The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has announced the Murray cod fishing season is now open.
ACT Conservator, Ian Walker said that in order to maintain sustainable populations of Murray cod for both conservation and recreational fishing, anglers should follow the rules around when, where and how they can throw in a line to catch the iconic fish.
“The rules are different for different fishing areas, as outlined in the Recreational Fishing in the ACT brochure,” Mr Walker said.
“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 areas of the river that are downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River; and the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River.”
He said in all other ‘open waters’ (urban lakes and ponds and the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River) anglers could 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. They 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,” Mr Walker said.
“It is also 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,” he said.
“The Murray cod season will close again next year on 31 August.
“Any fish taken out of season must be returned to the water unharmed.”
