Released 30/11/2017

The Murray cod fishing season opens at midnight tonight, Thursday 30 November, in time for summer holidays.

To maintain sustainable populations of Murray cod for both conservation and recreational fishing, the ACT Government would like to remind anglers to follow the rules around when, where and how they can throw in a line to catch this iconic fish.

The rules are different for different fishing areas, as outlined in the recreational fishing in the ACT brochure. All Murray cod that are taken must be between 55 and 75 centimetres in length.

The Murrumbidgee River is home to an important population of Murray cod and you are restricted

to one fish per day in the areas where fishing is allowed (Murrumbidgee River within the ACT downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River; the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River).

In all other ‘open waters’ (urban lakes and ponds and the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River) you can take two fish per day and use either two attended fishing rods, two attended hand lines, or one of each, with no more than two hooks on each line. You can also use a landing net.

Artificial lures, flies and live or natural bait can be used as bait, but fin fish, fish eggs and frogs must not be used.

‘Trout waters’ have different fishing rules. Only one fishing rod per person, with no more than two hooks per line, is allowed. This can be supplemented by a landing net. Only artificial fly and lure fishing is permitted in trout waters.

It is an offence to use fishing gear if you are further than 10 metres from the gear or it is out of your line of sight.

The season will close again next year; on 31 August for open waters and Queens Birthday long weekend in Trout Waters. Any fish taken out of season must be returned to the water unharmed.

For more information call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 during business hours or visit Recreational fishing in the ACT.

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Penny Gibson

(02) 6207 2624

0401 766 218

Penny.Gibson@act.gov.au


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