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Home , Ben Chifley Dam, Cudgegong River, Jenolan River, Lachlan River, Lake Canobolas, Little River (Dubbo)

Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide

November 2014 Primefact 1018 Second edition Recreational and Indigenous Recreational Fishing Fee Fisheries Unit When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, you are required by law to pay the Introduction NSW recreational fishing fee and carry a receipt showing the payment of the fee. This applies Our State's fisheries are a community-owned when spear fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, resource. We all have a responsibility to protect trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or and safeguard this natural asset for present and when in possession of fishing gear in, on or future generations. adjacent to waters. Fishing regulations are in place to protect and All money raised by the NSW recreational fishing conserve our fish stocks and aquatic habitats to fee is spent on improving recreational fishing in ensure that fishing activities remain sustainable. NSW. Some projects include: The District boasts a • Angler facilities such as fish cleaning tables tremendous variety of waterways from which to and fishing platforms. choose. Situated mostly on a sub-alpine plateau, typically over 600 m in elevation, the waterways • Stocking of freshwater fish in and range from large dams and fast running mountain . streams to slower lowland rivers in the valleys. • Essential research on popular recreational Situated in the district are the large dams of fish species. , and Windermere. These • Enhancing compliance with fishing rules. dams provide excellent fishing and are regularly stocked with Murray cod and golden and silver • Restoring important fish habitat. perch. • Research stocking of mulloway and prawns Fisheries Officers from NSW Department of in estuaries. Primary Industries (NSW DPI) routinely patrol • The installation of fish aggregating devices waterways, boat ramps and impoundments (FADs) to enhance fishing opportunities for advising anglers about responsible fishing dolphin fish or even tuna and marlin. practices and ensuring compliance with NSW fishing regulations. • Creation of Recreational Fishing Havens. Information on bag and size limits, fishing • Angler education and advisory programs closures and legal fishing gear can be obtained such as the Fishcare Volunteer Program, free of charge from the NSW DPI website fishing workshops and fishing guides. www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries, by calling 1300 • Building artificial reefs in Lake Macquarie, 550 474, or by visiting your local NSW DPI , St Georges Basin and Lake fisheries office. Conjola. More reefs in other estuaries are To report illegal fishing activity, call your local planned. fisheries office or the Fishers Watch Phoneline • Investigating the building of artificial reefs in on 1800 043 536. All calls will be treated as offshore areas. confidential and you can remain anonymous.

Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide

You can pay the NSW recreational fishing fee at downstream of the weir face to the low level hundreds of agents throughout NSW, such as bridge. over the counter at most fishing tackle shops. You can also pay the fee at some caravan parks, local shops and service stations, many Kmart stores, online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365. If you pay for a one year or three year period online, over the phone or at a Touch agent, or if you renew your licence using your renewal letter, you will receive a plastic receipt in the post. Evidence of payment is your receipt number which you must be able to produce if requested by an authorised officer (until you receive your receipt in the post). Note: If you pay for a 3 day or 1 month period, no additional receipt will be posted. Some exemptions apply to paying the fishing fee, including people under the age of 18 and holders of pensioner concession cards. For further information on exemptions visit the NSW DPI Figure 1. Jenolan website or your local fisheries office. Seasonal closures – trout waters You may not need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee if you are fishing on a charter boat General trout streams under the supervision of a fishing guide. Please check with the charter operator, or guide, before The following waters are general trout streams you go fishing. If they do not hold a Recreational and are closed to the taking of all species of fish Fishing Fee Exemption Certificate you will need by any method, from the Tuesday after the June to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee. (Queen’s Birthday) long weekend until midnight on the last Friday before the start of the October (Labour Day) long weekend (inclusive) in each Recreational Fishing Closures year. Total closures The following methods are permitted during the (Figure 1). The following waters fishing season: a) one attended rod and line with are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all not more than 2 hooks attached and with not methods of fishing: The whole of the waters of more than 3 treble hooks, or 3 double hooks, Jenolan River and its tributaries, from the attached to any lure; and b) a landing net used as spawning pool adjacent to the hydro-electric an ancillary for retrieval of fish lawfully taken. Bait power station near upstream to its fishing is permitted. source. When taking Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout in general trout streams Weir closures the maximum quantity that a person may take on Penrith Weir. The following waters are closed to any one day is 5 and the maximum quantity that the taking of all species of fish by all methods of a person may have in their possession is 10, fishing: the within 26 m consisting of any single species or a combination downstream and 115 m upstream of the weir of species. face. Bell River (Figure 2). The following waters are Lake Cargelligo. The following waters are general trout waters: the whole of the waters of closed to the taking of all species of fish by all the Bell River, its creeks and tributaries upstream methods of fishing: the within 50 m from its junction with, and including, the upstream and 50 m downstream of the weir face. Creek. Wyangala . The following waters are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: the Lachlan River within 400 m

2 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide

Lachlan River. The following waters are general trout waters: the whole of the waters of the Lachlan River, its creeks and tributaries upstream from the –Young road bridge.

Artificial fly and lure trout streams The following waters are artificial fly and lure trout streams and are closed to the taking of all species of fish by any method, from the Tuesday after the June (Queen’s Birthday) long weekend until midnight on the last Friday before the start of the October (Labour Day) long weekend (inclusive) in each year. The following methods are permitted during the fishing season: a) one attended rod and line with not more than 2 hooks attached, artificial flies and lures only and with not more than 3 treble

hooks, or 3 double hooks, attached to any lure; Figure 2. Bell River and Molong Creek and b) a landing net used as an ancillary for . The following waters are retrieval of fish lawfully taken. Bait fishing is not general trout waters: the whole of the waters of permitted. the Cudgegong River, its creeks and tributaries Note: ‘artificial flies or lures’ does not include the downstream of the wall of Windermere Dam and use of ‘power bait’ or any other similar artificial or upstream from the Lawson Park Weir at . manufactured bait product . The following waters are When taking Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown general trout waters: the whole of the waters of trout and rainbow trout in general trout streams the Belubula River, its creeks and tributaries the maximum quantity that a person may take on upstream from the Cherry Tree Falls low level any one day is 2 and the maximum quantity that road bridge near Canowindra. a person may have in their possession is 4, . The following waters are general consisting of any single species or a combination trout waters: the whole of the waters of the Boree of species. Creek and its tributaries upstream from its Bell River (Figure 2). The following waters are junction with, but not including, Mandagery artificial fly and lure waters: the whole of the Creek. waters of the Bell River, its creeks and tributaries . The following waters are general upstream from the Belgravia Road crossing. trout waters: the whole of the waters of the Coxs Molong Creek (Figure 2). The following waters River, its creeks and tributaries upstream from its are artificial fly and lure waters: the whole of the junction with, but not including, waters of the Molong Creek and its tributaries . The following waters are upstream from its junction with, but not including, general trout waters: the whole of the waters of Borenore Creek. the Kowmung River, its creeks and tributaries upstream from its junction with, and including, Artificial fly and lure trout dams Morong Creek The following dam is an artificial fly and lure trout dam which is open to fishing all year round. Bait The following waters are . fishing is not permitted. general trout waters: the whole of the waters of the Macquarie River, its creeks and tributaries When taking Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown upstream from its junction with, and including, trout and rainbow trout in artificial fly and lure Lewis Ponds Creek. dams the maximum quantity that a person may take on any one day is 2 and the maximum The following waters are Guineacor Creek. quantity that a person may have in their general trout waters: the whole of the waters of possession is 4, consisting of any single species Guineacor Creek and its tributaries upstream or a combination of species. from its junction with, but not including, the .

3 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide

Thompsons Creek Dam. The following waters fishing gear, to ensure that any unwanted catch are artificial fly and lure waters: the whole of the is returned to the water safely, unharmed. waters of Thompsons Creek Dam near The use of yabby traps are not permitted in any Wallerawang). waters east of the , the Murray Dam Town River from the Newell Highway at downstream to the Echuca road bridge, the Thompsons Creek Dam Wallerawang from the at Picnic Point downstream to Stevens Weir and the General trout dams from to the The following waters are general trout dams. road bridge. These waters are open to fishing all year round. See the Freshwater Recreational Fishing Guide When fishing in general trout dams, up to two for information on how to correctly identify nets attended rods each with a line may be used with and traps and their specifications and dimensions not more than 2 hooks per line or up to 3 hooks per line, where those hooks are artificial flies or Bowfishing. A pilot program permitting lures. An artificial fly or lure is considered to be a bowfishing in some specific areas will be single hook. Bait fishing is permitted. A landing implemented in 2015 (see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au net may be used as an ancillary for retrieval of for more information). fish lawfully taken. Note. The bag and size limits for general trout dams are the same as the bag Species restrictions and size limits for general trout streams. Freshwater catfish – eel tailed (Tandanus Dam Town tandanus). May not be taken by any fishing method in western flowing rivers. May be taken Bathurst from the backed up waters of listed western Carcoar impoundments, eastern rivers & eastern dams. Listed waters in the Central Tablelands district Gosling Creek Orange are: Ben Chifley Dam, and Orange . See the Freshwater recreational Lake Lyell Lithgow fishing guide for further details. Lake Wallace Wallerawang Silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). May not be taken by any fishing method in any rivers. May be Oberon taken from the backed up waters of listed Wentworth Falls Lake Wentworth Falls impoundments. Listed waters in the Central Tablelands district are: Ben Chifley Dam, General freshwater fishing rules Windamere Dam and Wyangala Dam. See the Freshwater recreational fishing guide for further Permitted fishing gear and methods details. Lines. Two attended lines are permitted in all Murray cod (Maccullochella peeli). May not be non-tidal waters other than in some trout waters. taken from the whole of the inland waters of NSW Attended lines must be within 50m, in your sight, from 1 September to 30 November (inclusive) in and have no more than 2 hooks per line with up each year, except . to 3 treble hooks attached to any lure per line Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus). May not other than in some trout waters. A lure is be taken in any waters at any time other than considered a single hook. Setlines are not between June and August (inclusive) in the permitted. following specified waters: Traps and nets. You may use up to 5 yabby (a) Murrumbidgee River between the Hume traps, 1 shrimp trap and 5 hoop (lift) nets, other Highway road bridge, and 100 m upstream of the weir face at Berembed Weir near than in trout waters where the use of traps and and nets is prohibited (except when using up to 5 hoop nets in or Lakes Lyell, (b) Murray River from 130 m below Hume Weir Wallace, Eucumbene or Jindabyne to take near to the Newell Highway road bridge, yabbies). Tocumwal Persons must not set traps or nets for longer than Note: The specified waters include all tributaries, 24 hours without lifting those traps or nets. lakes, lagoons, dams, , ponds, canals, Fishers are encouraged to regularly check set channels or waterways of the main channels of

4 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide the above rivers, except Old Man Creek, which is Other freshwater fishing rules a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River. • Lakes Hume and : NSW fishing Australian bass and estuary perch. May not be regulations apply to all of and taken in rivers except rivers above Victorian regulations apply to all of Lake impoundments from 1 May to 31 August Hume. (inclusive) in each year other than by catch and • Commercial fishing gear: Leave all release fishing, where any fish caught must be commercial fishing gear in place and do not returned to the water safely, unharmed. disturb commercial fishers going about their Prohibited fishing methods lawful business. Penalties up to $5,500 can apply. • It is illegal to use setlines, spear guns, spears, poison or explosives or firearms to Fishing safely take fish, to use a gaff to take fish, to jag or Fishing is fun, but remember to take care and foul hook fish, to use frogs, live finfish exercise caution. These are basic safety tips. (including carp), live birds or live animals as bait, or any traps or nets not permitted for • Observe first, fish later. Always check recreational use, or to sell your catch. It is weather and water conditions before you start illegal to keep prohibited size fish – they fishing. Make sure you are aware of local should be returned to the water immediately weather. Listen to weather forecasts or call with as little harm as possible. the weather information line on 1900 937 107. Be aware that conditions may change • Crayfish: It is illegal to remove heads, tails dramatically in a short period of time. and claws from crayfish or possess tails and or claws when you are in, on or adjacent to • Never fish alone and always inform others of the water. This rule does not apply if the your fishing plans. Let friends or family know crayfish are being prepared for immediate where you are going and when you will be consumption, are being prepared for back. immediate use as bait, if the crayfish are • Care for your own safety and never take being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility or a undue risks when fishing, even when fighting fish cleaning table at a boat ramp. It is also fish. Never enter the water to retrieve lost illegal to keep crayfish with eggs or to tackle or snagged fish. If the location looks remove those eggs. dangerous, don’t fish there. • Trout and Salmon: It is illegal to use a • Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy vest when boat setline, hand held lines, traps, nets, a light, fishing or when fishing in hazardous locations your hand or a gaff to take trout or salmon in such as those located near areas of fast trout waters, unless otherwise stated. The moving water. Always wear appropriate non- use of salmon roe or products containing slip shoes. Cleats, sandals and sandshoes them is also prohibited. with non slip soles suit different surfaces. • Chemical or explosive devices: You cannot Carry ropes and torches as an additional use any chemical or explosive devices to precaution. take or assist to take fish. • If someone falls into the water, look for an • Fish filleting: You must not alter the length of angel ring, life buoy or something that floats a fish which is subject to a minimum or and throw it to the person in the water. Alert maximum size limit whilst you are in on or emergency services by dialling 112 from a adjacent to any waters in any manner other mobile phone or 000 from a landline. than by gutting, gilling and scaling. You cannot remove the head or tail. This rule • When boat fishing, wear light clothing. Light does not apply if the fish are being prepared clothing such as shorts and a spray jacket will for immediate consumption, are being let you swim more easily if you fall overboard. prepared for immediate use as bait, if the fish Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to take are being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility or off. a fish cleaning table at a boat ramp, or for fish that do not have a legal length. • Ask for advice from locals who know the area – they can advise you of good fishing locations and areas to be cautious around.

5 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Central Tablelands recreational fishing guide

Wader safety • Use methods and rigs such as artificial lures or non-offset circle hooks (when using bait) Take extra care when wearing waders. Roads that increase the frequency of mouth-hooked and Maritime Services recommends that waders fish. should not be used in boats in case of capsize or swamping. • Barbless hooks can be used to make hook removal easier and minimise hook damage. Basic wader safety tips include the following. • Minimise the length of time the fish is out of • To restrict the amount of water that can enter the water. Ideally, unhook the fish while it is waders, fasten a belt around your waist. This must be as firm as possible but always still in the water. Needle-nosed pliers or comfortable. The belt will also trap air inside unhooking devices can greatly reduce the and provide some buoyancy but caution is time spent unhooking a fish. needed as you could end upside down if you • Use fish-friendly landing nets with soft, fall into the water. knotless mesh. • If you fall into the water immediately assume • Avoid dropping the fish on hard or hot a tuck position, then roll on to your back surfaces and do not hold the fish by the gills while keeping the knees tucked. Use your arms to balance. or eyes. • Do not try to swim but either tread water or • Use wet hands or gloves to handle fish float. before release. • If swept into a fast flowing stream always • If you are going to take photos of your fish face downstream and go with the current feet before release, support your fish properly. first while working to a safe shore position. • Always remember not to panic. Further Information If you would like more information about fishing Responsible fishing restrictions that apply to Central Tablelands • Observe all bag and size limits as well as any district waterways and impoundments, please other restrictions for the area you are fishing. contact the Central Tablelands fisheries office. • Carefully release all undersize or unwanted Contact Details fish and take only what is sufficient for your Address: Research Station Drive immediate needs. Bathurst NSW 2795 • Take home any rubbish from the fishing spot, especially plastic bags, old line and fishing Phone: (02) 6331 1428 hooks. Fax: (02) 6331 1518 • Use environmentally friendly tackle where Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries possible. © State of through the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services 2015. You may copy, Catch and release distribute and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any Catch and release fishing has increased in purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of Primary Industries as the owner. popularity in recent years. Research has shown Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on that most fish survive using current catch and knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (January 2015). release fishing techniques. The following However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of improved fishing practices are suggested to the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of maximise fish survival. the Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent adviser. • If a fish is deeply hooked, do not try to remove the hook, cut the line as close to the Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. mouth as possible and release the fish. It is Jobtrack 10081 TRIM PUB10/16 likely to survive if handled carefully.

6 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015