THE ACT trout fishing season will close at midnight on Monday , June 8, giving the fish a break to spawn over the cooler months.

Executive director of Environment, Dr Annie Lane, said the closed season will remain in effect until midnight Friday, October 2, the day before the Labour Day long weekend begins.

“During the closed season, it is prohibited to take any fish from areas designated as trout waters in the ACT, any persons found fishing can be issued with an on-the-spot-fine of $250 with the maximum penalty up to $5500,” Dr Lane said.

Rivers designated as ACT trout waters include Gudgenby, Naas, Paddy’s and the Cotter between Pierces Creek and Bendora Dam wall.

“Anglers in the ACT are still permitted to fish the areas designated as open waters including Murrumbidgee River downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River; the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River; and Canberra’s urban lakes and ponds which remain open to fishing all year,” she said.

“However, if you catch a rainbow or brown trout in open waters, you must return it to the water with the least amount of injury possible. By observing these simple rules, fishing enthusiasts will help look after a valuable recreational resource for future generations and maintain the ACT’s reputation as a great place to catch a variety of freshwater fish.”

The closed season provides additional protection to trout during its spawning season, when the fish are more aggressive and easier to catch.

The closed season in the ACT is the same as those in force in NSW and Victoria.

More information at 132281 or environment.act.gov.au