Plenty scope to score some trout this weekend, says Fish & Game

Anglers have every chance to hook some nice trout on the Rotorua lakes this long weekend – with plenty of fish to target, and holidaymakers reminded that more spots are now open to easy spin fishing methods.

Most of the fish in all the lakes are in great condition – and there are plenty of them, says Eastern Region Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne. “Now’s the time to make the most of spring and start making sure you get value from your season fishing licence.”

The fish are putting on condition at this time of year, growing quickly, as food supplies like smelt become more available, he says.

Mr Osborne says one of the most terrific features of the Rotorua lakes is the ample opportunities they provide across such a variety of locations.

“If we are served up a classic wet and windy Labour Weekend, there’s always sheltered areas available on one or other of the key lakes. With such variety on offer, there’s no need to put yourself at risk by fishing in potentially unsafe conditions.”

The best fishing methods for early morning or late evening are shallow trolling (harling) as smelt activity increases. When there’s light on the water, go deeper using lead lines, downriggers or jigging to reach the fish, Mr Osborne advises.

The start of the new fishing season began on Monday October 1 with Fish & Game officers measuring nearly 1000 fish, with lakes Tarawera and Okataina the “standout” locations.

Matt Osborne says that in view of the bad weather, and the Monday start, it was great to see so many out enjoying the day and catching fish.

Lake Okataina produced the largest two year-olds (which are the most commonly caught on opening), weighing in 180 grams heavier than last opening.

An angler on Lake Rotoiti caught the largest fish weighed by Fish & Game staff on the day, which measured 4.35 kilos. The trout were longer and in better condition that last year, and catch rates were up as well. "Fish & Game has now been releasing an extra 3000 fish into Rotoiti every year, and we're now starting to see the benefits, "Mr Osborne says.

On Lake Tarawera, anglers fortunes were very similar to last year, with two year-olds longer and slightly lighter, "but still in excellent condition."

Large numbers of anglers turned out on Tarawera and "most were pretty happy" with well over 500 trout measured. They were on average 1.71kgs compared with last opening's figure of 1.8kg.

Matt Osborne says that changes to the fishing rules which kicked in on October 1 mean that spin fishing is now legal at more areas along the shores of Lake Tarawera.

Shoreline fishing areas on the lake that were traditionally fly fishing only all summer will now be open to spin fishing until April when the main autumn fishing pressure builds.

“This brings Tarawera into line with the rules for Rotoiti and Okataina, and provides more opportunity for kids and summer holidaymakers to spin fish.” The Waitangi and Otumutu Lagoon Stream mouths on Tarawera are now also open year-round to angling.

Fish & Game officers will be carrying out more angler surveys throughout the summer to monitor how the season is going. “Please expect to be stopped at some point on the water or at the ramp. We ask for patience while officers ask a couple of quick questions about your fishing and measure your catch.”

Fish & Game says that with some new rules in place on where you can fish, it’s even more important to read your regulation booklet and get familiar with the changes. And please remember to carry your fishing licence.
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