Murray Crayfish season officially opens

Locally, crayfish can be taken during the months of June, July and August in the Murray River and its tributaries from Hume Weir and downstream to the Newell Highway bridge at Tocumwal.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Program Leader Stocking and Fisheries Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell reminded people there are strict rules around fishing the popular freshwater crustacean.

“Environmental factors have led to widespread declines in populations of the Murray Crayfish and a number of rules are in place to protect the species and assist with its recovery, Mr Harnwell said.

“It’s a highly anticipated time when the Murray Crayfish season opens for the winter months and we want to ensure fishers can enjoy the season while abiding by the rules to make sure we can sustain this species for future generations.”

Recreational fishers can use up to five hoop / open pyramid lift nets per person to take Murray Crayfish where permitted. The letters “HN” or “PN” and user’s name, year of birth and postcode must be written on each net’s float.

DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Dr Andrew Moriarty said fisheries officers will be patrolling our waterways to ensure the rules are being followed.

“The daily bag limit for Murray Crayfish is two and the possession limit is four,” Dr Moriarty said.

“The minimum size limit for Murray Crayfish, measured from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace is 10cm and the maximum size limit is 12cm.

“Recreational fishers must also not take berried females or removing heads, tails or claws in, on, or adjacent to waters is prohibited.”

Detailed information on the fishing rules and Murray Crayfish can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.