Anglers across NSW are invited to return to the water, with Murray Cod season officially starting in December. About 60,000 cod were transported to Wyangala Dam ahead of the summer holidays and fishing season. “The annual closure, which runs from September 1 through to November 30 and applies to all inland waters except for Blowering Dam and Copeton Dam, is a key conservation measure designed to safeguard Murray Cod during their vulnerable spawning period,” NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Executive Director Fisheries Peter Turnell said. “The seasonal closure, implemented nearly two decades ago, along with successful breeding and stocking initiatives, has played a crucial role in improving the health of Murray Cod populations across NSW’s lakes and rivers. “In the 2023–24 stocking season alone, more than 450,000 Murray Cod were released into waterways across inland NSW, with another bumper production season at our Narrandera Fisheries Centre native fish hatchery already underway”. Mr Turnell said the reopening of the Murray Cod fishing season is a great opportunity for anglers to target this great native sportfish, however it is important to follow the regulations designed to protect the species. “We encourage all fishers targetting Murray Cod to adhere to the legal bag and size limits along with all other fishing rules that apply,” he said. Endemic Murray Cod are also crucial to the health of waterways, Mr Turnell added, with strict protections in place. “Protecting iconic native species like Murray Cod is crucial for ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy them. A daily bag limit of two Murray Cod per person and a total possession limit of four applies when fishing in any inland waters,” he said. “Fishers are required to carefully release Murray Cod which are smaller than 55cm, or bigger than 75cm”.
