The Macquarie River has flourished in recent times, making it an exciting time to be a fisherman, according to The Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Association (IWRA) president Matt Hansen.
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The river has started to see the benefits of the $3.4 million upgrade to the Burrendong Dam with increased size and activity among fish in the Macquarie River, Mr Hansen said.
"A number of things are falling into place for the Macquarie River," he said.
"In October the Macquarie River's temperature was seven degrees warmer than the last six years.
"The fish are more active and feeding more aggressively and growing quickly.
"We're seeing an amazing amount of fish and animals come to life."
The State Water project included installation of a floating curtain temperature control structure to enable warmer surface water to be released downstream into the Macquarie River and ease the effects of cold water pollution.
The changes to the catch and release policy has been changed which has also been a factor in the river's amazing fishing.
"Now Murray cods can only be kept if they are between 55 to 75 centimetres," he said.
"Leaving the big 30-year-old Murray cods to be experienced by a lot of people.
"The catch and release mentality has been retained rather than catch and kill, which has helped a lot.
"It's exciting to think our kid's kids will have the best fishing in years to come."
Mr Hansen said now is a great time for novice fisherman and encouraged those interested to get a free copy of the Local Fishing Guide from the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre.
The Burrendong Classic is on over the Easter long weekend and Mr Hansen also encourages those interested in sponsoring, competing or helping to contact the IWRA.
