Fish & Game signals seasonal changeover in fishing methods

Anglers fishing the Rotorua lakes have been given a friendly reminder about changes to the rules on spin fishing from the shorelines - and boat fishing on Lake Rotoiti - that come into force at the beginning of next month (1 April 2013).

Fish & Game revamped the fishing rules for spin fishing last year– simplifying them and opening up more lake shoreline fishing, to give holidaymakers more opportunity to spin fish.

The changes – allowing spin fishing in spots which were once fly fishing only at Lakes Tarawera and Rotoiti – apply between October 1 and the end of March every year (and some locations after April 1).

Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says the revamp and the additional opportunities provided have been well received.

“But now as we head into autumn, certain areas where spinning was permitted are about to change over to fly fishing only, a timely move for the increase in angler pressure that happens at this time of year.”

At popular Lake Tarawera for example, the tributary stream mouths – marked by black, yellow and white landmark poles – will be fly fishing only from April 1 until October 1.

“ Our message to spin fishing enthusiasts is that these spots will be spinnable again from October 1, and of course, there are other areas where spin fishing is still permitted.

Boat anglers on Lake Rotoiti are also reminded that the area within 200m of the shore along from Ruato Bay is closed to all fishing from boats from Monday, April 1. This regulation has been in place for three years and anglers jigging or trolling from boats still have plenty of other areas they can fish around the lake, until the boat fishing season ends on June 31.

“Please check your regulation booklet to make sure you have the right method for the area you plan to fish.”

Mr Osborne says anglers can either consult their North Island sports fishing regulations booklet, call the Eastern office, or visit Fish & Game’s website for information: www.fishandgame.org.nz

Fishing rules from April 1,2013:
• Lake Tarawera: Within 200m of all landmarked tributary stream mouths at Tarawera which have been fly and spin fishable, will be fly fishing only from April 1 until the end of the open season (1 October, 2013).

• Lake Rotoiti: Within 200m of the following landmarked stream mouths: Tapuaekura Bay Stream mouth, Hauparu Bay Stream mouth, Ruato Bay Stream mouth, Waiiti Stream mouth and ‘the Pipe’ which have been fly and spin fishable, will be fly fishing only from April 1 until the start of the new season (1 October, 2013).

• Utuhina Stream: Fly and spin fishing will still be permitted in the Utuhina Stream between Devon Street Bridge and Pukehangi Road Bridge until June 30 (spawning underway) .

• No license holder shall fish for trout from a boat in that area of Ruato Bay (Lake Rotoiti) enclosed within the landmarks on the eastern and western points and extending 200m north of the landmarks from 1 April to 30 September.
To check for changes to other lakes and areas: http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz/eastern-fishing-regulations

(Colour coded fishing guides can be downloaded to smartphones. Go to www.fishandgame.org.nz and click on Eastern, then ‘local fishing regulations.’ Look the the guides up while you’re out fishing!)

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