JUNE 1st marks the start of Winter and also the opening of Murray spiny freshwater crayfish open season.
Murray spiny freshwater crayfish, the world’s second largest freshwater crayfish, are mainly found in the Murray and Murrumbidgee River catchments and their tributaries. In Victoria, the Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, Ovens and Goulburn River catchments are the places to go to catch a feed of delicious crays.
The measurement of crays is extremely vital, and catches must be measured accurately with a gauge or callipers. Crayfish must be between a minimum 10cm carapace length and maximum 12cm carapace length. There is a statewide possession limit for Murray spiny freshwater crayfish of four. This is the maximum number of Murray spiny freshwater crayfish that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria.\
“After no season last year, this year is set to be a big one,” said Shane Threlfall
“Many of our customers have already reported a great season and it’s only just begun.”
To ensure a sustainable fishery for future generations, there are a number of rules recreational fishers must follow when collecting Murray crayfish which are outlined on the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website, vfa.vic.gov.au.
