Hume recreational fishing guide

November 2014 Primefact 1039 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 provides some of the best • Angler facilities such as fish cleaning tables fishing opportunities for both native freshwater and fishing platforms. fish and trout species in NSW. From High country mountain streams, to large western • Stocking of freshwater fish in and flowing rivers and impoundments, most styles of rivers. fishing can be enjoyed. • Essential research on popular recreational The Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow fish species. through the Hume District and are easily • Enhancing compliance with fishing rules. accessible on both sides through National Parks, State Forests and reserves. Both waterways are • Restoring important fish habitat. regularly stocked with , golden perch • Research stocking of mulloway and prawns and trout, ensuring every angler has a in estuaries. reasonable chance of catching a fish. • The installation of fish aggregating devices Fisheries Officers from NSW Department of (FADs) to enhance fishing opportunities for Primary Industries (NSW DPI) routinely patrol dolphin fish or even tuna and marlin. waterways, boat ramps and impoundments advising anglers about responsible fishing • Creation of Recreational Fishing Havens. practices and ensuring compliance with NSW • Angler education and advisory programs fishing regulations. such as the Fishcare Volunteer Program, Information on bag and size limits, fishing fishing workshops and fishing guides. closures and legal fishing gear can be obtained • Building artificial reefs in Lake Macquarie, free of charge from the NSW DPI website Botany Bay, St Georges Basin and Lake www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries, by calling 1300 Conjola. More reefs in other estuaries are 550 474, or by visiting your local NSW DPI planned. fisheries office. • Investigating the building of artificial reefs in To report illegal fishing activity, call your local offshore areas. fisheries office or the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536. All calls will be treated as confidential and you can remain anonymous.

Hume recreational fishing guide

You can pay the NSW recreational fishing fee at and its tributaries, from its junction hundreds of agents throughout NSW, such as with and including Seven Mile Creek and its over the counter at most fishing tackle shops. tributaries to the Tintaldra road bridge You can also pay the fee at some caravan parks, Horseshoe Lagoon. The following waters are local shops and service stations, many Kmart closed to the taking of Murray Cod stores, online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by (Maccullochella peeli) and Golden Perch calling 1300 369 365. (Macquaria ambigua). These species may not be If you pay for a one year or three year period taken in Horseshoe Lagoon at except by online, over the phone or at a Touch agent, or if the method of catch and release fishing. you renew your licence using your renewal letter, you will receive a plastic receipt in the post. Weir closures Evidence of payment is your receipt number Hume . The following waters are which you must be able to produce if requested closed to the taking of all species of fish by all by an authorised officer (until you receive your methods of fishing: the Murray River within 130 m receipt in the post). downstream of the weir face. Note: If you pay for a 3 day or 1 month period, no Gogeldrie Weir. The following waters are closed additional receipt will be posted. to the taking of all species of fish by all methods Some exemptions apply to paying the fishing fee, of fishing: the within 125 m including people under the age of 18 and holders upstream and 65 m downstream of the weir face. of pensioner concession cards. For further : The following waters are closed to the information on exemptions visit the NSW DPI taking of all species of fish by all methods of website or your local fisheries office. fishing: 63 metres upstream and 80 metres You may not need to pay the NSW recreational downstream of the weir face. fishing fee if you are fishing on a charter boat Yanco Creek Weir. The following waters are under the supervision of a fishing guide. Please closed to the taking of all species of fish by all check with the charter operator, or guide, before methods of fishing: the Murrumbidgee River you go fishing. If they do not hold a Recreational within 73 metres upstream and 53 metres Fishing Fee Exemption Certificate you will need downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee. northern bank and 93 metres downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the southern bank. Recreational Fishing Closures Berembed Weir. The following waters are closed Total closures to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: the Murrumbidgee River within 100 m Yarrawonga Weir to : The following upstream and 50 m downstream of the weir face. waters are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: The whole of the Yarrawonga Weir (Figure 1). The following waters of Murray River and its tributaries, from waters are closed to the taking of all species of Yarrawonga Weir downstream to the Newell fish by all methods of fishing: That part of Murray Highway bridge at Tocumwal from the period River, from within 50 metres upstream from the September to November (inclusive) in each year weir wall at Yarrawonga Weir and from a point on the NSW bank 150 metres downstream from Yarrawonga Weir to Tocumwal (Nets and where the weir wall adjoins the NSW bank, in a traps): The following waters are closed to the straight line across the river to a point on the taking of all species of fish by all methods of Victorian bank, 130 metres downstream from fishing other than by using a hoop net, a landing where the weir wall adjoins the Victorian bank. net or a shrimp trap: The whole of the waters of Murray River and its tributaries, from Yarrawonga Seasonal closures – trout waters Weir downstream to the Newell Highway bridge at Tocumwal during December and from January General trout streams to August (inclusive) in each year. The following waters are general trout streams and are closed to the taking of all species of fish Upstream from Hume Weir (Seven Mile Creek by any method, from the Tuesday after the June to Tintaldra). The following waters are closed to (Queen’s Birthday) long weekend until midnight the taking of all species of fish with nets, other on the last Friday before the start of the October than a landing net, used as an ancillary to taking (Labour Day) long weekend (inclusive) in each of fish by handline or rod and line: That part of year.

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

Persons must not set traps or nets for longer than 24 hours without lifting those traps or nets. Fishers are encouraged to regularly check set fishing gear, to ensure that any unwanted catch is returned to the water safely, unharmed. The use of yabby traps are not permitted in any waters east of the Newell Highway, the Murray River from the Newell Highway at Tocumwal downstream to the Echuca road bridge, the from the Murray River at Picnic Point downstream to Stevens Weir and the Murrumbidgee River from to the road bridge. See the Freshwater Recreational Fishing Guide for information on how to correctly identify nets Figure 1. Yarrawonga Weir and traps and their specifications and dimensions The following methods are permitted during the Bowfishing. A pilot program permitting fishing season: a) one attended rod and line with bowfishing in some specific areas will be not more than 2 hooks attached and with not implemented in 2015 (see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au more than 3 treble hooks, or 3 double hooks, for more information). attached to any lure; and b) a landing net used as an ancillary for retrieval of fish lawfully taken. Bait Species restrictions fishing is permitted. When taking Atlantic salmon, Freshwater catfish – eel tailed (Tandanus brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout in tandanus). May not be taken by any fishing general trout streams the maximum quantity that method in western flowing rivers. May be taken a person may take on any one day is 5 and the from the backed up waters of listed western maximum quantity that a person may have in impoundments, eastern rivers & eastern dams. their possession is 10, consisting of any single Listed waters in the Central Tablelands district species or a combination of species. are: , and Dam. See the Freshwater recreational Murray River. The following waters are general fishing guide for further details. trout waters: the whole of the waters of the Murray River, its creeks and tributaries upstream Silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). May not be from the road bridge at Tintaldra. taken by any fishing method in any rivers. May be taken from the backed up waters of listed General freshwater fishing rules impoundments. Listed waters in the Central Tablelands district are: , Permitted fishing gear and methods Windamere Dam and . See the Freshwater recreational fishing guide for further Lines. Two attended lines are permitted in all details. non-tidal waters other than in some trout waters. Attended lines must be within 50m, in your sight, Murray cod (Maccullochella peeli). May not be and have no more than 2 hooks per line with up taken from the whole of the inland waters of NSW to 3 treble hooks attached to any lure per line from 1 September to 30 November (inclusive) in other than in some trout waters. A lure is each year, except . considered a single hook. Setlines are not Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus). May not permitted. be taken in any waters at any time other than Traps and nets. You may use up to 5 yabby between June and August (inclusive) in the traps, 1 shrimp trap and 5 hoop (lift) nets, other following specified waters: than in trout waters where the use of traps and (a) Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway road bridge, and 100 m nets is prohibited (except when using up to 5 upstream of the weir face at Berembed Weir near hoop nets in or Lakes Lyell, and Wallace, Eucumbene or Jindabyne to take yabbies). (b) Murray River from 130 m below Hume Weir near Albury to the Newell Highway road bridge, Tocumwal

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

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

4 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Hume 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 Far west district • Observe all bag and size limits as well as any waterways and impoundments, please contact other restrictions for the area you are fishing. the Far west fisheries office. • Carefully release all undersize or unwanted Contact fish and take only what is sufficient for your Silver City Highway immediate needs. • Take home any rubbish from the fishing spot, Dareton NSW 2717 especially plastic bags, old line and fishing Phone: (03) 6042 4200 hooks. Fax: (03) 5019 8458 • Use environmentally friendly tackle where possible. Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries

© State of through the Department of Trade and Catch and release Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services 2015. You may copy, Catch and release fishing has increased in distribute and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of Primary popularity in recent years. Research has shown Industries as the owner. that most fish survive using current catch and Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on release fishing techniques. The following knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (January 2015). improved fishing practices are suggested to However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date maximise fish survival. and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of the Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent • If a fish is deeply hooked, do not try to adviser. 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 10147 TRIM PUB10/83 likely to survive if handled carefully.

5 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015