Strict rules apply to part of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers, but it is prohibited to take crayfish from other NSW waters.

NSW Department of Primary Industries senior inland fisheries manager Cameron Westaway said significant changes were introduced in 2013 to the Murray crayfish fishing rules.

They included shortening the season by one month and changing bag and size limits to protect this threatened species.

“Changing the opening of the season from May 1 to June 1 protects pre-spawning females,” Mr Westaway said.

“The restrictions have also seen a reduction in the daily bag limit from five to two and the possession limit from 10 to four.”

Fishing restrictions will be in place during the months of June, July and August, and anglers are reminded to make themselves aware of the rules before the season opens.

“Murray crayfish may only be taken during the open season in the Murray River between Lake Hume and Tocumwal road bridge including Lake Mulwala and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Gundagai road bridge and Berembed Weir excluding Old Man Creek,” Mr Westaway said.

A NSW recreational fishing licence is required to fish in any NSW waters.

Mr Westaway said up to five hoop nets per person may be used to take crayfish with the letters ‘HN’ and user’s name, year of birth and postcode on the float.

The taking of berried females, or the removal of heads, tails or claws in or adjacent to waters is prohibited.

Fisheries officers will be patrolling the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and other closed waterways to ensure the rules are being followed.

“If you catch Murray crayfish, either during the closed season or during the open season in unspecified waters, you must immediately return the crayfish to the water unharmed,” Mr Westaway said.