Trout season closes in Vic

Recreational anglers are being reminded that the season for trout fishing in Victorian rivers closes at midnight on Monday 13 June, however, fishing for Murray spiny crayfish — as shown with this whopper photographed by well-known angler Rod Mackenzie in the second photo above — opened on June 1 in Victoria and NSW.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said anglers would still be able to fish for trout in lakes, but that rivers would be closed from the end of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend to protect spawning trout and give wild stocks an opportunity to reproduce.

"The three-month trout closed season applies only to rivers and streams, although sections of sea-run rivers, such as the Aire, Gellibrand, Hopkins, Merri and Moyne, remain open," Mr Dowling said.

"We still want people to enjoy our trout lakes because we’re aiming to grow participation to one million anglers by 2020 as part of the State Government’s Target One Million plan for fishing.

"Many of our trout lakes are stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and even Chinook salmon, all of which are funded by recreational fishing licence fees and Target One Million.

"Trout fishing in rivers will re-open at midnight on Friday 2 September, 2016."

MURRAY CRAYS
Mr Dowling said while some freshwater anglers would pursue trout in lakes through winter, others would turn their attention to catching Murray spiny freshwater crayfish in the state’s northern waters during June, July and August.

"Murray crays are a slow growing crustacean so it’s really important that anglers obey catch limits to ensure the fishery remains sustainable for future generations."

The minimum legal size for is 10cm and the maximum size is 12cm. To help anglers measure their catch accurately, free plastic measures funded by fishing licence fees, are available from Fisheries Victoria by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

There is a daily bag limit of two Murray crays per person that applies when anglers are on or adjacent to inland waters and an absolute state-wide possession limit of four crays per person.

Murray crays must be retained by anglers whole or in carcass form, however, female crays carrying eggs or with young attached must be released immediately and unharmed.

Download the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app from the store and discover more about Victorian angling at the Vic Fisheries Page.