Crayfish season opens for long weekend

“Despite the popularity of this catch, widespread decline in the Murray Crayfish population means that they are only permitted to be taken during the months of June, July and August, to protect the species and assist with its recovery,” he said.

“Whilst the season is open, it’s vital that fishers abide by the rules to ensure the species is sustained for future generations.

“In the Murray River, fishing is permitted between the Hume Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge, including Lake Mulwala, and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway Road Bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.

“Fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and share our fisheries resources for all legitimate users and our future generations.”

During the season, the minimum size limit for the species is 10cm, and the maximum size limit is 12cm. Fisheries officers measure Murray Crayfish to the nearest millimeter and it is essential that fishers do the same.

A daily bag limit of 2 crayfish per person and a total possession limit of 4 are in place for the season.

The taking of berried females or removing heads, tails or claws in, on, or adjacent to waters is prohibited, as is the taking of Murray Crayfish using any form of trap.

More information on crayfish fishing rules and regulations, including which net options are legal to use, can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.

The NSW DPI FishSmart app provides recreational fishers 24/7 smartphone access to essential information they need to know to fish in NSW. It is available in the App Store or on Google Play.

Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536.Fishers are encouraged to download the federal government’s COVID Safe app, and are reminded that they must continue to observe other COVID-19 restrictions around social distancing and travel.