NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) acting program leader fish stocking and enhancement Matthew McLellan said the annual fishing season offers recreational fishers a unique opportunity to catch one of Australia’s iconic freshwater species.
“Murray crayfish are the second largest freshwater crayfish in the world and are mainly found in the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers and their tributaries in the southern parts of New South Wales,” Mr McLellan said.
“Murray Crayfish have suffered considerable declines in range and distribution since European settlement, which is why restrictions on when they can be taken, as well as size and bag limits, are necessary to protect this vulnerable species and assist with its ongoing recovery.
“June, July and August are the months when Murray crayfish can be taken in New South Wales.
"During these months, they can be harvested in the Murray River between Hume Weir and the Newell Highway road bridge at Tocumwal, including Lake Mulwala, and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway road bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.
“The annual Murray Crayfish season opening is highly anticipated, and we want to ensure fishers abide by the rules to make sure we can sustain this species for future generations to enjoy.”
Mr McLellan said DPIRD fisheries officers will be patrolling waterways to ensure recreational fishers and water users are following the rules and abiding by the size, bag, and possession limits.
"The daily bag limit for Murray Crayfish is two, and the possession limit is four per person," he said.
"The minimum size limit, measured from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace, is 10cm, and the maximum size limit is 12cm.
"Recreational fishers can use up to a total of five hoop or lift nets, open pyramid lift nets, or a combination of these nets per person to take Murray crayfish where permitted. It is unlawful to take Murray Crayfish using any form of trap.
"Fishers must ensure that the letters 'HN' (for hoop net) or 'PN' (for pyramid net) is visibly marked on each net's float, along with the user's name, year of birth, and postcode.
“It is also important that fishers do not take 'berried' females, nor remove or possess the heads, tails, or claws of crayfish in, on, or adjacent to waters, unless the crayfish are being prepared for immediate consumption, immediate use as bait, or are being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility.”
Recreational fishers are reminded that opera house style yabby traps are banned in NSW.
More information on Murray crayfish fishing rules can be found on the DPIRD website, FishSmart NSW app and in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide, available from DPIRD Fisheries offices and most tackle stores
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the NSW DPIRD website.
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