The upcoming June long weekend offers anglers their final opportunity for trout fishing in streams and rivers across NSW before the fishing season closes over winter.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPI) Program Leader Fish Stocking and Enhancement, Jim Harnwell said the annual closure, commencing on Tuesday 10 June 2025, is crucial to allow salmonid species to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning season.
"The four-month closure ensures we protect our valuable fisheries resources for future seasons," Mr Harnwell said.
"By giving salmonid species the opportunity to spawn without disturbance, we help maintain healthy fish populations for recreational fishers to enjoy in the years ahead."
While the closure restricts fishing in trout streams and rivers, anglers can still enjoy fishing at popular trout dams and designated waterways across NSW, including:
- Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Dam in the Snowy Mountains
- Oberon Dam near Bathurst
- Talbingo Dam near Tumut
- Malpas Dam near Armidale
- The Macquarie River (excluding tributaries above its junction with, and including, Lewis Ponds Creek)
- The Turon River and its tributaries below the Upper Turon Road crossing.
The fishing season for trout and salmon in trout rivers and streams will re-open from the start of the October long weekend,
Saturday, 4 October 2025.
NSW DPIRD Director Fisheries Compliance, Mika Malkki warns that fishing in trout streams during the closed streams is an offence.
"DPIRD Fisheries Officers will be actively patrolling inland waterways throughout the closure to ensure compliance," Mr Malkki said.
"Fishers heading to any of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to always have a current NSW recreational fishing fee receipt (fishing licence) on them while fishing.
"A combined bag limit of five and a size limit of 25cm applies to trout or salmon in all trout dams except in artificial fly and lure dams where the bag limit is two."
"It's essential that fishers adhere to the regulations to support the sustainability of our fisheries."
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing activity or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.
