With the weather warming up across the State anglers have welcomed the opening of the annual NSW trout season this October long weekend.
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Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager Inland, Cameron Westaway, said the season for general trout streams and artificial lure and fly streams opened on Saturday October r following the end of the spawning period.
"The four-month annual closure allows trout to travel up rivers and streams to breed uninterrupted," Mr Westaway said.
"Many of our rivers and streams have also benefited from our fish stocking program with a total of 2.9 million rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon released across NSW in 2013 and 2014.
"Well stocked waterways and an extra day off enticed fishers to head to their favourite fishing spot such as the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers in the Snowy Mountains, the Fish River near Bathurst, Lake Wallace and Thompson's Creek Dam near Lithgow and many streams in the New England area.
"This is great for regional NSW as the recreational fishing industry benefits many of these local communities."
DPI Acting Director Fisheries Compliance Tony Andrews encouraged anglers to enjoy their trout fishing this season but also to be mindful of the rules, including some changes to bag limits and possession limits from November 3 2014.
"The size and bag limits for trout and salmon in general trout streams, general trout dams, artificial fly and lure streams and trout spawning streams remain the same this season," Mr Andrews said.
"However, starting on November 3, in all other inland waters the daily limit for trout and salmon will be reduced from 10 to five and the possession limit will be reduced from 20 to 10, in line with the existing bag and possession limits for general trout streams and dams.
"Our fisheries officers will be out across the State this long weekend and throughout the season to ensure fishers are following the rules; people found in breach of fishing regulations may face on-the-spot fines.
"Our recreational fishing regulations and guidelines have been put in place to safeguard our fish stocks for present and future generations."
NSW Recreational Fishing Fee receipts can be purchased from local DPI offices, at fishing fee agents, by calling 1300 369 365 or online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au.
A summary of the rules and regulations is provided in the freshwater fishing guide available at DPI offices or fishing fee agents or by visiting the website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.
