Fish fight back after slow season start

If you needed evidence winter was just around the corner, local trout might be providing the confirmation.

Despite another balmy Bay of Plenty week, Fish & Game staff are reporting increased numbers of fish heading upstream to spawn, kick-starting the winter shoreline season.

"The drought conditions, low stream flows and warm lake temperatures all helped delay the trout spawning run through April," Eastern Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne explained. "We've really noticed an increase in fish through our traps in the last week though - a few decent dumps of rain have helped and it seems the trout just can't wait any longer, as they are ready to spawn."

The Te Wairoa fish trap at Lake Tarawera caught only 40 trout during the whole of April but in the last week, between 10 and 20 fish have been through the trap each night. Fish & Game staff take the largest and latest maturing trout - around 10 percent of the total - to use in their selective breeding programme at the Ngongotaha hatchery.

“When these fish have given their progeny and genetics to the programme, they are released back into Lake Tarawera,” Mr Osborne added.

Te Wairoa anglers are also encouraged to donate large fish for breeding purposes by putting them in the slot at the front of the trap. Fish & Game collect around 250,000 eggs each year for stocking lakes throughout the North Island.

Mr Osborne has been out surveying local fishermen this week and noted a steady number of anglers on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina, with reports of fish being caught in the 1.8-2.7kg range, although the best may still be to come with spawning typically peaking in June or July.

"We expect the fish activity and angling success to really improve from here as we get more rain, stormy weather and a drop in water temperatures," he said.
At the same time, Fish & Game staff have increased their anti-poaching operations, targeting isolated areas with high-tech cameras and partnering with local police to patrol wider and more effectively.

"Our biggest asset, however, remains keen-eyed locals," Eastern Fish & Game officer Anthony van Dorp explained. "Most people realise the value of sustainable trout fishing to the local economy and recognise the efforts we go to in protecting that and are more than happy to report the small minority who choose to break the law."

Suspicious or illegal behaviour can be reported to 0800 POACHING.

Nearly all Eastern Region fisheries remain open until the end of June, when some upper reaches of rivers close to protect spawning trout and some lakes close to boat-based fishing. This gives fish a chance to grow and be in high numbers for the spring opening. Local regulations can be found on the Fish & Game website: http://fishing.fishandgame.org.nz/content/freshwater-fishing-regulations.

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