A number of changes to size limits, bag limits and fishing methods have been introduced to recreational fishing rules. NSW DPI is undertaking an extensive public advisory campaign to promote the changes. Updated information is available from recreational fishing fee agents (most tackle shops), DPI fisheries offices or phone 1300 550 474.

Saltwater

All changes are indicated in bold.

Finfish Bag and Size Limits

Baitfish Bag Limits

# the above baitfish bag limits do not apply to charter boat operators.

Invertebrate Bag Limits

# denotes bag limits which do not apply to charter boat operators.

* a bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Freshwater

Native fish

All changes are indicated in bold.

Invetebrates

* a bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Fishing methods & closures

Line fishing

Unattended lines will no longer be permitted in any non-tidal waters in NSW. This means that you must not set a fishing line or leave it unattended. The number of attended lines permitted in all non-tidal waters (other than in some notified trout waters) will now be two. The distance a fisher may be from an attended line will be increased from 10 metres to 50 metres and within line of sight.

Fishing gear

A maximum set time of 24 hours will apply for all fishing gear (e.g. hoop nets, yabby traps). This means that fishing gear must be lifted at least once within a 24 hour period.

The prohibition on the use of gaffs to take trout will be extended to all freshwater species and waters. This means that a gaff cannot be used to take any fish in inland waters. A landing net is a suitable alternative for retrieving fish that have been legally caught.

Bag and possession limits

Previously, freshwater bag and possession limits only applied to fishers that were in, on or adjacent to waters. This will now be extended to include the transport and storage of freshwater fish to provide clarification and ease with compliance. This rule does not apply to the purchase of fish from a registered fish receiver (e.g. a fish shop).

Fishing closures

1. To protect breeding Eastern cod, fishing will be 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. This closure excludes notified trout waters.

2. Existing recreational fishing closures such as trap closures, net closures, dam / weir closures and species closures have been simplified and consolidated into one new Closure Notification. This will make it easier for fishers to find information on inland fishing closures and trout waters.

Trout fishing

Trout water categories

 The number of trout water categories has been simplified, namely:

(1) Artificial ure and fly only waters - incorporating the former blue ribbon streams, catch and release streams, trophy trout dams and trout spawning streams.

(2) General trout waters - incorporating the former general trout streams and dams, where bait fishing is allowed.

The total fishing closures in three trout streams: Khancoban Creek, Wilde’s Meadow Creek and Tumbledown Creek will be removed. These streams will be managed as artificial fly and lure only waters.

Bag and size limits

A bag limit of 5 will continue to apply in general trout waters. A bag limit of 2 will apply in artificial fly and lure waters, except spawning streams (Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers from 1 May to the end of the June long weekend) where the bag limit is 1. In all other waters, the bag limit for trout and salmon will remain at 10 per day. Size limits for trout and salmon remain unchanged (25cm in all notified trout waters other than spawning streams, where the size limit is 50cm).

Fishing methods

One rod and line will be permitted in artificial lure and fly and lure waters and general trout streams. Two rods and lines are permitted in general trout dams. The current limit of 2 hooks per line will continue to apply in all notified trout waters except trout dams, where the number of hooks per line has been increased from 2 to 3 (where hooks are artificial lures or flies) to allow for loch style fishing.

Summary of new trout and salmon fishing rules

All changes are indicated in bold.

* a bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species. The possession limit is equivalent to the twice the daily bag limit unless otherwise stated.

Courtesy of: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/summary