The Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate is reminding anglers that the trout fishing season will close at midnight on Monday 11 June, the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

The Director of Environment Protection and Water Regulation, Daniel Walters, said the closed season will remain in effect until midnight Sunday, 28 September 2012, the day before the Labour Day long weekend.

"During the closed season, it is prohibited to take rainbow and brown trout from all waters in the ACT," Mr Walters said.

"Anglers in the ACT are still permitted to fish the Murrumbidgee River (downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River); the Molonglo River below Queanbeyan River; and Canberra’s urban lakes which remain open to fishing all year.

"However, if you catch a rainbow or brown trout, you must return it to the water with the least amount of injury possible.

"By observing these simple rules, fishing enthusiasts will help look after a valuable recreational resource for future generations and maintain the ACT’s reputation as a great place to catch a variety of freshwater fish."

The closed season is in accordance with the Fisheries Act 2000. This legislation is designed to conserve fish species and their habitat and promote sustainable, high quality and viable recreational fishing in the ACT.

The closed season provides additional protection to trout during their spawning season, when the fish are more aggressive and easier to catch.

Protection of spawning fish is essential if trout are to be managed in a sustainable way. The closed season in the ACT is the same as those in force in NSW and Victorian waters.

For more information call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or visit http://www.environment.act.gov.au/water/fish/recreational_fishing_in_the_act to obtain a copy of the Recreational Fishing in the ACT information sheet.