Anglers are reminded that the annual Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish seasons close on Thursday, 1 September 2016.
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It is illegal to fish for Murray Cod until 1 December 2016, while the Murray Crayfish season is closed for the next nine months until 1 June 2107.
The Murray Cod is one of Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres and weighing up to 50 kilograms.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Inland Recreational Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said the Murray Cod fishery is subject to closed periods each year to protect the native species during its breeding season.
“However fishers can continue to take Murray Cod within the legal size slot limit of 55cm to 75cm from Copeton Dam during the closure,” he said.
Copeton Dam fishery is maintained by stocking and research shows very low natural recruitment within the dam.
Anglers are also reminded the Trout Cod, found in parts of the Murray-Murrumbidgee Rivers, and also the Eastern Freshwater Cod, found in the Upper Clarence River in north eastern NSW, are totally protected all year round.
“Trout Cod can be differentiated by Murray Cod by their overhanging upper jaw, convex forehead and spotted markings,” Mr Westaway said.
“The Trout Cod protection area on the Murray River between Yarrawonga Weir and Tocumwal Road bridge is also closed to all forms of fishing during the Murray Cod closed season from September to November inclusive.”
Mr Westaway said the Murray Crayfish fishery is closed all year as they are a vulnerable species and can only be legally taken in specified waters of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers from 1 June to 31 August.
“NSW recreational freshwater fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations,” he said.
Anyone who is unsure of the rules and regulations should contact their local Fisheries Office before they go fishing. Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/freshwater