This coming October Labour Day long weekend marks the start of the NSW trout fishing season with tens of thousands of anglers expected to experience the thrill of this well-loved freshwater sportfishing in New South Wale's scenic alpine and high-country waterways.
The 2025-26 season officially opens on Saturday 4 October following the annual four-month closure to allow fish to spawn and reproduce. The season remains open to midnight 8 June 2026.
Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition for the opening with 2 million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon to be stocked into rivers and lakes across the fishery over the coming six months.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to making recreational fishing more accessible and family friendly by promoting these opportunities during school holidays and through school education programs.
The Government's Dutton and Gaden Trout Hatcheries produce millions of trout and salmon each year, as well as breeding endangered natives species, and in recognition of this important role the Government is considering how this can be increased.
Supporting the annual trout season through stocking programs is an important plank in the Minns Government's plans to boost regional economies and generate jobs through the tourism and travel generated by sport fishing.
NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, stretching from the pristine rivers of the Snowy Mountains and the tree-lined creeks of the Central West to the clear, rocky streams of New England.
The recreational fishing generates thousands of visitors from across the country each year and produces around $3.4 billion in economic activity annually.
It is important that all recreational fishers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Fee Receipt (unless exempt) and take the opportunity to remind themselves of the fishing rules before wetting a line.
A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offices, fishing fee agents or online.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Government is committed to strengthening the recreational fishing sector by providing high-quality fishing experiences, and especially those that benefit regional communities.
"Trout fishing in NSW is more than just a weekend hobby; it plays a significant role in supporting regional tourism and driving local economic activity.
"The beauty of trout fishing is that it also brings people into contact with nature, the environment and the serenity of looking at a stream brimming with life in the water and around its banks. These factors can play an important part in the wellbeing of individuals.
"NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.
"Fishers heading out for the start of the trout fishing season will be in for a treat, with our world-class stocking program ensuring great fishing opportunities for these highly popular sportfish."
