THE region's anglers will still be able to fish for Murray Cod even after the season officially closes on September 1.
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While the season will come to a close around the state, those looking to bait their hooks will still be able to fish for Murray Cod and Murray Crays at Copeton Dam.
Limits of two fish per person will still be in place and fish must be sized between 55cm and 75cm.
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NSW Department of Primary Industries inland senior fisheries manager Cameron Westaway said the closure of the fishing season was to protect the native species and allow it to reproduce.
"The closed season for Murray Cod is between September and November inclusive, to ensure natural recruitment and to protect this important species during its breeding season," Mr Westaway said.
"Murray Cod are a prized catch in the Murray-Darling system. They're Australia's largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres in length and weighing more than 100 kilograms.
"While most waterways will be closed for fishing for Murray Cod, Blowering Dam in southern NSW, as well as Copeton Dam in northern NSW are open for Murray Cod fishing year round.
"There is very little natural fish recruitment of Murray Cod in Blowering and Copeton Dams, which rely on stocked fish to sustain the fishery."
As the Murray Cod season comes to a close, anglers will be able to take advantage of the new season for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch.
"The native sportsfish have now completed their annual spawning and migration, which occurs each year over late autumn and early winter," Mr Westaway said.
"From Tuesday September 1, anglers can take both Australian Bass and Estuary Perch, however they are reminded that strict bag limits do apply."
Mr Westaway said the total bag limit is two Australian Bass or Estuary Perch per person, with a combined total possession limit of four fish per person.
"When fishing in rivers, only one fish is permitted to be over 35 centimetres in length," Mr Westaway added.
"The department enforces the three-month closure annually as during their spawning season, the schools of fish can be vulnerable to fishing."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
