freshwater fishing guide nsw 2010

Saltwater FISHING GUIDE 2010

Freshwater NSW

www.industry.nsw.gov.au

Fishing Fees Responsible Fishing Safety Tips Knots and Rigs Fishing Rules Bag and Size Limits Threatened Species Catch Records

Recreational

FISHING GUIDE 2010

Contents 4 About this guide 7 Message from the Minister 8 NSW Recreational Fishing Fee How much is the fee?

How do I obtain a plastic receipt?

Interstate and overseas visitors Where do I pay the fee?

9 Replacement fee receipt 10 Where do my fishing fees go?

Fishcare Volunteer Program

Fish stocking 11 Fisheries officers More facilities for fishers Essential recreational research 12 Get Hooked: Its Fun to Fish

Habitat Action Program

Fishing safely

Want more information?

Want to apply for funding?

15 Responsible fishing Catch and release fishing 16 Maximising fish survival Other practices to help increase survival 17 Catch and release mats 18 Converting fish lengths to weights 23 Fishing safely/Safe boating Basic safety tips Safe boating 24 Boating on inland waters 25 Wader safety 26 Food safety Mercury levels What are shellfish?

Why can they cause poisoning?

What about commercially harvested shellfish?

What is the problem if I collect shellfish?

27 Algal blooms Boiling shellfish will not kill biotoxins 28 Knots and rigs 32 Freshwater fishing rules

Inland waters & notified trout waters 33 Permitted fishing gear and methods

Lawful recreational nets and traps 36 Use of Yabby traps (opera house traps) 38 Prohibited methods and activities

Line fishing

Gear and methods

Fish filleting

Baits

Crayfish 40 Fish identification and measurement Australian Bass/Estuary Perch Southern Shortfin Eel/Longfin Eel 41 Eastern (Freshwater) Cod/Trout Cod/ Murray Cod 44 Fish bag limits, size limits and

closed seasons

Why have bag and size limits?

Explanation of terms 50 Trout waters 56 Threatened and protected species 60 Fishing closures 61 North Coast/North East Region 62 Central Region

South Coast/South West Region 69 Fish hatcheries and fish stocking 70 Conserving our biodiversity 71 Pests and diseases Didymo 74 Fishing event management Ideas to improve your fishing event 76 Community programs 78 Contact details 81 A diary for your catch records

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About This Guide This NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide is produced by NSW Department of Industry and Investment (I&I NSW) for and on behalf of the State of New South Wales, PO Box 21 Cronulla NSW 2230. It is funded from the Freshwater Recreational Fishing Trust as part of our commitment to providing recreational fishers with comprehensive, userfriendly information.

A saltwater recreational fishing guide is also available.

Website Detailed information is also available on many aspects of fishing activities through the department’s website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Copyright No material matter in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by electronic or mechanical means, photocopying or recording, without the written permission of I&I NSW. Design, Production and Artwork Parkhouse Pty Ltd (03) 9427 7866.

Advertising Sales Australian Publishing Resource Service (APRS) (08) 8113 9210.

General disclaimer This publication may provide assistance or information but I&I NSW and its employees do not guarantee the publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for any particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from relying on any information in this publication.

This publication is a guide only, it does not replace the Fisheries Management Act (1994) or other acts and statutory rules applying to, or affecting recreational fishing. It is a summary of laws and regulations at the time of publication and cannot be used as a defence in a court of law.

Recreational fishing regulations may change during the life of this publication. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times. Check regulations with your local I&I NSW fisheries office or www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Acknowledgements Photographs: Phil Bolton; Heath Folpp; Danielle Ghosn; Ian Lyall; Alan Millar; Tony Townsend; Steve Thurston.

Front Cover: Ian Stead (Surface luring, Lake Mulwala).

Maps: John Matthews; Dan Breen; Sarah Martin.

Illustrations: Alan Hancock; Pat Tully; Geoff Wilson.

Appreciation is also extended to other contributors who may not be listed above.

Copyright Š State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Industry and Investment, 2009.

I&I NSW 9513_JUL09

Advertising disclaimer I&I NSW acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise. Acceptance of these contributions does not, however endorse or imply endorsement by the department of any product or service offered by the contributors.

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Message from the Minister

W

elcome to the 2010 edition of the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide.

Recreational fishing continues to be a very popular pastime in NSW and many anglers throughout the state have experienced exceptional fishing over the past 12 months. The NSW Recreational Fishing Fee has been well supported and the funding raised has been put to good use funding many programs to improve freshwater fishing.

Funding has been provided for a range of different programs including fisheries enhancement, aquatic habitat rehabilitation, essential research programs, fish stocking activities, fishing safety awareness, education and community fishing activities.

It’s been yet another good year for the stocking of native species and trout throughout the state. The Dollar-ForDollar native fish stocking program has also continued to enhance fish stocks for many inland angling groups and remains as popular as ever.

The Get Hooked: It’s Fun To Fish program will expand across NSW in 2010. This interactive program encourages children to take an active role in the management of waterways and fish stocks. The program plays an important role in ensuring the state’s aquatic resources are enjoyed now and in the future, by teaching primary school aged children safe and responsible fishing practices, the significance of aquatic life and life cycles, and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat.

Additional fisheries officers continue to be funded from the Trusts to help ensure compliance with fishing laws and provide advisory services to anglers.

I acknowledge the many volunteers in the Fishcare program who continue to provide their own time along with their considerable energy and skills to help improve the knowledge of recreational fishers throughout the state. The volunteers support a wide range of educational initiatives and teach safe, responsible fishing practices to young people, families, non-English speakers and the disabled. They attend community fishing events, participate in fishing workshops, conduct fisher surveys and help with the Get Hooked program. They are a true asset to our community.

The Trusts continue to fund the on ground projects that really matter to recreational fishers such as fishing platforms, upgrading fishing access points and other similar projects. If you have any facilities needed in your area, I urge you to apply for funding from the Trusts. It is easy to apply and there is lots of information available on the I&I NSW website.

The NSW Government will continue to work with the recreational fishing community for healthy, sustainable fisheries for today and the future. Best wishes and good fishing in 2010.

The Hon Tony Kelly MLC Minister for Primary Industries Minister for Lands

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NSW Recreational Fishing Fee If you go fishing aboard a charter vessel or with a fishing guide, you may find that your skipper or guide holds an exemption certificate which covers you as well. Always check whether you need to have paid the fee before going fishing.

A fifty per cent concession applies to people who only fish in the tidal waters of the Tweed River and prescribed adjacent beach areas.

When you are fishing in NSW waters, both fresh and saltwater, you are required by law to carry a receipt showing the payment of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. This applies when line fishing (rod or hand line); spear fishing; bait collecting or when collecting invertebrates using methods such as hand gathering, digging, pumping, trapping and prawn netting.

ONLY SAMPLE

In freshwater, this applies when fishing in the whole of the inland (non-tidal) waters of NSW including any body of freshwater.

This includes the whole of the Murray River to the South Australian border, all parts of Lake Mulwala from Yarrawonga Weir wall upstream to the point where the Ovens River enters the Murray River at Bundalong boat ramp and when fishing on the NSW side of the Dumaresq, MacIntyre and Barwon Rivers (a midstream border applies to these rivers).

This also applies when in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.

How do I obtain a plastic receipt?

If you pay for a one year or three year period online, over the phone, at a Touch agent or if you renew your licence using your renewal letter, you will receive a plastic receipt in the post. For all other payment methods you will receive a paper receipt.

Interstate and overseas visitors Recreational fishing licences issued by other states, territories or countries are not valid for fishing in NSW waters. All visitors must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. Exemptions: E Persons under the age of 18.

E A n adult assisting persons under the age of 18 to take fish using a single rod per child or to take prawns using a single dip or scoop net per child.

E A person fishing in a private dam with a surface area of two hectares or less.

How much is the fee?

E $6 for 3 days E $12 for 1 month E $30 for 1 year E $75 for 3 years

E An aboriginal person fishing in freshwater; or, when fishing in saltwater, an aboriginal person who is a party to a registered native

Where do I pay the fee?

You can pay at many outlets throughout NSW, such as most fishing tackle shops, caravan parks, local shops, service stations, many Kmart stores, via the website www. licence.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 369 365.

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NSW Recreational Fishing Fee

title claim, or is taking part in a traditional cultural activity as a member of a local land council, or in the company of a member of a local land council.

E The holder of: C a current Commonwealth Pensioner Concession card issued by Centrelink; C a current Commonwealth Pensioner Concession card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs; C a Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs gold treatment card endorsed “Totally and Permanently Incapacitated”; C a Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs gold treatment card endorsed “Extreme Disablement Adjustment”; or, C a letter from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you receive a disability

ension of 70 per cent or higher, or an p intermediate pension.

Recreational fishers must have these cards in their possession to be exempt. Please note that seniors cards, health care cards and repatriation health cards do not exempt you from paying the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. This information is current at time of printing but fisheries regulations may change.

It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times.

If unsure whether you need to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee, check our website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Replacement fee receipt Cost for a replacement fee receipt is $6.

Call 02 9527 8411 to obtain a replacement or download a form from our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

Recreational fishing trusts Recreational fishing trust funds raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee are placed into saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing trusts and can only be spent on projects that improve recreational fishing.

Expenditure from the trusts is overseen by expenditure committees on behalf of the recreational fishing community. There are two committees – one for saltwater and one for freshwater.

Regular announcements are made about expenditure from the trusts. Details are provided in the department’s annual reports and trust funded projects are described in detail on the department’s website. Trust accounts are subject to annual audit by the NSW Auditor-General.

Examples of trust funded projects are provided as follows. There is a lot more information on the website at www.industry. nsw.gov.au. Anyone can apply for funding to improve recreational fisheries. Details can be found at the above website.

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Fishcare Volunteer Program This dynamic program involves 380 volunteers across the state providing face to face awareness and advising fishers about the rules and values of sustainable recreational fishing.

Fish stocking Trust funds boost production of native fish and trout at I&I NSW fish hatcheries at Narrandera, Port Stephens, Jindabyne and Ebor for public stocking. Approximately two million Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch and Australian Bass plus approximately three million Trout and Salmon are stocked into inland rivers or dams each year. The Dollar-For-Dollar native fish stocking program matches the monies raised by community groups to stock their local waterways with native fish.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

More facilities for fishers The small grants program provides funding for fishing clubs, local councils and community groups to improve recreational fishing and facilities including stiles, fish cleaning tables, fish measuring stations, fishing platforms and other infrastructure.

Fisheries officers Additional fisheries officers are employed across regional NSW to maintain optimal levels of compliance in the freshwater fishery and provide advisory services to recreational fishers.

Essential recreational research E Improving effectiveness of freshwater stocking.

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Where do my fishing fees go? bank vegetation and restoring water flows in order to provide good water quality, healthy habitats and fisheries.

E R esearch on Freshwater Catfish, Murray Cod and Macquarie Perch.

E Monitoring of nodavirus in Australian Bass.

E Fishing tournament monitoring

Get Hooked: It’s Fun to Fish education program A primary school education program is teaching children in schools across NSW

Fishing safely The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of NSW has produced a quality multilingual DVD to promote fishing safely in saltwater and freshwater. The DVD is available free of charge for anglers. Check out www.safefishing.com.au.

about safe, responsible and sustainable fishing. This includes running fishing workshop weeks enabling students to put into practice skills learned during their Get Hooked class lessons.

Want more information?

Check our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Habitat action program A range of actions are being funded to protect and repair important fish habitat.

Activities include removing barriers to fish migration, replanting and protecting river

Want to apply for funding?

More information and the application package can be found on the website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9527 8411.

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Responsible Fishing I&I NSW promotes responsible fishing practices. The following guidelines can be applied whether you take fish for the table or release your fish.

E O nly catch sufficient fish for your immediate needs. Release all others using best practice catch and release techniques.

Remember all fish, including the scavengers, are important to the ecosystem.

E D ispose of all litter and fish waste responsibly.

E R educe wildlife injuries by attending your lines and avoid bird feeding areas.

E U se environmentally friendly fishing tackle such as lead alternative sinkers, biodegradable and non-stainless hooks where possible.

Catch and release fishing Catch and release fishing is an increasingly popular practice among many anglers. It is quite common for fishers with a strong conservation commitment to release fish that they could legally keep.

Compliance with bag and size limits and various fishing closures also means many anglers by law, return a large proportion of fish they have caught to the water. It is therefore considered responsible practice to return those fish to the water so that they have the best chance of survival.

Recent I&I NSW research has shown that most fish survive using current catch and release techniques with the main factors

Species

Main factors for reduced survival

Australian Bass

Deep hooking

Golden Perch

Poor handling, sub-optimal live well conditions and high water temps

Murray Cod

Deep hooking, excessive handling and sub-optimal live well conditions NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide

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Responsible Fishing found to reduce survival being deep hooking and poor handling.

Maximising fish survival The following tips will help to maximise the survival of angler released fish: E Use methods and rigs that reduce deep hooking: C Target fish using artificial lures.

C Choose non-offset circle hooks when using bait.

E Minimise the length of time the fish is out of the water and swiftly unhook.

C Try to remove hooks and release fish as quickly as possible. The use of needle-nosed pliers or hook retrieving devices can greatly reduce time spent unhooking.

C Remove hooks from mouth-hooked fish.

C Ideally unhook fish while they are still in the water.

E If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line as close as possible to the fish’s mouth rather than removing the hook.

E If live wells are used, ensure they are of sufficient size and maintain good water quality by using a flow through, aerated system. This is especially important during the summer months when water temperatures are high.

Other practices to help increase survival E Use suitable tackle for the species that you are targeting and minimise the time spent to land the fish.

E Handle fish firmly and carefully. Avoid dropping fish on to the bottom of boats and other hard surfaces. Remember, many surfaces, especially metal can become very hot in the sun.

C Use wet hands or wet gloves when handling a fish to minimise damage to its skin.

C A smooth, wet surface such as vinyl covered foam is best to lay fish on if they are removed from the water.

E Use fish-friendly landing nets with knotless mesh.

C Avoid knotted landing nets which may damage the fish’s scales, skin, eyes and fins.

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Responsible Fishing

E Use barbless hooks or hooks with reduced barbs to make hook removal easier and minimise hook damage.

C This can be achieved by squeezing barbs down with pliers, or filing down larger barbs.

E Carefully return fish to the water. Do not throw them. Take care to revive any fish upon release if they appear exhausted (struggling to hold themselves upright and/or unable to swim away).

C Gently hold or push the fish through the water so that it obtains a good flow of water over its gills. If there is any water current, hold the fish upright facing towards the current until it starts to show signs of recovery.

E If you are going to take photos of your fish before release, support the fish properly.

C Do not hold fish by the gills or the eyes.

Catch and release mats for recreational fishers A catch and release measuring mat has been designed to help fishers accurately record their catch. The mat includes full colour illustrations of the most popular species of fish

and conversion tables so approximate weights can be estimated from length measurement.

Also included are tips on best methods to ensure fish are given a maximum chance of survival after release. Large graduations on the ruler can help in many catch, photograph and release fishing competitions which have emerged in recent years. The mat is manufactured from a UV stable material.

The catch and release mats are available for purchase, contact 1800 028 374 or visit our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au/ fisheries.

Fishing access In many instances you may fish in any stream from a boat or while walking on the streambed adjacent to the land. However, you must get the owner’s permission to cross private land or walk along the bank adjacent to a stream.

E If right of entry is granted, make sure you use formed tracks to access the water and take care not to interfere with any stock or pastoral activities.

E Take care when moving within the bed and bank of a stream. Ensure there is stable footing beneath and be prepared for the unexpected such as sudden changes in water depth, hidden snags or rocks, or steep drop offs.

E Try to avoid stirring up sediment or disturbing any in-stream vegetation.

E Ensure that any rubbish or refuse including fishing lines, plastic bags and any other garbage is taken with you and is disposed of responsibly.

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights Weigh your fish with a ruler Fish biologists have collected vast quantities of length and weight data from a variety of fish species. This has enabled length and weight relationships to be calculated for some fish species which can be used to

estimate the weight of a fish by measuring its length. Please note that these figures are estimates only and individual fish weight may vary depending on age, sex, season and recent feeding activity.

Total length used for both legal length measurement and weight calculation

Total length used for both legal length measurement and weight calculation

Australian Bass

Murray Cod

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

25

0.3

43

1.5

40

1.1

72

7.6

26

0.3

44

1.6

42

1.3

74

8.3

27

0.4

45

1.8

44

1.5

76

9.0

28

0.4

46

1.9

46

1.8

78

9.8

29

0.4

47

2.1

48

2.0

80

10.7

30

0.5

48

2.2

50

2.3

82

11.6

31

0.6

49

2.4

52

2.6

84

12.5

32

0.6

50

2.5

54

3.0

86

13.5

33

0.7

51

2.7

56

3.3

88

14.6

34

0.8

52

2.9

58

3.7

90

15.7

35

0.8

53

2.9

60

4.2

92

16.8

36

0.9

54

3.0

62

4.6

94

18.0

37

1.0

55

3.2

64

5.2

96

19.3

38

1.1

56

3.4

66

5.7

98

20.7

39

1.1

57

3.7

68

6.3

100

22.1

40

1.2

58

3.9

70

6.9

102

23.5

41

1.3

59

4.1

42

1.4

60

4.3

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights

Total length used for both legal length measurement and weight calculation

Total length used for both legal length measurement and weight calculation Trout

Golden Perch Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total length (cm)

Weight (kg)

30

0.4

41

1.2

27

0.3

51

1.8

31

0.5

42

1.3

29

0.3

53

2.0

32

0.5

43

1.4

31

0.4

55

2.3

33

0.6

44

1.5

33

0.5

57

2.5

34

0.7

45

1.6

35

0.6

59

2.8

35

0.7

46

1.7

37

0.7

61

3.1

36

0.8

47

2.0

39

0.8

63

3.4

0.9

65

3.7

1.1

67

4.1

37

0.9

48

2.2

41

38

1.0

49

2.5

43

39

1.0

50

2.6

45

1.2

69

4.4

2.8

47

1.4

71

4.8

49

1.6

73

5.3

40

1.1

51

Total length used for both legal length measurement and weight calculation NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide

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Fishing safely/safe boating Basic safety tips include: E Care for your own safety and never take undue risks when fishing.

E M ake sure nobody is behind you when you cast. Put away sharp objects such as filleting knives and hooks.

E N ever enter the water to retrieve lost tackle or snagged fish. If the location looks dangerous, don’t fish there.

E W hen fishing in potentially hazardous locations such as those located near areas of fast moving water always wear a lifejacket. Carrying ropes and torches may be useful and it may also be appropriate to wear non-slip shoes.

E I f someone falls into the water do not jump in after them. Instead look for something that floats and throw it to the person in the water. Alert emergency services by dialling 112 from a mobile phone or 000 from a landline.

E O bserve first, fish later. Always check weather and water conditions before you start fishing and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time.

E A lways let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be back.

E K eep yourself warm and dry and leave the water if you start to feel cold to avoid hypothermia.

E A sk for advice from locals who know the waterways. They will always tell you when an area is dangerous.

A fishing safely DVD funded by the recreational fishing trusts and the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW is available free of charge check website www.safefishing.com.au.

Safe boating Any person who drives a recreational powered vessel on NSW waterways at a speed of 10 knots or more must hold a current NSW boat drivers licence.

It is important to stay safe when out on the water. Detailed advice on safe boating is available in the NSW Maritime Authority publication “Boating Handbook”. This booklet, as well as further information, can be obtained by calling the NSW Maritime Authority infoline on 131 256 or by checking website www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.

Key safe boating tips include: E You must comply with all NSW Maritime Authority requirements.

E Ensure the vessel is in a fit condition and fuel tanks full. Check batteries beforehand and run the auxiliary motor periodically.

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Fishing safely/safe boating E E nsure the vessel is fully equipped for emergencies.

E Know how the safety gear works. Make sure everyone knows where it is stowed and how to use it.

E Always let someone know where you are going and your expected time of return.

E Take plenty of food and water.

E Wear non-slip shoes and take raincoats and warm clothing.

E Wear a life jacket whenever you enter a potentially dangerous area.

E If possible, fish with another vessel. In an emergency, the other can help or radio for help.

E If a front approaches, or the weather changes suddenly, head back to shore.

Boating on inland waters Boating on rivers, creeks, dams and other inland waterways demands special care.

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Submerged trees, shallow sand bars and other snags may be encountered.

Inland waterways such as lakes, dams, other impoundments and rivers are often murky and frequently change in water level and flow rates. You need to be aware of possible dangers and obstructions which may be hidden just below the surface.

It is not feasible or practical to remove all hazards nor to mark them all with navigation markers.

Always maintain a safe speed and a proper lookout. Strong winds can occur at any time and create dangerous wind waves on open lakes and dams. It is also advisable to familiarise yourself with an area each time before attempting any high speed activities.

Dam walls and spillways should be avoided at all times.

Caution is required in all conditions following heavy rain or flooding where floating

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Fishing safely/safe boating trees, branches and other debris are present and may cause serious damage or injury if collision occurs. As water levels recede new navigational hazards may be uncovered.

E D o not try to swim but either tread water or float. If close to shore use a sculling motion to return.

E I f swept into a fast flowing stream always face downstream and go with the current feet first while working to a safe shore position.

E Always remember not to panic.

Wader safety Take extra care when wearing waders.

NSW Maritime Authority recommends that waders should not be used in boats in case of capsize or swamping.

Basic wader safety tips include: E To restrict the amount of water that can enter waders, fasten a belt around your waist. This must be as firm as possible but always comfortable. The belt will also trap air inside and provide some buoyancy but caution is needed as you could end upside down if you fall into the water.

E I f you fall into the water immediately assume a tuck position, then roll on to your back while keeping the knees tucked. Use your arms to balance.

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Food Safety Food preparation and consumption Many people enjoy eating the fish they catch. If you intend to eat your catch you should ensure that you handle it correctly to avoid the possibility of illness. This means immediately chilling your catch with ice and always keeping it covered and cold.

Mercury levels Mercury can occur naturally in large predatory fish. For health reasons Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises pregnant women and young children up to six years of age to consume not more than one serving of fish such as shark and billfish per fortnight with no other fish to be consumed during that period.

For more information check Food Standards Australia New Zealand website at www.foodstandards.gov.au.

Recreational harvesting of shellfish What are shellfish?

Freshwater and saltwater Mussels, Oysters, Pipis and Cockles are sometimes referred to as bivalve molluscs or shellfish. They feed by filtering and eating nutrients found in water.

Fast facts E Shellfish are filter feeders and they sometimes accumulate harmful substances from the water they filter during feeding.

E Shellfish

collected by recreational fishers should never be eaten raw.

E Pipis

may be harvested for bait only and not for human consumption.

E If you do collect other shellfish for eating, never collect them after rainfall, from water affected by algal blooms or if the area is closed to harvesting shellfish.

E Boiling

will not kill biotoxins already in shellfish.

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Why can they cause poisoning?

Because shellfish are filter feeders, they occasionally accumulate harmful substances such as biotoxins and micro-organisms from the water they filter during feeding.

Biotoxins are harmful natural substances produced by some types of algae which could be present in waterways.

Biotoxins can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhoea to severe respiratory and neurological problems. harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria might be present in waterways due to run-off from the land, especially after heavy rainfall.

What about commercially harvested shellfish?

In NSW commercially harvested shellfish must comply with a comprehensive food safety program.

The program is controlled through the NSW Shellfish Program administered by the NSW Food Authority and is a requirement of the Food Production (Seafood Safety Scheme) Regulation 2001. In essence it assists commercial harvesters in controlling the risks associated with harmful substances in order to safeguard public health.

What’s the problem if I collect shellfish?

Shellfish collected by recreational fishers should never be eaten raw. This is because recreationally harvested shellfish are not subject to the same strict food safety controls as commercially harvested product.

Consequently the NSW Food Authority recommends eating only shellfish harvested commercially under a recognised program.

How can I reduce the risk of food poisoning from shellfish I harvest?

If you do collect shellfish for eating, you should never collect: E After rainfall. Periods after rainfall are especially high risk for shellfish 2010

Food Safety collection. Waiting several days after water has cleared (the muddy look has gone) following rainfall will reduce the risk of bacterial and viral contamination.

E F rom water affected by algal blooms. Algae can appear as water discolourations, including red, green, yellow, brownish and an oily or milky appearance. Other blooms can show no discolouration but be highly toxic at low levels. Always check signs and local media for information on algal alerts.

E I f the area is closed to shellfish harvesting by I&I NSW. For further information on I&I NSW closures visit the website www.industry.nsw. gov.au.

Algal blooms Algal blooms can cause waters to be unsafe for some recreation in both freshwater and marine environments. Algal alerts are issued by the NSW Office of Water (within the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water) or by State Water. The risk of exposure/contamination in freshwater areas relates predominantly to the collection and consumption of crayfish or shellfish rather than freshwater finfish.

However, when fishing in waters with high algal bloom levels e.g. red level algal warning, it is recommended that fishers thoroughly wash any fish caught with uncontaminated water and avoid eating the head and entrails of such fish, or alternatively, practice catch and release fishing until water quality improves.

Boiling shellfish will not kill biotoxins It is important to remember that boiling will not destroy or remove biotoxins which might be present in shellfish.

Eating shellfish contaminated with biotoxins may result in serious illness or death.

For more information phone 1300 552 406, email: contact@foodauthority. nsw.gov.au or visit www.foodauthority. nsw.gov.au.

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Knots And Rigs Uni knot for tying on hooks Uni knots are useful for tying small hooks onto light lines, a frequent requirement in freshwater fishing, because the knot may be formed some distance from the hook and slid into place when formed.

1

2

3

4

5

1. Thread the line through the eye of the hook, ring or swivel, and encircle the main line with the tag to form the configuration shown. 2. Wrap the tag around both the returning tag and main line, but inside the encircling loop made by the tag. 3. Make four to six wraps in this manner. 4. Moisten and tighten the knot using gentle pressure on the tag. 5. Slide the knot gently down onto the eye of the hook, ring or swivel.

Uni knot for tying line onto your reel First wrap the line around the spool of your reel, at least once, then tie a standard uni knot with four wraps. Then slide the knot down onto the spool of your reel.

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Knots aNd Rigs Perfection Loop Of many loops used to attach flies and lures, the perfection loop is favoured because it lays relatively straight and does not point out to the side. It is tricky to tie so follow the instructions carefully.

1. Make a simple overhand knot in the leader and thread the tag through the eye of the lure or fly.

2. Pass the tag back through the overhand knot alongside the other strand.

3. Now bend the tag back so it goes back up through the knot as shown. The sequence is over, over, under, over, under.

4. Moisten the knot before pulling tight. Trim the tag.

Double uni knot for joining lines

1. Overlap the lines to be joined then encircle one line with the tag of the other.

2. Wrap the double strand inside 3. Make four wraps in all. the formed loop..

4. Do the same with the other line so the knot in each line is tied around the other.

5. Moisten the line and tighten each knot in turn.

6. Draw the knots together, tighten once more, then trim the tags.

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Knots And Rigs Bubble floats E B ubble floats are designed as running floats, which is to say the line can pass through the float without resistance. The most successful and popular bubble floats feature a central tube through which the line is threaded.

E Before threading the bubble float onto the line, the central tube is displaced, enabling the angler to partially fill the float with water. This makes it heavier and easy to cast out.

E The bubble float is rigged in tandem with a much smaller float - usually a small piece of foam fixed securely onto the line - and from which the baited hook is suspended. This smaller float also acts as

a stopper to prevent the bubble float sliding down to the hook as the angler casts out.

E W hen the bubble float rig has been cast out, both floats - the bubble float and the smaller float from which the bait is suspended - lay side by side on the surface.

E W hen a fish takes the bait and pulls the smaller float down, the line runs freely though the heavier bubble float, which offers no resistance as the fish takes line.

E T he most effective bait with a bubble float seems to be dragon fly larvae (mudeyes) which are usually suspended about a metre below the smaller float.

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Knots aNd Rigs Useful rigs 1. The addition of a large split shot, a short distance above the hook, allows baits like Worms and small Yabbies to be suspended alongside sunken timber and steep banks for native fish like Golden Perch and several others.

1

2

2. Standard running sinker rigs are used for suspending baits amongst timber, and for bottom fishing from the banks of lakes and streams.

Common baits E D ragon Fly larvae (Mudeyes) are excellent bait for Trout and other freshwater species and are best fished under a small float, or in conjunction with a bubble float rig.

Mudeyes

Grasshoppers

Shrimp

Earthworms

Bardi

Yabbies

E G rasshoppers are usually fished unweighted with a greased line and make excellent bait for Trout.

E S hrimp may be fished singly, or several at a time, and are great bait for most freshwater species.

E E arthworms and scrubworms may be fished singly or several at a time, and are excellent bait for most freshwater species.

E L arge grubs like bardi grubs, wattle grubs, and wood grubs make excellent bait for native species, Murray Cod in particular. They present best if not punctured and may be bound to the hook with hosiery elastic.

E S mall Yabbies are excellent bait for most native species. Murray Cod will take larger Yabbies.

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities Waters, rigging

Maximum attended lines

Maximum hooks permitted*

Distance from attended line

Inland (other than trout waters). Bait, lure and artificial fly fishing permitted

2 (hand lines or rods and lines)

2

Up to 50m and in line of sight

General trout streams.

Bait, lure and artificial fly fishing permitted**

1 (rod and line only)

2

Up to 50m and in line of sight

General trout dams.

Bait, lure and artificial fly fishing permitted

2 (rods and lines only)

2

Up to 50m and in line of sight

Artificial fly and lure waters (streams and dams).

1 (rod and line only)

Streams: 2 (artificial flies or lures only) Dams: (Thompsons Creek Dam, Black Lake) 3 (artificial flies or lures only)

Up to 50m and in line of sight

1 (rod and line only)

2 (artificial flies or lures only)

Up to 50m and in line of sight

3 (artificial flies and lures only)

No bait fishing

Trout spawning streams.# No bait fishing

* Up to three (3) treble hooks attached to any lure per line is permitted (a lure is considered to be a single hook). **The following baits are permitted in general trout waters only: Natural flies or insects or their larvae, Worms, Shrimps, Yabbies, Mussels, artificial baits (except products containing trout and salmon roe) and plant matter.

From start of Oct long weekend to 30 April trout spawning streams become artificial fly and lure waters. Refer to pages 50-54 for the location of trout waters.

#

Note: Some species cannot be taken at certain times and others are protected from fishing.

Refer to pages 44-46 & 56-59 for more details.

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities Permitted fishing gear and methods Use common sense when placing your set fishing gear. Do not set in areas of high boat traffic or navigation channels. To minimise the risk of entanglement by people or boats, any buoy rope used to mark set fishing gear must be as short as practical.

Interference with set fishing gear is an offence. All set gear must be lifted within a 24 hour period, however anglers are encouraged to check their gear regularly to ensure any unwanted catch is returned safely to the water.

Specific closures may prohibit the use of, or limit the number of, nets. Refer to pages 60-66 for a list of closed areas.

E Maximum number: Unless otherwise specified, five (5) nets may be set, used or in your possession.

E Maximum set time: Must be lifted within a 24 hour period. However anglers are encouraged to check their gear regularly to ensure any unwanted catch is returned safely to the water.

E Identification: Tag attached to float or buoy with your name and address or name and boat registration number.

E Waters: May be used in inland waters except closed areas and notified trout waters (other than Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne to take Yabbies as per the regulation).

Hoop net or lift net E Maximum dimensions: Net attached to no more than two hoops, rings or frames not more than 1.25m. Maximum drop of 1m.

E Mesh size: 13mm minimum, measured across the diagonal.

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities Landing net

Shrimp trap e Nam

E Maximum dimensions: 0.6m x 0.5m x 0.5m.

May only be used as an ancillary aid for retrieval of fish caught by hand line or rod.

E Mesh size: 13mm maximum measured across the diagonal.

Hand-hauled yabby net E Maximum dimension: Up to 6m in length measured along the headline.

E Entrance funnels: Inner hole maximum width of 35mm.

E Maximum number: One (1) trap may be set, used and in your possession.

E Maximum set time: Must be lifted within a 24 hour period.

40 mm

E Identification: Must have a tag attached with the name of the fisher using the trap.

E Waters: May be used in inland waters except closed areas and notified trout waters.

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities E Mesh size: 40mm maximum measured across the diagonal.

E Maximum number: Propelled by one (1) person. One (1) other person may assist in the operation of the net.

E Maximum set time: Zero. Must be continuously and manually propelled.

Not to be set, staked or joined with any other net.

E Waters: May only be used to take Yabbies in inland waters (except closed areas and notified trout waters) being ground tanks, bore drains or lagoons. May be used with or without hauling lines or poles. Not permitted in any river or dam in NSW.

E Entrance funnels: Must not exceed 90mm at the narrowest point and must be fitted with a rigid ring with a maximum internal diameter of 90mm. This is to protect platypus, turtles and birds from entering the trap in search of food and getting caught in the trap.

90 mm Max.

E Maximum number: Unless otherwise specified, five (5) traps may be set, used or in your possession.

Yabby trap (opera house trap) E Maximum dimensions: 1m x 0.6m x 0.3m.

E Maximum set time: Must be lifted within a 24 hour period in any period of 48 consecutive hours.

E Identification: The position of any trap must be marked above the water by a stake or buoy. Must have a tag attached with the name of the fisher using the trap.

E Waters: May be used in inland waters except trout waters (refer to pages 50-54), closed areas (refer to pages 60-66) or in the following areas where platypus are found.

E (i) waters east of the Newell Highway;

E Mesh size: 13mm minimum measured on the narrowest point of any axis. Rigid mesh is prohibited.

E (ii) the Murray River from the Newell Highway; at Tocumwal downstream to the Echuca Road Bridge; E (iii) the Edward River from the Murray River at Picnic Point downstream to Stevens Weir and E (iv) the Murrumbidgee River from Narrandera to the Darlington Point Road Bridge (see following map).

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities Use of Yabby traps (opera house traps) In areas where Yabby traps are permitted, all traps are required to have a bycatch reduction device fitted to all entrance funnels. Traps must be checked at least every 24 hours although anglers are encouraged to check their traps regularly to ensure any unwanted catch is returned safely to the water. The intent of the general Yabby trap closure and the bycatch reduction device is to prevent the death of platypus and minimise capture of other air-breathing animals such as turtles and water rats.

To minimise any unwanted damage to our unique wildlife, users of Yabby traps in waters where they are permitted must ensure their traps have 90mm entrance funnel rings in place.

Modify your Yabby traps If your traps don’t have rigid metal or plastic rings on the entrance funnels with a diameter of 90 mm or less, fit rings as described below. These rings will restrict wildlife such as turtles and cormorants from getting into the traps. You will not lose your bait from the traps as often, and your Yabby catches will not be reduced.

Steps 1. Cut a 30 cm length of coathanger wire and bend the ends.

2. Form a ring.

Goondiwindi Moree

Dubbo Narrandera Edward R.

Murrumbidgee R.

Tocumwal

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3 7

Modified traps permitted Traps banned in this area

FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Permitted Methods & Activities 3. T hread the wire into the mesh of the Yabby trap entrance funnel.

3

Hook the two ends of the wire together and crimp down the ends with pliers.

You have now modified one entry funnel.

Do the same thing with the other funnel, and your trap is now less harmful.

Any unmodified Yabby trap is a hazard to wildlife. It is important to remember that even modified traps may not keep platypus out. Don’t use traps in platypus waters.

7 If you want to catch Yabbies in public waters where opera house Yabby traps are prohibited, use lift or hoop nets as an alternative in areas where they are permitted.

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FRESHwater Fishing Rules: Prohibited methods & Activities Prohibited fishing methods and activities Line fishing You are not permitted to: E Set line, drop line, or jag (foul hooking).

E Use handlines in notified trout waters (rods and lines only permitted).

E Carry excess fishing lines in, on or adjacent to waters. Spare lines should not be rigged e.g. no hooks, sinkers or swivels attached and should be properly stowed.

Gear and methods You are not permitted to: E Use gaffs in inland waters.

E Use spears, spear guns or bows and arrows in inland waters.

E Use explosives, firearms or electrical devices.

E Use fish traps, cast nets, bait nets, yabby rakes or any other equipment to take fish or invertebrates other than gear specified on pages 32-37 within the waters prescribed.

E Use a hand (e.g. ‘tickle’) to take Trout or Salmon.

E Use a light to take Trout or Salmon.

E Use a hand hauled yabby net in rivers or dams to take Yabbies.

E Use traps and nets in trout waters except lift nets in Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne to take Yabbies.

Fish filleting You must not alter the length of fish by filleting and/or removing the head until you are well away from the water. This rule does not apply at areas normally used for cleaning fish such as boat ramp cleaning tables, if the fish are for immediate consumption or immediate use as bait, or for fish that do not have a legal length. You may clean fish by gilling and gutting only.

Baits You are not permitted to: E Use frogs.

E Use live fin fish in inland waters including live Carp or other pest species.

E Use non-native fish or parts thereof NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide

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whether alive or dead, other than dead Carp.

E Use live birds or live mammals.

E Use prohibited size fish as bait.

E Use Trout and Salmon roe or products containing them.

E Use “Power bait”™ or any other similarly artificially manufactured bait product in artificial fly and lure waters and trout spawning streams. Refer to table on page 32 for a list of permitted baits in general trout waters and pages 50-54 for a list of trout waters in NSW. Crayfish You are not permitted to: E Take Murray Crayfish in notified trout waters.

E Remove the heads, tails or claws from prohibited size crayfish.

E Remove the heads, tails and claws from legal size crayfish that have been lawfully taken unless you are well away from the water.

E Keep crayfish (including Yabbies) with eggs. Remove or attempt to remove eggs from crayfish (including Yabbies).

General You are not permitted to: E Take or attempt to take any species in waters closed to fishing.

E Possess excess fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.

E Take threatened or protected species.

E Keep prohibited size fish – prohibited size fish should be immediately returned unharmed to the water.

E Be in possession of fish in excess of their bag limit, including transporting and storage of such fish. An exception is if the fish have been purchased from a registered fish receiver e.g. a fish shop.

E Use any methods (e.g line fishing, traps, nets, bait collection) in closed areas.

Refer to pages 60-66.

E Sell recreational catch.

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Fish IDentification and Measurement Most families of fish have a number of different species which can make identification difficult.

It is important to know exactly what fish you catch as different regulations may apply to different species. Various reference books are available which clearly outline a fish’s defining characteristics.

Some NSW species look quite similar. The following tips have been prepared to help identify popular species from similar looking fish.

Australian Bass Snout length shorter than Estuary Perch.

Pelvic fin white at leading margin.

Estuary Perch Snout profile – concave.

Snout profile – slightly concave to straight.

Dark olive/grey/green on back fading to off-white or yellowish white below.

Snout tapered and elongated (longer than bass).

Dark grey and silvery on back, paler below.

All fins dark.

Southern Shortfin and Longfin Eels The Longfin Eel is closely related and very similar to the Southern Shortfin Eel. However, the dorsal fin on the Longfin Eel extends well forward of the anal fin. Often incorrectly referred to as Conger Eel in Victoria and NSW, they may also resemble Lampreys, especially when small.

Longfin Eel

Southern Shortfin Eel

Dorsal fin extends markedly forward of anal fin.

Dorsal fin extends a little forward of anal fin.

LongFin Eel

Southern ShortFin eel

Uniform olive/green to brown colour, distinctly blotched or mottled.

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Uniform olive/green to brown colour, no distinctive markings.

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Fish IDentification and Measurement Eastern (Freshwater) Cod, Trout Cod and Murray Cod The Eastern Cod was once common in north-eastern NSW but wild spawned fish are now considered rare. Eastern Cod are similar to Murray Cod and Mary River Cod. They can vary from pale green to golden with heavy black or green convoluted mottling. The pelvic fin is clear and relatively long. The lower jaw protrudes, Trout Cod have the following features which distinguish the species from Murray Cod: Convoluted mottling

Eastern Cod

Lower jaw protrudes

E Grey colour with well defined dark spots and dashed markings, whereas Murray Cod are generally greenish in colour with dark marbled markings E The snout and upper jaw is usually longer than the lower jaw. In Murray Cod the jaws are level or the lower jaw longer.

E The forehead profile is straight or slightly convex whereas in Murray Cod the forehead profile is slightly concave.

E The snout and forehead of Trout Cod are usually clear of any markings.

Convex forehead

Trout Cod

Overhanging upper jaw

Pelvic fin clear

Stripe through eye

Spotted marking

Murray Cod

Concave forehead Shorter snout

Mosaic or marbled marking How to measure the legal length of fish and invertebrates Crayfish

Fin fish

total length nostrils nape

dorsal fin

eye socket

legs

carapace

lateral line claws

snout operculum

pelvic fin

caudal fin anal fin

To determine the legal length of a fish, the fish is measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. This is known as the total length.

antenna

tail fin measurement

Crayfish are measured from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace.

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Why have bag and size limits?

Regulations apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations. Size limits allow fish to reach maturity and complete their breeding cycle, while bag limits help to make sure everyone gets a fair share of the resource and that a species is not overfished.

Abiding by the regulations will help conserve and maintain our freshwater recreational fisheries. Legal lengths apply to most freshwater fish. Lengths are specific to each species and reflect a size at which fish can spawn at least once before being caught.

Explanation of terms Legal length: The minimum length of a fish unless otherwise stated. A fish which does not reach this minimum length must be immediately returned to the water with minimal possible harm (see Responsible Fishing section pages 15-17 for more information). Some species have maximum length restrictions to protect larger breeding males or females.

Bag limit: The maximum number of fish taken per person per day.

Possession limit: The maximum number of fish per person if you have been fishing for more than one day. For freshwater fishing it is equal to twice the daily bag limit unless otherwise stated. The possession limit also applies to the transport and storage of fish but does not apply to the purchase of fish from a registered fish receiver such as a fish shop.

Closed seasons: Closed seasons apply to certain species or waters at various times to protect fish during their breeding period.

Australian Bass

Australian Bass & Estuary Perch Legal length: Not applicable.

Bag limit: 2 in total (one or more species, only Estuary Perch 1 over 35 cm in rivers). Possession limit: 4 in total (one or more species).

Closed Season: No taking of Australian Bass and Estuary Perch in rivers and estuaries from 1 June to 31 August each year. Dams are not affected by the closure.

Habitat: Bass: Coastal rivers from Qld to Vic. Perch: Coastal rivers from northern NSW to Tas. Good baits: Crickets, earthworms, surface lures and spinner baits.

Freshwater Catfish

Freshwater Catfish (Eel-Tailed) Legal length: 30 cm in eastern dams, listed western dams and eastern rivers. Bag limit: 5 (in eastern dams and listed western dams), 2 (in eastern rivers). Possession limit: 10 (in eastern dams and listed western dams), 4 (in eastern rivers). Closure: Freshwater Catfish (Eel-Tailed) may not be taken in western rivers and unlisted western dams. See pages 46-47 for dams where Freshwater Catfish may be taken. Listed as an Endangered Population in the Murray Darling Basin.

Freshwater Catfish may not be taken in western rivers and unlisted western dams.

Habitat: Rare except in North West catchments and coastal waters north of Newcastle.

Good baits: Range from Yabbies, snails and earthworms to foods like ham or cheese.

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Eels: Southern Shortfin and Longfin Southern Shortfin Legal length: 30 cm. Bag limit: 10 Possession limit: 10.

Longfin Legal length: 58 cm. Bag limit: 10 Possession limit: 10.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers, dams and lakes east of the Great Dividing Range.

Good baits: Fish pieces and earthworms.

Southern Shortfin Eel

Longfin Eel

Golden Perch Legal length: 30 cm.

Bag limit: 5 Possession limit: 10.

Habitat: The Murray-Darling river system.

Good baits: Shrimp, Yabbies, Worms, spinner baits, minnows or bibless lures.

Murray Cod Legal length: 60 cm.

Bag limit: 2 (only 1 over 100 cm).

Possession limit: 4 (only 1 over 100 cm).

Closed Season: No taking of Murray Cod in all inland waters (rivers and dams) from September to November inclusive.

Habitat: Throughout the Murray-Darling system.

Good baits: Bardi Grubs, Yabbies, lures and large flies.

Silver Perch Legal length: 25 cm in listed stocked dams.

Bag limit: 5 in listed stocked dams.

Possession limit: 10 in listed stocked dams.

Habitat: Uncommon in rivers. Common in stocked dams.

Good baits: Shrimps, small live Yabbies, Worms, aquatic insects, smaller baits and lures.

Closure: Fishing prohibited in all rivers. See pages 46-47 for lists of dams where silver perch may be taken.

Murray Crayfish Legal length: 9 cm. Bag limit: 5 (only 1 over 12 cm).

Possession limit: 10 (only 1 over 12 cm).

Habitat: Murray River, Murrumbidge River and some dams in Sth West NSW. Good baits: Fish heads, chicken gut.

Closed Season: Closed season September to April inclusive. No taking from notified trout waters and Blowering Dam. NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Other Spiny Crayfish (Eastern Freshwater) Legal length: 9 cm.

Bag limit: 5 (only 1 over 12 cm).

Possession limit: 10 (only 1 over 12 cm).

Habitat: Rivers, some lakes east and west of the Divide.

Good baits: As per Murray Crayfish.

Closed Season: No taking from notified trout waters.

Yabbies: Freshwater Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 200 in total.

Possession limit: 200 in total.

Habitat: Central and western NSW waters.

Good baits: Fish heads, chicken gut.

Unlisted native species Bag and possession limit: A maximum daily bag limit and possession limit of 10 in total applies other than for invertebrates.

Dams where Silver Perch and Freshwater Catfish may be taken

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Dams where Silver Perch and Freshwater Catfish may be taken

No.

Dam/weir

Nearest town

Species permitted

1

Pindari

Ashford

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

2

Copeton

Inverell

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

3

Split Rock

Manilla

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

4

Keepit

Gunnedah

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

5

Chaffey

Nundle

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

6

Glenbawn

Scone

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

7

Glennies Creek

Singleton

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

8

Windamere

Mudgee

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

9

Burrendong

Wellington

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

10

Ben Chifley

Bathurst

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

11

Wyangala

Cowra

Silver Perch, Freshwater Catfish

12

Wyangan

Griffith

Silver Perch

13

Yass

Yass

Silver Perch

14

Burrinjuck

Yass

Silver Perch

15

Lake Albert

Wagga Wagga

Silver Perch

16

Googong

Queanbeyan

Silver Perch

17

Blowering

Tumut

Silver Perch

18

Jounama

Talbingo

Silver Perch

Note: Freshwater Catfish may also be taken from all other eastern dams and eastern flowing streams as per the regulation. Refer to page 44.

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Brown Trout Commonly found in cool waters with moderate to swift flow and also in cool, clear lakes. They can weigh up to 14kg but are mostly caught below 2kg.

Colour: Can vary depending on factors such as age and habitat but is generally silver through brown to olive overall but darker along the back. Dark spots are present along the back and side with most surrounded by a pale halo and are often red below the mid-line.

Rainbow Trout Although known to reach more than 18kg, specimens larger than 4kg are regarded as exceptional.

Colour: Varies from silver to pale olive-brown overall and is darker along the back. Most specimens have spots on head, body, dorsal and caudal fins but they can be inconspicuous along the sides. Typically, has a red or orange patch on the gill cover which extends as a stripe along the mid-line.

Brook Trout Brook Trout are much smaller than other trout species, usually weighing in at around 1/2 kg. They are easily recognised by a large mouth which extends beyond the level of the eye.

Colour: Olive green background body colour with pale vermiculations and spots. The pelvic, pectoral and anal fins are dark grey with a prominent white anterior margin.

Atlantic Salmon Has adapted to some large impoundments in Australia but no wild populations exist since most of the natural life cycle takes place at sea. Catches in NSW waters seldom exceed 2kg.

Colour: Silvery overall. Bluish to olive-brown back with white belly and some dark spots usually confined to the upper sides. Fins are a dusky grey.

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Fish Bag Limits, Size Limits and Closed seasons Trout and Salmon bag, size and possession limits Trout waters

Legal length (cm)

Bag limit per day

Possession limit

Trout spawning streams

50

1

2 (single species or combined)

Artificial fly and lure waters

25

2 (single species or combined)

4 (single species or combined)

General trout streams

25

5 (single species or combined)

10 (single species or combined)

General trout dams

25

5 (single species or combined)

10 (single species or combined)

All other waters

25

10 (single species or combined)

20 (single species or combined)

Trout waters and fishing seasons Trout waters

Fishing seasons

Trout Spawning Streams

Closed: From Tuesday after the June (Queens Birthday) long weekend until midnight of the last Friday before the October (Labour Day) long weekend.

Open 1: As trout spawning streams: From 1 May morning until midnight Monday June long weekend.

Open 2: When otherwise classed as artificial fly & lure streams: From Saturday morning October long weekend until midnight 30 April.

Artificial Fly & Lure Waters

Closed: From Tuesday after the June (Queens Birthday) long weekend until midnight of the last Friday before the October (Labour Day) long weekend.

Open: From Saturday morning October long weekend until midnight Monday June long weekend.

General Trout Streams

Closed: From Tuesday after the June (Queens Birthday) long weekend until midnight of the last Friday before the October (Labour Day) long weekend.

Open: From Saturday morning October long weekend until midnight Monday June long weekend.

General Trout Dams

N/A (Open to fishing all year)

All other waters

N/A (Open to fishing all year)

Note: Fishing is prohibited for all species (Trout and other species) in trout waters during the closed season.

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50

Trout Waters To protect breeding populations, certain streams and dams have been classified as ‘notified’ trout waters. These waters have special regulations on gear and season and there are several types.

The different types of trout waters are shown below. If a stream is not listed check the major stream it runs into. Refer to pages 32 and 49 for more information on fishing rules relating to trout and salmon (Bag and Size limits and fishing season details for trout and salmon). Trout waters are listed alphabetically according to their category and location.

Northern NSW General trout streams Fishing season: Saturday morning October long weekend to Monday night, June long weekend.

Waters: The waters described below and all tributaries upstream of the junction with, but excluding, the waters or location described in brackets, unless otherwise stated in italics within the brackets. The backed up waters of any impoundments located therein are also excluded. Refer to the map for the location of waters.

1. Apsley River (Tia River included); 2. Barnard River (Gulf Creek included); 3. Barrington River (Moppy River included);

4. Beardy Waters (Furracabad Creek included); 5. Blicks River (Dundurrabin Road Bridge); 6. Carters Brook (Stewarts Brook included); 7. Chandler River (Wollomombi River included); 8. Cobark River (Dilgry River included); 9. Cooplacurripa River (Mummel River included); 10. Deepwater River (New England Highway Bridge); 11. Dungowan Creek (Road Crossing, Ogunbil Station), 12. Georges Creek (Louisa Creek); 13. Gloucester River (Sharpes Creek included); 14. Guy Fawkes River (Aberfoyle River); 16. Horton River (Cut Road Creek included); 17. Hunter River (Pages Creek); 18. Laura Creek (ford crossing at

Northern Trout Streams

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Trout Waters Baldersleigh Station); 19. McDonald River (New England Highway Road Bridge); 20. MacIntyre River (Road Bridge at Elsmore); 21. Manning River (Tuggalo Trail Crossing at Gummi Falls); 22. Moonan Brook (Hunter River); 23. Moredun Creek (ford crossing below Limestone Creek); 24. Mulla Creek (Cockburn River); 25. Myall Creek (Tuggolo Creek included); 26. Nowendoc River (Nowendoc Falls); 27. Nymboida River (Wild Cattle Creek included); 28. Oaky River (Oaky Dam); 29. Oban River (Sam River); 30. Omadale Brook (Pollblue Creek included); 31. Styx River (Armidale-Bellbrook Road Bridge); 32. Swan Brook (Kings Plains Road Bridge); 33. Wellingrove Creek (Gwydir Highway Road Bridge); 34. Gwydir River (Torryburn Bridge).

Other waters: The following waters: 15. Gwydir River – all triburaties upstream of Dingo Creek to Copeton Dam wall.

General trout dams Fishing season: All year.

Waters: The backed up waters of the following impoundments: Beardy Waters Dam – Glen Innes; Dumaresq Dam – Armidale; Malpas Dam – Armidale; Sheba Dams – Nundle.

Central NSW Artificial fly and lure waters Fishing season: Saturday morning October long weekend to Monday night, June long weekend.

Waters: The waters described below and all tributaries upstream of the junction with, but excluding, the waters or locations described in brackets. The backed up waters of any impoundments located therein are also excluded. Refer to the map for the location of waters.

1. Bell River (Belgravia Road Crossing); 9. Molong Creek (Borenore Creek); 10.

Wildes Meadow Creek (Fitzroy Falls Dam).

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Trout Waters

Central Trout Streams

Note: Portions of the Bell River and Molong Creek (numbers 1 & 9) are also General Trout Streams with, but excluding, the waters or location described in brackets, unless otherwise stated in italics within the brackets. The backed up waters of any impoundments located therein are also excluded. Refer to map for location of waters.

1. Bell River (Molong Creek included); 2. Belubula River (Cherry Tree Falls Bridge); 3. Boree Creek (Mandagery Creek); 4. Coxs River (Little River); 5. Cudgegong

Other waters: The following waters: Thompsons Creek Dam – the whole of the waters. Note: Fishing period is between 1 hour before sunrise to 3 hours after sunset.

General trout streams Fishing season: Saturday morning October long weekend to Monday night, June long weekend.

Waters: The waters described below and all tributaries upstream of the junction

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Trout Waters River (Lawson Park Weir to Windamere Dam wall); 6. Kowmung River (Morung Creek included); 7. Lachlan River (Cowra – Young Road Bridge); 8. Macquarie River (Lewis Ponds Creek included); 11. Wollondilly River (Tarlo River included); 12. Guinecor Creek (Wollondilly River).

General trout dams Fishing season: All year Waters: The backed up waters of the following impoundments: Ben Chifley Dam – Bathurst; Carcoar Dam – Carcoar: Fitzroy Falls Reservoir – Fitzroy Falls; Gosling Creek Reservoir – Orange; Lake Bathurst – Tarago; Lake Canobolas – Orange; Lake Lyell – Lithgow; Lake Wallace – Wallerawang; Marsden Weir – Goulburn; Oberon Dam – Oberon; Pejar Dam – Goulburn; Redground Dam (Crookwell Water Supply) – Crookwell; Rossi Weir – Goulburn; Tod Kill Park Dam – Crookwell; Wentworth Falls Lake – Wentworth Falls.

Southern NSW Trout Spawning Streams Fishing season: 1 May to end of June long weekend. Note: These waters are artificial fly and lure waters outside of this fishing season.

Waters: The waters described in the following locations: 1. Eucumbene River: All tributaries upstream of the dam wall including Providence Portal; 2. Thredbo River: All tributaries except a 2.4 km reach at Gaden Trout Hatchery.

Refer to the map for the location of waters.

Artificial fly and lure waters Fishing season: Saturday morning October long weekend to Monday night, June long weekend.

Waters: 1. Eucumbene River – all tributaries upstream of the dam wall including Providence Portal; 2. Thredbo River – all tributaries except a 2.4 km reach at Gaden

Trout Hatchery; 20. Swampy Plain River – all tributaries upstream of the junction of the Murray River and Indi backwater to the upstream boundary of Khancoban Station; Black Lake – the whole of the waters.

Other waters: The waters described below and all tributaries upstream of the junction with, but excluding, the waters or locations described in brackets. The backed up waters of any impoundments located therein are also excluded. Refer to the map for the location of waters.

3. Bobundra Creek (Snowy River); 4. Flea Creek (Goodradigbee River); 5. Kybeyan River (Numeralla River); 6. MacLaughlin River (Snowy River); 7. Mowamba River (Snowy River); 19. Khancoban Creek (Khancoban Pondage).

General trout streams Fishing season: Saturday morning October long weekend to Monday night, June long weekend.

Waters: The waters described and all tributaries upstream of the junction with, but excluding, the waters or location described in brackets unless otherwise stated in italics within the brackets. The backed up waters of any impoundments located therein are also excluded.

8. Bemboka River (Tantawangalo Creek); 9. Shoalhaven River (Mongarlowe River included); 10. Ingeegoodbee River (Victorian border); 11. Molonglo River (railway bridge, Burbong); 12 Murray River (Tintaldra Road Bridge); 13. Murrumbidgee River (Bredbo River included); 14. Queanbeyan River (fence boundary, Googong Dam Reserve); 15. Snowy River (Victorian border); 16. Tumut River (Murrumbidgee River); 17. Tuross River (Tuross Falls).

Other waters: The following waters: 18. Macphersons Swamp Creek; 21.

Goodradigbee River – upstream of the backed up waters of Burrinjuck Dam.

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Trout Waters Southern Trout Streams

Note: Trout spawning streams (numbers 1 and 2) are Artificial Fly and Lure Streams from start of October long weekend to 30 April.

General trout dams Fishing season: All year Waters: The backed up waters of the following impoundments. Captains Flat Dam – Queanbeyan; Coolumbooka Weir – Bombala; Diggers Creek Dam – Perisher Valley; Geehi Dam – Khancoban; Googong Dam – Queanbeyan; Guthega Lake – Jindabyne; Happy Jacks Pondage – Khancoban; Island Bend Dam – Jindabyne; Jounama Pondage – Talbingo; Khancoban Pondage – Khancoban; Lake Crackenback – Thredbo; Lake Eucumbene – Adaminaby; Lake Jindabyne – Jindabyne; Lake Williams – Nimmitabel; Murray 2 Pondage – Khancoban; Paddys River Dam – Tumbarumba; Talbingo Dam – Talbingo; Tantangara Dam – Adaminaby; Three Mile Dam – Kiandra; Tooma Dam – Khancoban; Tumut 2 Pondage – Khancoban; Tumut Ponds – Adaminaby; Three Mile Dam – Kiandra.

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Threatened species are animals or plants whose numbers or habitats have been reduced so much, or are facing such threats, that they’re in danger of becoming extinct. In NSW there are 28 species, populations and ecological communities of fish and marine vegetation listed as threatened with extinction. Approximately a third of all native fin fish species are found in lowland rivers.

Threatened species are one category of protected fish. There are also a number of other rare fish that are protected from fishing or collecting. Although populations of these species are not currently declining, they must be protected so that they do not become threatened at some time in the future. Some waters may be permanently closed to fishing to protect threatened species or periodically closed to assist in their protection during natural breeding periods – refer to each species listed below.

It’s illegal to take or attempt to take and keep any protected or threatened species. Any protected or threatened species that are accidentally caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.

What can you do?

You can contribute by reporting and recording any sightings you’ve made of protected or threatened aquatic species. This information will help I&I NSW better understand and manage these species.

Report any sightings of protected or threatened aquatic species to I&I NSW by calling 02 4916 3877 (recorded 24 hour service) or email fisheries.threatenedspecies@industry.nsw.gov.au.

If you observe a threatened or protected aquatic species, fill out an I&I NSW threatened species sighting form and submit it to I&I NSW, Locked Bag 1 Nelson Bay 2315. A threatened species sighting form can be downloaded from the website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Protected Australian Grayling Prototrocles maraena The Australian Grayling is found in the southern coastal rivers of NSW. There is a total ban on harvesting or harming them. Reasons for population decline include impacts from barriers to migration, river flow regulation, habitat degradation and possibly predation by introduced species Features: Colour varies from silver with an olive-grey back and whitish belly to olive green or brownish on the back, with a darker mid-lateral streak and greyish fins. Australian Grayling can grow to 300mm in length, but are more commonly around 170-180mm.

Closure: It is an offence to take or be in possession of Australian Grayling

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Freshwater Catfish (Eel-Tailed) Tandanus tandanus Formerly very abundant in the Murray/Darling Basin but numbers declined following the invasion of carp during the 1970’s and 80’s. Unlike other inland species, Catfish do not migrate for breeding but are one of the few species which will spawn in dams. In the Murray/Darling Basin Freshwater Catfish are listed as an Endangered Population. It is an offence to take, harm, or be in possession of Freshwater Catfish within the Murray/Darling Basin with the exception of the current listed impoundments where you may legally fish for them.

Features: Colour ranges from grey to brown dorsally or laterally, usually mottled with dark brown to black blotchings with a whitish underbelly.

Closure: To protect the species, fishing for Freshwater Catfish is prohibited in all western rivers and unlisted western dams in NSW apart from listed western dams and eastern dams and rivers (see page 47).

River Blackfish Gadopsis marmoratus Can occur in western flowing streams in NSW but its range is considerably reduced. They are particularly susceptible to siltation. Eggs covered with silt are likely to die and increased sediment levels can also kill juveniles. Prefers small upland streams habitat.

River Blackfish also occur in the Snowy River catchment which is listed as an Endangered Population. It is an offence to take, harm or be in possession of River Blackfish in the Snowy River catchment.

Features: Colour can vary from pale olive green or yellow/brown to almost black on back and sides with numerous, irregular, darker blotches.

Closure: Fishing for River Blackfish is prohibited in all NSW waters.

Threatened Eastern (Freshwater) Cod Maccullochella ikei Eastern Cod were once common in northeastern NSW however populations have declined significantly and are now thought to be found only in the Mann and Nymboida river systems, tributaries of the Clarence River.

Features: Eastern Cod are similar to Murray Cod and Mary River Cod. They can vary from pale green to golden with heavy black or green reticulated mottling. The pelvic fin is clear and relatively long. The lower jaw protrudes.

Closure: To protect breeding Eastern Cod, fishing is prohibited from 1 August to 31 October inclusive in the Mann River and its tributaries upstream of its junction with the Clarence River and including the Nymboida River and its tributaries from its junction with the Mann River upstream to Platypus Flat. The closure excludes notified trout waters.

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch are found in the upper reaches of the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, Murray and Hawkesbury/ Nepean catchments. It is believed populations have declined due to habitat change and diseases carried by introduced species such as Redfin Perch. It is one of the few native species which can live and breed in cold, fast flowing, mountain streams Features: Colour can vary significantly from almost black through to silver-grey or off-white.

The species can best be distinguished from Golden Perch by a large eye surrounded by white colouring; jaws of equal length and a less pronounced arch of the head behind the eyes.

Closure: It is an offence to take, harm, or be in possession of Macquarie Perch.

Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch were once widespread and abundant throughout most of the Murray/Darling Basin but wild populations have either declined to very low numbers or disappeared completely. The species depends on floods to distribute eggs so river regulation and water extraction are likely to have had major impacts. Prefers river, lake and reservoir habitats and areas of rapid water flow.

Features: Characterised by relatively small heads and beak-like snouts. Can reach 40cm in length and 8kg in weight but are more commonly found at around 30cm and 1.5kg.

Closure: Silver Perch may be taken from listed stocked dams but must not be taken in rivers.

See bag and size limits on page 45 and listed stocked impoundments on page 47.

Trout Cod Maccullochella macquariensis Once widespread throughout the lower Murray/ Darling system but only one natural breeding and three stocked populations remain in NSW. A comprehensive recovery plan to restore populations is being implemented.

Features: Trout Cod can be distinguished from Murray Cod by their grey colour with well defined dark spots and dashed markings; the snout and upper jaw are usually longer than the lower jaw; the forehead profile is straight or slightly convex and the snout and forehead are usually clear of any markings.

Closure: To protect breeding Trout Cod, the Murray River between Yarrawonga Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge is closed to fishing from 1 September to 30 November each year.

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Other freshwater species A number of smaller fish species are listed as threatened in NSW. However, freshwater fishers are unlikely to encounter them when carrying out normal fishing activities. Some of the species are Oxylean Pygmy Perch Nannoperca oxleyana, Murray Hardyhead Craterocephalus fluviatilis, Southern Pygmy Perch Nannoperca australis, Olive Perchlet (western population) Ambassis agassizii, Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa Closure: It is an offence to take, attempt to Oxylean Pygmy Perch take, harm, or be in possession of any of these species.

Murray Hardyhead

Olive Perchlet

Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon

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Fishing Closures Why do we close areas to fishing?

Areas can be closed to fishing for a variety of reasons but mainly to protect fish and fish habitat, to promote a fair share of the catch among the community or for safety reasons. Areas can be closed permanently or temporarily or at a specific time of year.

Fishing restrictions may apply in other areas i.e. certain types of fishing gear may not be permitted for use or certain species may not be allowed to be taken. Closures below and above dams and weirs protect fish where they gather to spawn or migrate. Fishing closures apply to threatened and protected species. It is an offence to take, or attempt to take, harm or possess threatened or protected species – refer to the threatened and protected species section of the guide for more information.

Refer to the map for the location of freshwater fishing closures. Freshwater fishing closures are summarised in the

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following tables. Note: In the table the term ‘all methods’ means that line fishing (rod or hand line), trapping, netting and bait and invertebrate collection (using methods such as hand gathering or digging) for all species is not permitted in the waters specified during the period specified, unless otherwise stated.

2010

Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – North Coast/North East Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

1

Doon Doon Creek

Tweed

Uki

From the Clarrie Hall Dam wall downstream to the junction with the Tweed River

1 Aug – 31 Oct

All methods

2

Iron Pot Creek

Richmond

Kyogle

1km downstream from the Toonumbar Dam access crossing.

1 Aug – 31 Oct

All methods

3

Mann River & tributaries

Clarence

Jackadgery

Upstream of its junction with the Clarence River and including the Nymboida River and its tributaries from its junction with the Mann River upstream to Platypus Flat, excluding notified trout waters.

1 Aug – 31 Oct

All methods

4

Serpentine River

Macleay

Ebor

From the weir above the Dutton Trout Hatchery to 2.4km downstream, including hatchery dams/ponds.

All year

All methods

5

Bonshaw Weir

Dumaresq

Bonshaw

100m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

6

Goondiwindi Weir

MacIntyre

Goondiwindi

150m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

7

Main (top) Weir, Chaffey Park

Manilla

Manilla

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

8

Lake Keepit

Namoi

Gunnedah

150m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

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Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – Central Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

9

Jenolan River

Coxs River

Jenolan Caves

From its headwaters to 850m downstream of the spawning pool (next to Hydro Electric Plant)

All year

All methods

10

Burrendong Dam

Macquarie

Wellington / Mumbil

185m upstream and downstream of weir face and within spillway channel

All year

All methods

11

Wyangala

Lachlan

Cowra

400m downstream of weir face (to low level bridge)

All year

All methods

12

Lake Cargelligo

Lachlan

Lake Cargelligo

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

13

Lake Brewster

Lachlan

Lake Cargelligo

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

14

Willandra

Lachlan

Willandra

100m upstream & 185m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

Freshwater fishing closures – South Coast/South West Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

15

Tallowa Dam

Shoalhaven

Kangaroo Vallley

300m downstream of weir face

All year

Taking of Australian Bass

16

Burrinjuck Dam

Murrumbidgee

Yass

640m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

17

Blowering Dam

Tumut

Tumut

250m downstream of Power Station

All year

All methods

17

Blowering Dam

Tumut

Tumut

Backed up waters of Blowering Dam

All year

Use of hoop or lift nets

18

Jounama Pondage

Tumut

Talbingo

800m downstream of spillway gates

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

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Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – South Coast/South West Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

19

Sawpit Creek

Thredbo

Jindabyne

From it’s source downstream to the junction with the Thredbo River

All year

All methods

19

Thredbo River

Thredbo

Jindabyne

From the upstream end of Paddys Corner Reserve to 2.4 km upstream, including trout hatchery dams / ponds

All year

All methods

20

Khancoban Pondage

Swampy Plain

Khancoban

120m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

21

Hume Weir

Murray

Albury

130m downstream of weir face (the waters of Lake Hume are Victorian waters.

Contact 136 186)

All year

Victorian fishing rules apply in Lake Hume.

Contact 136 186 for details

22

Horseshoe Lagoon

Murray

Albury

All waters

All year

All fishing except catch and release fishing for Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Silver Perch

23

Berembed Weir

Murrumbidgee

Ganmain, Matong, Berembed

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

24

Yanco Creek Weir

Murrumbidgee

Yanco, Narrandera

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

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Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – South Coast/South West Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

25

Gogeldrie Weir

Murrumbidgee

Gogeldrie

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

25

Murrumbidgee River and tributaries

Murrumbidgee

Narrandera From Narrandera /Darlington downstream to Point the Darlington Point Road Bridge

All year

Yabby traps *

26

Yarrawonga Weir

Murray

Yarrawonga

50m upstream & 201m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

27

Murray River & tributaries

Murray

Mulwala, Barooga, Tocumwal

Between Yarrawonga Weir & Newell Highway Bridge at Tocumwal

1 Sept – 30 Nov

All methods

27

Murray River & tributaries

Murray

Mulwala, Barooga, Tocumwal

Between Yarrawonga Weir & Newell Highway Bridge at Tocumwal

1 Dec – 31 Aug (following year)

All methods except 5 hoop nets, one shrimp trap, one landing net and 2 attended lines

27

Murray River & tributaries

Murray

Tocumwal / Echuca

From the Newell Highway at Tocumwal downstream to the Echuca Road Bridge

All year

Yabby traps*

28

Edward River and tributaries

Edward

Deniliquin

From Picnic Point downstream to Steven’s Weir

All year

Yabby traps*

28

Stevens Weir

Edward

Deniliquin

80m upstream & 70m downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

29

Hay Weir

Murrumbidgee

Hay

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

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Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – South Coast/South West Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period

Prohibited

30

Maude (No.7) Weir

Murrumbidgee

Maude

All year

All methods

31

Redbank (No.5) Weir

Murrumbidgee

Penarie / Yanga

50m upstream & downstream of weir face 50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

32

Balranald Weir

Murrumbidgee

Balranald

50m upstream & downstream of weir face

All year

All methods

33

Robinvale Weir and lock No.15

Murray

Euston

All year

All methods

34

Mildura Weir and lock No.11

Murray

Buronga / Mildura

All year

All methods

35

Wentworth Weir and lock No.10

Murray

Wentworth

50m upstream & 65m downstream from where the weir wall joins the NSW bank, in a straight line from the NSW bank across the river to the downstream end of the lock chamber.

50m upstream & 142m downstream from where the weir wall joins the NSW bank, in a straight line across the river to 120m downstream from where the weir wall joins the Victorian bank 50m upstream & 65m downstream from where the weir wall joins the Victorian bank, in a straight line from the Victorian bank across the river to the downstream end of the lock training wall

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

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Fishing Closures Freshwater fishing closures – South Coast/South West Region Major river

Nearest town / locality

Fishing closure distance (m)

Period Prohibited

36

Kulnine Weir and lock No.9

Murray

Morna State Forest / Crozier Rock

50m upstream & 150m downstream from where the weir wall joins the NSW bank, in a straight line from the NSW bank across the river to the downstream end of the lock chamber.

All year

All methods

37

Wangumma Weir and lock No.8

Murray

Boundary Creek / Wangumma State Forest

50m upstream & 150m downstream from where the weir wall joins the Victorian bank, in a straight line from the Victorian bank across the river to the downstream end of the lock chamber.

All year

All methods

38

Lake Victoria

Frenchmans Creek

Lake Victoria

100m upstream & 120m downstream of the inlet regulator on the northern bank and 100m upstream and 100m downstream of the inlet regulator on the southern bank

All year

All methods

38

Lake Victoria

Rufus River

Lake Victoria

From where the weir wall joins the NSW bank and within 100m upstream and downstream from the centre of the outlet regulator

All year

All methods

38

Rufus Weir and lock No.7

Murray

Lake Victoria

50m upstream & 125m downstream from where the weir wall joins the NSW bank, in a straight line from the NSW bank across the river to the downstream end of the lock chamber.

All year

All methods

No on map

Closure

*Note: Yabby traps are also prohibited in waters east of the Newell Highway (see pages 36-37 for more details).

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Fish Hatcheries and Fish Stocking Fish stocking helps maintain natural populations and helps to boost existing stocks for the recreational fishers of the state to enjoy. Fish stocking is also an important conservation tool for safeguarding endangered species. The NSW Government is continuing to run a comprehensive and sustainable fish stocking program based on the Fish Stocking Fisheries Management Strategy. Four government fish hatcheries produce fish for public release. They are the Narrandera Fisheries Centre at Narrandera, which produces Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver Perch and Trout Cod; the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre at Taylors Beach, which produces Australian Bass; the Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor, which produces Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout and the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne which produces Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The fish are released into rivers and dams across NSW with assistance from fishing clubs and fish acclimatisation societies.

Funds from the Recreational Fishing Fee boost fish production at government hatcheries and support the Dollar-For-Dollar stocking program, which matches funds from community groups to stock local waterways with native fish.

For more information check out the I&I NSW website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au

To apply for a fish stocking permit, call (02) 4982 1232. A fish stocking permit is not required for stocking fish into farm dams.

2006/07

5,722,026

Hatchery tours Visitors can experience the fascinating hatchery work first-hand through daily guided tours. Attractions include feeding large breeding specimens as they surface in a network of broodstock ponds, aquarium displays and audio-visual shows. Individual and group visitors are welcome. Educational tours can be organised for schools. A small admission fee applies.

2007/08

6,303,221

For more information or to book a tour call:

2008/09

4,573,193

- Gaden Hatchery (Snowy Mountains) 02 6451 3400

Annual fish stocking figures

Fish Stocking Permit A fish stocking permit is required from I&I NSW prior to release of fish into public waters. Permits are issued free of charge however certain conditions must be met.

- Dutton Hatchery (New England tablelands) 02 6775 9139 - John Lake Centre (Narrandera) 02 6959 9021

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Conserving our biodiversity

Conserving our biodiversity Biodiversity is the term used to describe the presence of many and varied biological life forms. Preventing the loss of aquatic biodiversity is key in keeping our waterways healthy and productive thus ensuring viable fisheries exist for future generations.

Conserving aquatic habitats More habitat – More fish Healthy and diverse habitats mean healthy and diverse fish populations: A must if you want to catch fish. Habitats are those places were fish live, migrate to and from, feed and breed. Examples include rivers, billabongs, creeks and wetlands.

Just like anglers, fish need to be able to access habitat. Too often fish are stopped by poorly designed road crossings, weirs and dams.

Fish habitat is also under pressure from NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide

expanding populations and some areas have been lost or degraded to the point where they no longer support native fish populations. I&I NSW is working with many people and organisations to protect and rehabilitate fish habitat to assist the recovery of fish stocks. Funding support from the Recreational Fishing Trusts has been provided to assist with this venture. n

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Pests and Diseases Pests and diseases Pest species have been introduced both intentionally and accidentally into NSW waters from interstate or overseas. Pest species can invade marine or freshwater environments and can threaten native fish and their habitats. The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) has rigorous and highly effective import declaration, inspection and import treatment requirements in place to protect Australia’s unique environment. Despite this, a very small percentage of imported items may still contain a pest or disease of concern after clearing quarantine, so it is important that we keep an eye out for possible pests and diseases and their potential sources/ contaminants in order to prevent their spread into our aquatic environment.

Exotic freshwater fish already present in NSW and considered pests include Carp, Redfin, Banded Grunter, Eastern Gambusia, Oriental Weatherloach and Goldfish. Marine pests present in NSW include Pacific Oysters, the alga Caulerpa taxifolia, European Shore Crab, European Fan Worm and the New Zealand Screw Shell. Potential pests include the Northern Pacific Seastar, Japanese Seaweed, Asian Date Mussel, Asian Green Mussel and Black Striped Mussel.

What you can do: You can protect our waterways and native fish by helping to stop the introduction and spread of pest fish into new areas.

E If you think you’ve seen a marine or freshwater pest species or disease symptoms in fish, record the location accurately including a GPS point if possible, take a photo and/or collect a sample and report your sighting to I&I NSW on 02 4916 3877 (recorded 24 hour service); e-mail aquatic.pests@ industry.nsw.gov.au or online at

www.industry.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity.

E I f the organism is a fish, place it in a plastic bag and freeze it. If it’s a sample of aquatic weed, take the piece(s) home and carefully dry them between two sheets of blotting paper.

E D o not transfer fish between waterways and do not use live fish as bait in freshwater or live or dead Redfin Perch as bait in freshwater – it is illegal.

E O btain a permit to stock fish in public waters and buy fingerlings for stocking from a registered hatchery to minimise the chances of contamination with undesirable species.

E P revent unwanted hitchhikers - check, clean and dry boats and gear between waterways.

E D on’t dump that fish! Give unwanted aquarium fish to friends or a pet shop, rather than letting them go in the wild (Note: it is illegal to release live fish into NSW waterways without a permit, and heavy penalties apply).

E P revent accidental fish escapes – screen outdoor ponds to prevent overflow during heavy rains.

Didymo Didymo is a freshwater algae more commonly known as “rock snot”. It is highly invasive and is listed as one of the world’s worst 100 invaders. Fortunately Didymo is not found in Australia but it has recently invaded the south island of New Zealand. It can be spread very easily and by just one drop of water. Didymo forms dense clumps of brown material and smothers stream beds by attaching to rocks, plants and other materials in the water. The algae can attach to clothing of fishers, to fishing gear or boating equipment. It can then potentially be spread between waterways

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Pests and Diseases if not removed. Eradication is virtually impossible once it has become established within a waterbody. Fishers are at risk of accidentally introducing Didymo in NSW waters by using contaminated fishing gear and felt-soled waders.

What you can do: E Check, clean and dry fishing gear and equipment if you have been fishing in an area known to contain Didymo before bringing it home. This can be done by soaking gear in a hot water solution of five per cent household bleach. Also soak gear in washing detergent for 45 minutes.

E D eclare all used fresh water fishing equipment (including fishing rods, lines, lures, waders, wading boots and felt-soled shoes) and recreational water equipment (including for kayaking and canoeing) that have been used in freshwater areas of New Zealand and other countries known to have Didymo algae on arrival in Australia to the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) for inspection and treatment for Didymo algae where necessary. Call AQIS on 1800 020 504 or refer to the AQIS website www.aqis.gov.au for more information.

E R eport any suspicious algal sightings or other pests in NSW waterways to I&I NSW on 02 4916 3877 (recorded 24 hour service) or email aquatic.pests@ industry.nsw.gov.au.

E I f you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods or if you suspect someone is breaking Australian quarantine inspection laws, call AQIS on 1800 803 006. Contributions from concerned citizens are valued because everyone plays a part in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.

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Redfin (English Perch)

Redfin is a medium sized freshwater fish native to northern Europe which was introduced to Australia in the 1860’s and is now widespread across much of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern South Australia and the south-western corner of Western Australia. They can be easily identified by their bright red lower fins and tail. Redfin are popular with some anglers because of their fighting qualities and taste.

However they are also voracious predators of fish and invertebrates and can adversely affect species such as Macquarie Perch by carrying EHN virus and out-compete other species in enclosed water bodies.

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Pests and Diseases Carp (European Carp)

Carp are a large freshwater fish native to central Asia. Introductions in many countries have helped make Carp the most widely distributed freshwater fish in the world. They are extensively farmed in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and are a popular angling fish in Europe. Carp are very versatile and can live in a great variety of habitats including highly degraded areas.

Over the past 30 years Carp have spread across most of south-eastern Australia and are now the most abundant freshwater fish in some areas, including most of the Murray/Darling Basin and are thought to have contributed to the degradation of our natural aquatic ecosystems. Carp are a popular sport species in Europe, however as they are noxious in NSW recreational fishers are encouraged to retain and utilise landed carp rather than returning them live to the water. Fish retained should be dispatched humanely.

What you can do: E Do not transfer fish between waterways and don’t use live Carp as bait in freshwater or live or dead Redfin Perch as bait in freshwater (it’s illegal and carries a high probability of infesting new areas).

E Only keep Koi in places (garden ponds and other outdoor containers) where they cannot escape into natural waterways.

E Ensure your boat and trailers are free of weed before re-launching to avoid the possibility of spreading Carp eggs and juveniles.

E R eport any sightings of Carp or Redfin Perch outside of their known distribution to I&I NSW by phoning 02 4916 3877 (recorded 24 hour service) or email aquatic.pests@industry.nsw.gov.au or, fill out an I&I pest species sighting form and submit it to I&I NSW, Locked Bag 1 Nelson Bay 2315. A pest species sighting form can be downloaded from the I&I NSW website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Fish kills A fish kill is defined as “any sudden and unexpected mass mortality of wild or cultured fish”.

Fish kills are often very visible events which cause considerable interest and concern to the public and the media because they are often perceived to be the result of pollution or contamination of waters. In fact, there are many and varied causes of fish kills and a large proportion are due to natural events.

Fish kills in the wild should be reported to your local I&I NSW fisheries officers and/ or a Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water officer on contact number 131 555.

For general fishing information call 02 9527 8411 or check the website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Fishing Event Management

Recreational fishing representatives and I&I NSW have developed a code of practice for fishing events in NSW. The vision is for all fishing events to follow the voluntary code of practice so that organisers and participants in events operate in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible way. Event rules and activities should demonstrate best practice and where possible, enhance the economic benefit for the general community.

The code of practice requires organisers and participants in fishing events to: E O perate in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner.

E C omply with fisheries, maritime and environmental protection regulations.

Guidelines have been developed to help event organisers abide by the voluntary code of practice. The guidelines are intended to apply to a wide range of fishing events, whether they are catch and keep or catch and release format, and will help improve fishing competition management in NSW. Ideas to improve your fishing event There are many different ways that fishing events can be improved, some examples are given below: E Reduce the number of species eligible in the competition to popular or target species only.

E P romote responsible fishing practices.

E M aximise opportunities to help the sport, the environment and the general community.

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Fishing Event Management E R educe bag limits (including ineligible fish).

E L imit the number of fish per species that can be weighed/measured and recorded.

E D isplay an up-to-date scoreboard to reduce the take and presentation of unnecessary fish for recording.

E I nitiate gear restrictions to maximise fish survival. Examples include: C Lure only, circle hook only, barbless hook only, knotless landing nets etc.

E I ntroduce catch and release format: C Buddy system, photo validation, live weigh/measure of fish.

E I mprove catch and release events: C If you require participants to hold live fish for recording by stewards require flow-through live wells. Also, reduce holding time of fish by using an increased number of stewards.

E L imit the number of competitors: Reduce the total impact by capping the effort.

E C onsider the timing of event and location of fishing area to minimise impact: C Account for potential fish barotrauma issues in deeper water, limit impact on breeding aggregations, avoid known locations of protected/ threatened species, consider other users of boat ramps etc.

More details are available on our website.

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Community Programs

Do you have a passion for fishing and would like to contribute to protecting our aquatic environment? Why not become a Fishcare Volunteer? You can volunteer for general Fishcare activities or specialise as a schools Fishcare Volunteer.

The I&I NSW Fishcare Volunteer Program is funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust. As a volunteer you will be helping to create better awareness among anglers and the wider community about sustainable recreational fishing. Volunteers provide assistance in activities such as children’s fishing workshops, angler education, habitat rehabilitation, assisting in research programs and advisory displays at trade shows and field days. The program continues to grow in NSW, with over 380 volunteers across NSW working both on land and on the water on dedicated Fishcare boats.

Help take a kid fishing I&I NSW fishing workshops are coordinated

by Fisheries Education Officers with NSW Recreational Fishing Guide

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assistance from Fishcare Volunteers, staff and some fishing club members. They are an excellent way for kids to learn hands-on fishing techniques such as casting, rigging, and safe handling of fish at a local fishing spot. Fishing workshops also teach young children about good fishing practices, the importance of protecting our fishing resources, threatened species and aquatic habitat management.

Assist at your local school The I&I NSW Get Hooked It’s Fun to Fish program encourages children to take an active role in the management of their waterways and fish stocks. Aimed at primary school students, kids are introduced

Community Programs to freshwater and marine fishing, the significance of aquatic life and life-cycles, catch and release skills, and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat while practising safe and responsible fishing behaviours. Schools Fishcare Volunteers are a valuable resource for teachers, especially in the fishing workshop component of the program. To volunteer you will need to be able to work predominately in the classroom, Monday to Friday, 9-3pm.

Who can become a volunteer?

If you’re over 18 years of age and can assist around one day per month you can apply to become a volunteer. Conditions apply. Fishcare Volunteers have no enforcement powers.

If you would like more information about these programs or would like to apply to become a Fishcare Volunteer, please visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au or call: Dee McElligott, State Coordinator – Community Programs, Recreational Fishing on ph 02 9527 8531 or dee.mcelligott@industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Contact Details E R egistration numbers of any boats or cars involved and their descriptions.

E Your own name and contact details to further substantiate your report and provide you with follow up information.

Reporting illegal activities Report illegal or suspect fishing activities to the nearest local I&I NSW fisheries office or fishers watch phoneline on free call 1800 043 536. This is a 24 hour reporting service which is checked regularly.

All information provided will be treated, and remain, absolutely confidential.

Where an immediate response is not possible due to conducting of other operations or safety considerations, information received will be used in targeting on-going surveillance and enforcement activities.

When lodging any report be prepared to provide the following information: E Type of activity.

E Time, date and location of activity.

E Number of people involved, identity if known and descriptions.

Fisheries Office Locations

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Contact Details Inland Offices Region Central Tablelands

Research Station Drive, Bathurst, 2795

Office

Mobile

02 6331 1428

0488 220 443

Hume

3/556 Macauley Street, Albury, 2640

02 6042 4228

0419 185 548

Far West

Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, Silver City Highway, Dareton, 2717

03 5019 8408

0427 429 579

Macquarie

Cnr Hampden and Cobra Streets, Dubbo, 2830

02 6845 4633

0438 410 585

Monaro

Kosciusko Road, Jindabyne, 2627

02 6451 3402

0427 460 226

New England

127 Otho Street, Inverell, 2360

02 6722 1388

0419 185 532

Peel

4 Marsden Park Road, Calala, 2340

02 6763 1132

0417 480 933

Riverina

449 Charlotte Street, Deniliquin, 2710

03 5881 9928

0427 897 145

South West Slopes

64 Fitzroy Street, Tumut, 2720

02 6947 9028

0408 484 299

Office

Mobile

Tweed

10/12 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads, 2486

07 5523 6900

0419 185537

Richmond

15 Regatta Avenue, Ballina, 2478

02 6618 1800

0417 692608

Coastal Offices Far North Coast

Clarence

18A River Street, Maclean, 2463

02 6645 0500

0419 185533

Coffs Harbour

32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty, 2450

02 6652 3977

0419 185536

North Coast Hastings

3/22-24 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie, 2444

02 5524 0600

0407 957631

Wallis Lake

2 Palm Street, Tuncurry, 2428

02 6591 6300

0428 546078

Central Coast Port Stephens

Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach, 2316

02 4916 3933

0427 497341

Hunter

55 Lambton Parade, Swansea, 2281

02 4980 9202

0419 185516

Gosford

Research Road, Narrara, 2250

02 4328 8618

0419 185517

Sydney Metropolitan Sydney North

12 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft, 2065

02 8437 4903

0419 185553

Sydney South

1 Water Street, Sans Souci, 2219

02 9529 6021

0419 185521

Illawarra/Shoalhaven Illawarra

43 Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra South, 2528

02 4295 1809

0439 162981

Shoalhaven

4 Woollamia Road, Huskisson, 2540

02 4428 3400

0419 185545

Batemans Bay

Suite 8, Braysyth Building, Cnr Beach Road & Orient Street, Batemans Bay, 2536

02 4472 4032

0427 855008

Montague

Riverside Drive, Narooma, 2546

02 4476 2072

0409 316508

Far South Coast

13 Cocora Street, Eden, 2551

02 6496 1377

0427 899875

South Coast

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Contact Details Marine Park Offices Marine Parks

Business Hours

Solitary Islands Marine Park

02 6652 0900

Jervis Bay Marine Park

02 4441 7752

Cape Byron Marine Park

02 6620 9300

Lord Howe Island Marine Park

02 6563 2359

Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park

02 4916 3970

Batemans Marine Park

02 4476 0800

As officers spend a lot of time in the field, office hours vary. It is best to call before visiting any office.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

Location

Catch

Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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