Fisheries officers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries installed a surveillance camera on three illegal traps set in the waters of the Lachlan River, which then captured three men on tape.

"They were subsequently interviewed by Fisheries officers once identified and located," a spokesperson for NSW DPI confirmed.

The men - aged 63, 47 and 33 - were apprehended and are expected to be dealt with for the offence of unlawfully using a trap.

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Two were also possessing fish unlawfully taken and one man exceeded the possession limit for golden perch and failed to pay for a fishing licence, the DPI said.

"Follow-up investigations are still under way relating to further persons of interest," the NSW DPI said.

"A course of action will be decided once investigations are complete."

Dozens of golden perch were freed from the traps by the officers and released back into the water alive.

Illegal use of fish traps, possessing illegally-caught fish and exceeding possession limit can result in a $500 fine or, if it makes it to court, attract financial penalties of up to $22,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

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