Adam Marshall, NSW Minister for Agriculture, Media Release, 23 August 2021

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today announced anglers around the state could get back to reeling in some of our finest native sportfish when the Australian Bass and Estuary Perch season opens on Wednesday, 1 September 2021.

Mr Marshall said the annual four-month fishing closure from May through August had been in place in all NSW rivers and estuaries to protect these species during spawning.

“Good news fishos – Australian Bass and Estuary Perch are sought-after native sportfish and they can now be back on your fishing wishlist,” Mr Marshall said.

“The sportfish season has reopened after a four-month closure to protect the species when they form schools and migrate over late autumn and early winter to trigger spawning. 

“Now their spawning period has finished, most fish will return to their spring and summer feeding grounds higher up in the catchment.”

Mr Marshall reminded fishos while they could catch these species from 1 September, there are strict bag limits in place. 

“A total bag limit of two Australian Bass or Estuary Perch per person or a combination of both species with a possession limit of four is in place,” Mr Marshall said.

“When fishing in rivers, only one fish is permitted to be over 35cm in length.

“Our fisheries officers will be out in force to monitor compliance as we continue to protect the health of our sport fishery.

“These rules are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations.”

Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found in the NSW Recreational Fishing Guide available from NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries offices or the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

For the latest COVID-19 rules and restrictions, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.