A few days til you can catch Murray Crays

30 May 2018

Only a few days remain before Victorians can try their hand at catching some tasty Murray spiny freshwater crayfish for the table.

The three-month fishing season north of the Great Dividing Range will be commencing this Friday 1 June.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said that fishing for Murray spiny crays is a fun, family-friendly activity.

"Spiny freshwater crays are not only a great delicacy sought by many, but also a fantastic excuse to take the kids camping and get the whole family outdoors. We want to encourage everyone to get out there and give it a go!"

Mr Dowling would also like to remind people in search of a fresh feed of Victoria's prize freshwater crayfish, to know their limits and remember to clearly label their hoop nets if using them.

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves but also do the right thing, so it's important to read up on bag and possession limits, carefully measure the size of crays caught and fish with the right gear. This includes clearly labelling your nets with name and address."

"It's also really important to return female crays with eggs attached to the water so the fishery remains sustainable in the long run for all to enjoy."

Murray cray fishing rules include a:

• daily bag limit of 2 crays per person on or near Victorian waters;
• total possession limit of 4 crays anywhere in Victoria including your car, boat or home;
• minimum carapace length (the hard upper shell) of 10cm and a maximum of 12cm;
• valid recreational fishing licence, unless exempt;
• requirement to immediately release female crays with eggs or young attached, and any oversize crays.

Mr Dowling said equipment restrictions also applied, which govern how Murray crays may be caught by fishers.

"They can be taken by hand, up to 10 baited lines without hooks, or with 5 or 10 hoop nets depending on the waterway."

Mr Dowling said Operation Denim would target Victoria's north central and north east river systems this season, particularly over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

"Sixteen officers from across the state will be conducting uniformed and plain-clothed patrols of rivers and lakes over that long weekend to ensure fishers are fishing sustainably." 

"It's also important to keep in mind that a New South Wales fishing licence is required to fish the Murray River." 

For more information about Murray cray fishing rules visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or download the free smartphone app 'Vic Fishing'.