3, sees the end of the annual trout spawning period.

“Well stocked waterways and warmer spring weather will no doubt see fishers flock to their favourite fishing spot.

“We’re fortunate to boast some of the best fishing in the country right here in our own backyard and I expect keen anglers will be heading to popular fishing spots such as the Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers, Fish River near Bathurst, Goobarragandra and Goodradigbee rivers near Tumut and Yass, as well as many streams in the New England area.

“The recreational fishing industry is a major part of many local economies and this Government is proud to support an industry that brings both financial and recreational benefits to communities across the state.”

Tritton said the 2009/10 fish stocking season was off to a successful start and there were many planned trout releases, with 2.96 million trout and salmon to be released across NSW this stocking season.

“By the end of the October long weekend 966,000 rainbow trout fry, 3,000 rainbow trout fingerlings and 147,000 brown trout fry will have been released into the rivers and streams of the New England region,” he said.

“These releases are conducted by Industry & Investment NSW in conjunction with the New England Trout Acclimatisation Society.

“An additional 142,000 rainbow trout fry have been released in the Central Tablelands area in conjunction with the Central Acclimatisation Society.

“Stocking will continue over the coming months.”

The open season for recreational fishing in designated trout streams will close on the Monday following the 2010 June long weekend, while all trout dams remain open to fishing all year.

Tritton said he was pleased to see that the majority of fishers do the right thing, but he warned that fisheries officers would be out in force for the opening of the season to enforce size and bag limits, and to ensure that NSW fishing rules are obeyed.

“Fisheries officers are also on hand to advise anglers of the fishing laws,” said Tritton. “It’s important all anglers check that they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence prior to hitting the water this weekend.

“People found without a licence can be issued with on-the-spot penalties of $200.”

Money raised from the recreational licence is placed in Trusts, which are overseen by angler representatives, and can only be used to create better recreational fishing opportunities

Detailed information on trout fishing rules can be found in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide, Industry & Investment NSW fisheries offices, at most bait and tackle stores.