Mr Obeid said the closure will stay in place until Friday, September 28, 2001.

“This will help protect trout during their breeding season. This cold water species migrates from dams and lakes to running waters during winter, to spawn,” Mr Obeid said.

NSW Fisheries would also monitor waterways for brood stock for the successful restocking program funded from the recreational fishing licence.

“During the recent stocking season more than four million trout fry and fingerlings were released into the State’s waterways, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting this important fishery which is enjoyed by local anglers and tourists.”

Special fishing restrictions apply to the Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers, in the Snowy Mountains area, until the end of the long weekend in June.

These changes are part of the new community based Snowy Lakes Trout Strategy which was announced on May 2 and which recognises the importance of this premier trout fishery that injects $70 million a year into local businesses, tourism and the NSW economy.

“Until June 11, anglers fishing in the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers may only keep one fish a day and it must be at least 50cm in length.”

“Not all of the Eucumbene River is open this weekend and anglers can only fish from the lake, upstream as far as the Flying Fox.”

Anglers are advised to check their daily bag and size limits with their nearest Fisheries office or the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au and to be aware of all rules and regulations before they go fishing.

On the spot fines of up to $500 apply to fishers found taking or attempting to take trout in rivers or streams or possessing fishing gear adjacent to streams during the ban on this fishery.