The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says the annual season gives fishos a rare chance to chase one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater species.
But locals will have to travel if they want to participate.
Large sections of waterways, including the Edward River at Deni, are closed to crayfishing due to a decline in numbers.
Crays can only be harvested in the Murray River between Hume Weir and Tocumwal, including Lake Mulwala.
In the Murrumbidgee River, crays can only be harvested between Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.
Those who do go out seeking cray are reminded there is a strict daily bag limit of two per person.
You may only keep those which measure more than 10cm but smaller than 12cm, measuring from the rear of the eye socket to the centre of the carapace.
Dr John Conallin from the Edward Wakool Angling Association said returning Murray Crayfish to healthy numbers throughout the Edward River remains a key goal for the group, with plans stretching all the way up to Kyalite.
Dr Conallin said local surveys over the past two years have shown numbers remain low in the Edward River.
“We’ve caught some large female breeders and some big males, as well as others across a range of sizes, so we know there’s some natural breeding happening,” he said.
The association is exploring options to help boost stocks, including translocations, though hatchery level stocking isn’t yet possible.
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