Far West recreational fishing guide

November 2014 Primefact 1045 Second on 1800 043 536. All calls will be treated as edition Recreational and Indigenous confidential and you can remain anonymous. Fisheries Unit Recreational Fishing Fee Introduction When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater Our State's fisheries are a community-owned and saltwater, you are required by law to pay the resource. We all have a responsibility to protect NSW recreational fishing fee and carry a receipt and safeguard this natural asset for present and showing the payment of the fee. This applies future generations. when spear fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or Fishing regulations are in place to protect and when in possession of fishing gear in, on or conserve our fish stocks and aquatic habitats to adjacent to waters. ensure that fishing activities remain sustainable. All money raised by the NSW recreational fishing The Far West district lies in the far western part fee is spent on improving recreational fishing in of and is bordered by , NSW. Some projects include: South and . It is predominantly made up of slow flowing lowland • Angler facilities such as fish cleaning tables rivers and their tributaries, as well as and fishing platforms. systems that may be ephemeral in nature. • Stocking of freshwater fish in and The most renowned waterways in the Far West rivers. district are the Murray and Darling Rivers, along • Essential research on popular recreational with the Menindee system. The Murray fish species. and Darling rivers provide fishers with excellent angling opportunities for and • Enhancing compliance with fishing rules. . The Menindee Lakes system is the • Restoring important fish habitat. destination for fishers chasing a feed of yabbies. In addition to yabbies, the numerous regulators • Research stocking of mulloway and prawns moving water into and out of the Menindee lakes in estuaries. system produce some great fishing for golden • The installation of fish aggregating devices perch. (FADs) to enhance fishing opportunities for Fisheries Officers from NSW Department of dolphin fish or even tuna and marlin. Primary Industries (NSW DPI) routinely patrol • Creation of Recreational Fishing Havens. waterways, boat ramps and impoundments advising anglers about responsible fishing • Angler education and advisory programs practices and ensuring compliance with NSW such as the Fishcare Volunteer Program, fishing regulations. fishing workshops and fishing guides. Information on bag and size limits, fishing • Building artificial reefs in Lake Macquarie, closures and legal fishing gear can be obtained Botany Bay, St Georges Basin and Lake free of charge from the NSW DPI website Conjola. More reefs in other estuaries are www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries, by calling 1300 planned. 550 474, or by visiting your local NSW DPI • Investigating the building of artificial reefs in fisheries office. offshore areas. To report illegal fishing activity, call your local You can pay the NSW recreational fishing fee at fisheries office or the Fishers Watch Phoneline hundreds of agents throughout NSW, such as over the counter at most fishing tackle shops.

Far West recreational fishing guide Enter document title here

You can also pay the fee at some caravan parks, chamber in a straight line across the river to a local shops and service stations, many Kmart point on the NSW bank, 150 metres downstream stores, online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by from where the weir wall adjoins the NSW bank. calling 1300 369 365. Weir 10 (at Wentworth). The following waters If you pay for a one year or three year period are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all online, over the phone or at a Touch agent, or if methods of fishing: That part of at you renew your licence using your renewal letter, Weir 10 at Wentworth within 50 metres upstream you will receive a plastic receipt in the post. from the centre of the weir wall and from the Evidence of payment is your receipt number downstream end of the lock training wall in a which you must be able to produce if requested straight line across the river to a point on the by an authorised officer (until you receive your Victorian bank, 65 metres downstream from receipt in the post). where the weir wall adjoins the Victorian bank. Note: If you pay for a 3 day or 1 month period, no Weir 11 (at Mildura) (Figure 1). The following additional receipt will be posted. waters are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: That part of Murray Some exemptions apply to paying the fishing fee, River at Weir 11 at Mildura within 50 metres including people under the age of 18 and holders upstream from the centre of the weir wall and of pensioner concession cards. For further from a point on the NSW bank 142 metres information on exemptions visit the NSW DPI downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the website or your local fisheries office. NSW bank in a straight line across the river to a You may not need to pay the NSW recreational point on the Victorian bank, 120 metres fishing fee if you are fishing on a charter boat downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the under the supervision of a fishing guide. Please Victorian bank. check with the charter operator, or guide, before you go fishing. If they do not hold a Recreational Fishing Fee Exemption Certificate you will need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee.

Recreational Fishing Closures Weir closures Weir 7 (at Rufus River). The following waters are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: That part of Murray River at Weir 7 at Rufus River within 50metres upstream from the centre of the weir wall and from the downstream end of the inner wall of the lock chamber in a straight line across the river to a point on the NSW bank, 125 metres downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the NSW bank. Weir 8 (at Wangumma). The following waters are closed to the taking of all species of fish by all Figure 1. Weir 11 methods of fishing: That part of Murray River at Weir 8 at Wangumma within 50 metres upstream Weir 15 (at Robinvale). The following waters are from the centre of the weir wall and from the closed to the taking of all species of fish by all downstream end of the inner wall of the lock methods of fishing: That part of Murray River at chamber in a straight line across the river to a Weir 15 at Robinvale within 50 metres upstream point on the Victorian bank, 150 metres from the centre of the weir wall and from the downstream from where the weir wall adjoins the downstream end of the inner wall of the lock Victorian bank. chamber in a straight line across the river to a point on the NSW bank, 65 metres downstream Weir 9 (at Kulnine). The following waters are from where the weir wall adjoins the NSW bank. closed to the taking of all species of fish by all methods of fishing: That part of Murray River at Lake Victoria Inlet Regulator (at Frenchmans Weir 9 at Kulnine within 50 metres upstream from Creek). The following waters are closed to the the centre of the weir wall and from the taking of all species of fish by all methods of downstream end of the inner wall of the lock fishing: That part of Frenchman’s Creek at Lake Victoria inlet regulator within 100 metres

2 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Far West recreational fishing guide Enter document title here upstream from the centre of the regulator wall and from a point on the northern bank 120 metres downstream from where the centre of the Species restrictions regulator wall adjoins the northern bank of Freshwater catfish – eel tailed (Tandanus Frenchman’s Creek to a point on the southern tandanus). May not be taken by any fishing bank, 100 metres downstream from where the method in western flowing rivers. May be taken centre of the regulator wall adjoins the southern from the backed up waters of listed western bank of Frenchman’s Creek. impoundments, eastern rivers & eastern dams. Lake Victoria Outlet Regulator (Rufus River). Listed waters in the Central Tablelands district The following waters are closed to the taking of are: Ben Chifley , and all species of fish by all methods of fishing: That . See the Freshwater recreational part of Rufus River at Lake Victoria outlet fishing guide for further details. regulator within 100 metres upstream and 100 Silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). May not be metres downstream from the centre of the taken by any fishing method in any rivers. May be regulator wall. taken from the backed up waters of listed impoundments. Listed waters in the Central General freshwater fishing rules Tablelands district are: , Windamere Dam and Wyangala Dam. See the Permitted fishing gear and methods Freshwater recreational fishing guide for further Lines. Two attended lines are permitted in all details. non-tidal waters other than in some trout waters. Murray cod (Maccullochella peeli). May not be Attended lines must be within 50m, in your sight, taken from the whole of the inland waters of NSW and have no more than 2 hooks per line with up from 1 September to 30 November (inclusive) in to 3 treble hooks attached to any lure per line each year, except . other than in some trout waters. A lure is considered a single hook. Setlines are not Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus). May not permitted. be taken in any waters at any time other than between June and August (inclusive) in the Traps and nets. You may use up to 5 yabby following specified waters: traps, 1 shrimp trap and 5 hoop (lift) nets, other (a) Murrumbidgee River between the Hume than in trout waters where the use of traps and Highway road bridge, Gundagai 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, Ganmain and Wallace, Eucumbene or Jindabyne to take (b) Murray River from 130 m below Hume Weir yabbies). near Albury to the Newell Highway road bridge, Persons must not set traps or nets for longer than Tocumwal 24 hours without lifting those traps or nets. Note: The specified waters include all tributaries, Fishers are encouraged to regularly check set lakes, , dams, , ponds, canals, fishing gear, to ensure that any unwanted catch channels or waterways of the main channels of is returned to the water safely, unharmed. the above rivers, except Old Man Creek, which is The use of yabby traps are not permitted in any a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River. waters east of the Newell Highway, the Murray Australian bass and estuary perch. May not be River from the Newell Highway at Tocumwal taken in rivers except rivers above downstream to the Echuca road bridge, the impoundments from 1 May to 31 August Edward River from the Murray River at Picnic (inclusive) in each year other than by catch and Point downstream to Stevens Weir and the release fishing, where any fish caught must be Murrumbidgee River from Narrandera to the returned to the water safely, unharmed. Darlington Point road bridge. Prohibited fishing methods See the Freshwater Recreational Fishing Guide for information on how to correctly identify nets • It is illegal to use setlines, spear guns, and traps and their specifications and dimensions spears, poison or explosives or firearms to take fish, to use a gaff to take fish, to jag or Bowfishing. A pilot program permitting foul hook fish, to use frogs, live finfish bowfishing in some specific areas will be (including carp), live birds or live animals as implemented in 2015 (see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au bait, or any traps or nets not permitted for for more information). recreational use, or to sell your catch. It is illegal to keep prohibited size fish – they

3 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Far West recreational fishing guide Enter document title here

should be returned to the water immediately • Never fish alone and always inform others of with as little harm as possible. your fishing plans. Let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be • Crayfish: It is illegal to remove heads, tails back. and claws from crayfish or possess tails and or claws when you are in, on or adjacent to • Care for your own safety and never take the water. This rule does not apply if the undue risks when fishing, even when fighting crayfish are being prepared for immediate fish. Never enter the water to retrieve lost consumption, are being prepared for tackle or snagged fish. If the location looks immediate use as bait, if the crayfish are dangerous, don’t fish there. being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility or a • Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy vest when boat fish cleaning table at a boat ramp. It is also fishing or when fishing in hazardous locations illegal to keep crayfish with eggs or to such as those located near areas of fast remove those eggs. moving water. Always wear appropriate non- • Trout and Salmon: It is illegal to use a slip shoes. Cleats, sandals and sandshoes setline, hand held lines, traps, nets, a light, with non-slip soles suit different surfaces. your hand or a gaff to take trout or salmon in Carry ropes and torches as an additional trout waters, unless otherwise stated. The precaution. use of salmon roe or products containing • If someone falls into the water, look for an them is also prohibited. angel ring, life buoy or something that floats • Chemical or explosive devices: You cannot and throw it to the person in the water. Alert use any chemical or explosive devices to emergency services by dialling 112 from a take or assist to take fish. mobile phone or 000 from a landline. • Fish filleting: You must not alter the length of • When boat fishing, wear light clothing. Light a fish which is subject to a minimum or clothing such as shorts and a spray jacket will maximum size limit whilst you are in on or let you swim more easily if you fall overboard. adjacent to any waters in any manner other Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to take than by gutting, gilling and scaling. You off. cannot remove the head or tail. This rule does not apply if the fish are being prepared • Ask for advice from locals who know the area for immediate consumption, are being – they can advise you of good fishing prepared for immediate use as bait, if the fish locations and areas to be cautious around. are being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility or a fish cleaning table at a boat ramp, or for fish that do not have a legal length. Wader safety Take extra care when wearing waders. Roads Other freshwater fishing rules and Maritime Services recommends that waders • Lakes Hume and Mulwala: NSW fishing should not be used in boats in case of capsize or regulations apply to all of Lake Mulwala and swamping. Victorian regulations apply to all of Lake Basic wader safety tips include the following. Hume. • To restrict the amount of water that can enter • Commercial fishing gear: Leave all waders, fasten a belt around your waist. This commercial fishing gear in place and do not must be as firm as possible but always disturb commercial fishers going about their comfortable. The belt will also trap air inside lawful business. Penalties up to $5,500 can and provide some buoyancy but caution is apply. needed as you could end upside down if you fall into the water. Fishing safely • If you fall into the water immediately assume Fishing is fun, but remember to take care and a tuck position, then roll on to your back exercise caution. These are basic safety tips. while keeping the knees tucked. Use your arms to balance. • Observe first, fish later. Always check • Do not try to swim but either tread water or weather and water conditions before you start float. fishing. Make sure you are aware of local weather. Listen to weather forecasts or call • If swept into a fast flowing stream always the weather information line on 1900 937 face downstream and go with the current feet 107. Be aware that conditions may change first while working to a safe shore position. dramatically in a short period of time. • Always remember not to panic.

4 NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2015 Far West recreational fishing guide Enter document title here

• Use fish-friendly landing nets with soft, Responsible fishing knotless mesh. • Observe all bag and size limits as well as any • Avoid dropping the fish on hard or hot other restrictions for the area you are fishing. surfaces and do not hold the fish by the gills • Carefully release all undersize or unwanted or eyes. fish and take only what is sufficient for your • Use wet hands or gloves to handle fish immediate needs. before release. • Take home any rubbish from the fishing spot, • If you are going to take photos of your fish especially plastic bags, old line and fishing before release, support your fish properly. hooks. • Use environmentally friendly tackle where Further Information possible. If you would like more information about fishing restrictions that apply to Far west district Catch and release waterways and impoundments, please contact Catch and release fishing has increased in the Far west fisheries office. popularity in recent years. Research has shown Contact that most fish survive using current catch and release fishing techniques. The following Silver City Highway improved fishing practices are suggested to Dareton NSW 2717 maximise fish survival. Phone: (03) 5019 8408 • If a fish is deeply hooked, do not try to remove the hook, cut the line as close to the Fax: (03) 5019 8458 mouth as possible and release the fish. It is Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries likely to survive if handled carefully. © State of New South Wales through the Department of Trade and • Use methods and rigs such as artificial lures Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services 2015. You may copy, or non-offset circle hooks (when using bait) distribute and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any that increase the frequency of mouth-hooked purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of Primary Industries as the owner. fish. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on • Barbless hooks can be used to make hook knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (January 2015). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of removal easier and minimise hook damage. 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 • Minimise the length of time the fish is out of the Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent the water. Ideally, unhook the fish while it is adviser. still in the water. Needle-nosed pliers or Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. unhooking devices can greatly reduce the Jobtrack 10153 TRIM PUB10/77 time spent unhooking a fish.

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